What is life, if not a big cluster of ups and downs, pulling you from left to right, in constant flux. That’s what makes life exciting right? Or so we’re told. This past month has been full of so many changes for me – and I’m not really sure how to feel about them. It’s like my feelings are split between being over joyed and happy, and being scared and unsure.
So. The career change.
A couple weeks ago, I parted ways with a company I held really close to my heart. I entered the start up at its infant stages (when it only had a couple of people and a couple ideas on its roster) and was a part of holding its hand as it grew. I eventually grew to become its Director of Operations. It was an amazing thing. I built a team, and from there built a sort of family out of my workspace. Many of those I brought on remain some of my closest friends to date. It was a lot of learning and failures but, if you know me a bit, you’ll know that the quality I hold at the top of the tier is loyalty. I would never leave the house that I helped build so feverishly.
But just like anything in life, things change. Sometimes they change in ways that aren’t good for you anymore. You shouldn’t ever wake up dreading something or feeling heavy walking in somewhere. So I put on my big girl pants, swallowed the grief of losing an entity I felt attached to at the hip, and kept my head held high (despite feeling pretty knocked down).
Am I happy about it? No. Am I regretting not doing something differently? No. Am I excited? That’s a hard question.
My mind is completely split. Half of me is enthralled to start a new adventure and apply myself like never before. The other half is still stuck in thinking of ways to better my previous company.
This was the inspiration behind this look – feeling simply split in this new career change and nervous about where the the new road would take me.
NB*: About two months ago, my boyfriend, as you may know (Dave), moved in with me, and it was a huge change. We did see each other a lot but it’s nothing like moving in together, right? I was nervous (despite the fact that we’ve been together for 4 years), but it ended up being such a great change for us. We fought less, we got to know each other better, and we’re a lot more tolerant of each other’s faults. So this change was good.
I’m thinking that maybe my big career change will inspire great things too. I’m nervous about it, but I’m sure I’ll learn more about myself and my passions. I’m hoping it’ll give me my fire back – that I admittedly caged at the company.
In business, people often misunderstand the phrase “don’t let feelings get involved”. This 100% means what it’s stating – don’t make bad business decisions based on how you feel. Decisions should be calculated, measured, and analyzed. Are they best for the business? Is this is an asset? What is opportunity cost here? etc.
On the flip side, this does not mean you should have a lack of attachment. Passion and connecting with people are two of the most important things I feel are necessary when building a company. Your most important assets are the people who make up your entity. Being passionate and truly connecting with them will build a better team environment.
So all in all, it’s a balance. This career change may have put me at a slight unbalance, but I’m confident it’s just the catalyst for something bigger.
Have you ever gone through a big career change? Was it for the better?
