In my introductory blog post, I told you all about how last year I decided I had enough of my non-profit world and quit my dream job without a back-up plan. It was probably the biggest life change since moving to college in my life (to this point). It was not an easy road – there definitely have been highs and lows and to be honest, there were a lot more lows than highs in those 4 months of soul searching. I knew what I wanted and I knew what I didn’t want but was I really at a point in my life to be picky because I didn’t have a job in general? I was also taking a big dig to the ego having to move back at home at the age of 24, after being out of the nest for 6 years? It was no pony ride for me or for my parents. I am so very grateful for having the opportunity to move back home and save money for those months because who knew what would have happened if I wasn’t able to get out of my lease and start my life anew.
It is exactly a year today that I decided to leave a job, an organization and friends that I had come to love, embrace and become my life in the past 2 ½ years. I am exceptionally grateful that my friends and family were so supportive to understand my decision to leave on my accord as I did not feel like anymore and I truly believed I lost myself in my work. While I do take pride in being an incredible hard worker and giving my job a 110% and then some – I hope that in the rest of my professional career that I never lose myself to a job the way I did in this one - to have me feel so uncomfortable in my skin, I did not recognize myself anymore. I am feeling bittersweet memories on this one year anniversary and I know most people probably find it odd that I’m remembering or even acknowledging this anniversary but it was such a big part of my life in the past year that I would not do it justice if I did not. If it were not for this journey I wouldn’t have gone through the things I have and learned so much about myself. I’ve learned a few key things to one’s life journey according to Cherie:
1. God is good. Yes, I am a Christian and I am crazy but I am not a crazy Christian. I will not force my beliefs on you nor will I disrespect you for your beliefs. That is why we live in the United States of America – freedom of religion is one of the key values our country was founded on and as a United States Citizen born on the Fourth of July. I believe it was in my blood and destiny (corny – I know) to live in the key values our nation was founded on. I have always been pretty faithful. Growing up in the church was Sunday ritual in my household however in my recent journey this year I have found God more than I ever have before. I’m not saying I never doubted God because I have but it is because of that doubt that I have learned that God is good. And if one is patient, the answers will come.
2. When you have your friends and family nothing else matters. I would not have been able to have the year I’ve had without their support, kindness and help. I’ve many friendships this year deepen on another level, I don’t think that would have happened if it weren’t for my “quarter-life crisis” as I now call it. There was no judging but there was listening, hugs, crying, tissues and shoulders – but no “Well, Cheryl, you really shouldn’t have done that.” And I was amazed at my friends who would call me every day, text me every day and spend time with me just to make sure I was okay and working on moving to the next step of my journey. I am so blessed to have the best friends and family anyone could ask for. Cliché as it may seem but I have the best support system anyone could ask for.
3. Life should not be taken so seriously. Life is what you make it. You can spend your whole life being miserable and complaining but just remember that you will make yourself and the people around you miserable and you won’t get anywhere stuck in that negative rut. You should take chances in life and do things outside your comfort zone – how else would you find your new favorite food? Favorite new hobby? Or that perfect vacation spot? How can one live life without the smile, noise and feeling of laughter? Laughter is main key to life, happiness and friendship.
4. Find tranquility in moments of turmoil (or annoyance or anxiousness). I’m not trying to get all Zen and Buddha on you but when you are feeling anxious, sad or paranoid just take a few deep breaths and imagine yourself on a beach with your toes in the sand, the sunshine on your back and the noise of the waves crashing on the shore. Nothing in that moment can feel more peaceful and nothing can ruin that moment. Just take a few quick minutes to regain yourself and keep it cool. No one got to be a CEO by being a prick or being a flake or having a mental breakdown.
5. No job is ever worth sickness. Mental or physical – if a job is making you nauseated, depressed or exhausted – take a few days off. Don’t ever let your job affect you to a point of no return where it is get fired or quit before they fire you. YOU need to be your top priority and anyone who doesn’t tell you that should be not be a support system in your life. Only you know what makes you happy and only you can make the changes in your life to reach that happiness. Take some advice from me and learn how to let go of the little things and focus on doing your best, letting your work shine and let the others show their flaws to fail.
This post really rings true for me these days, after leaving my job where I was so happy and comfortable but didn't want to be stuck in for longer. And now I'm in a place I don't think I love but may need to stay awhile, and I'm struggling with listening to my gut v. my head.
ReplyDeleteNo matter what though, like you said, no job is worth mental or physical sickness and if I ever get to that point, I know something needs to change.