Changing Profession

We are living in uncertain times at the moment, which is allowing me to reflect on a lot of things that I have learned over the years (that’s what adulting will do to you). Growing up when I was asked, "what do you want to be when you grow up?", my answer would always be “a pediatrician”. Somehow life happened and I lost all motivation and was just living life to make it by. I graduated high school and went off to college not knowing what career I was going to pursue since photography was out of the picture. I am a very indecisive person but I also lacked motivation and didn’t really have guidance in choosing a career that would be worthwhile. I spent about three years at Bunker Hill Community College where I was just taking classes to bring up my GPA. When I graduated there I felt somewhat accomplished but still felt like I was lacking in many areas of my life.

I continued on to University of Massachusetts Boston where I spent about 2.5 years and earned a Bachelor degree in early childhood education because I loved kids (not so much now since I resigned from teaching after 5 years). I Immediately began working in the field when I graduated and became a Special Needs Teacher. I was new to the field and was fueled up and ready to go and be the best teacher to my students. Anyone who has children knows the struggle and how much patience is required to deal with them; but, it’s my students' innocence, smiles and fullness of life that kept me going for so long. On the days I felt like giving up, I quickly reminded myself of why I started in the first place.

I read this book in grad school, in my career development class called Get a Life, Not a Job: Do What You Love and Let Your Talents Work For You. I would recommend this book for anyone who feels stuck in their career. That book changed my mindset about my career path and how I wanted to move forward. Yes, as a teacher I was making a decent amount of money but I wasn’t happy anymore; I was no longer passionate about teaching and I was burned out. For so many years, I stayed because I was financially stable but I was stressed and unhappy. What held me back from leaving sooner was the pay and the flexibility. I was too comfortable and committed because I didn’t like the idea of bouncing from job to job.That seemed so unprofessional to me. When I finally decided that it was time to move on, I turned in my resignation letter. I did speak with the Director of the school, she was devastated that I was leaving, and although I felt bad I had to give myself that talk and proceed to move on. I took that chance, made the change and decided to venture out in a new job/ career path.

I was working at the airport for 2 months. I didn’t think I would ever work at the airport, even though it’s like my second home because I travelled a lot. Working at the airport wasn’t bad honestly. It was nice seeing some celebrities, different faces each day and a new work environment. When I left my teaching job, I didn’t have a plan B. I resigned and spent four months unemployed and I was doing just fine. I had enough money saved to cover expenses and be stress free. During those four months I felt at peace, I was more productive with my time, I had more time to focus on school work. I had more time for the gym and I was just happy - I was on this new high. I knew I couldn’t be out of work for too long, so I started applying for jobs and that was not an easy process. I think I may have applied for over thirty jobs before getting an interview. I started to worry because I was running out of money and didn’t want to have to depend on anyone else. After applying for a government job and what seemed like an eternity later, I started working again. The new Care Coordinator position would be part of a program that helped families with students that are at risk. I do enjoy what I do for the most part but there is a lack of communication and proper training, for the most part I feel like I’m learning to do the job on my own and we all know that communication is KEY.

Since reading the book Get a Life, Not a Job: Do What You Love and Let Your Talents Work For You, I have learned not to be stuck in one place, not to be complacent, and also it has given me the motivation to start putting my talents to use where I can turn them into profit. I have also learned that working in America, whatever the organization - you are replaceable; Therefore, do what is best for you whenever necessary. Now more than ever, during this time of crisis in the world, I’m realizing more and more that we should learn to become financially independent doing the things that we truly love and not be stuck in an organization that can get rid and replace us in a matter of a second. If you are passionate about something, spend more time doing that and exploring. Now I tend to get in the habit of thinking “does this support the life I’m trying to create” and if it doesn’t I will not waste my time.

All in all, yes having a job that helps you maintain financial stability is important; but, your peace of mind, health and happiness is more important.