I did it! You can too ...

On my journey to be authentic, I finally realized (like a smack in the face realization) that my core values were not in alignment with the workplace - I found myself immediately at a decision cross road. As I created a plan, put myself out there, made new connections, realized my potential, understood my purpose, remembered my goals - I was able to see/hear/feel NEW opportunity.

Why me? ...

It was through the many moments of "why me" that I began to think more clearly. Why Me- the idea that after pouring my support into helping others with their professional and personal development-why was it the time for me to take my own advice, why had I decided to sit on the other side of this encouragement table, why could I NOT turn off the value alignment debate, why did I feel so attracted to the new opportunity, why was I being so proactive, why ...

Well, I found the why as soon as I made the decision to resign!

And I think, just maybe, only those that have navigated this course for themselves can understand how the timing of realizing that WHY is so important.

The hard part ....

Seeing the team that I fostered for so many years, rise up- seeing them lean into each other, listening to their takeover plan - for me, that was exactly what I hoped for - that they would be there for each other as they had been there for me.

So, after the chaos of closing that chapter came to be final- I took time to "breathe" truly took a few days to just be.. no agenda, no schedule, no tasks, or work to do and just sat with myself to get refreshed, refocused and re-READY.

The easy part ...

And so, this purposeful action plan helped me to feel more solid in the steps ahead and helped me maintain my confidence in the career change that I now faced- moving from the public service sector to the private/business-for-profit sector can be intense, but realizing how my energy, values, and character aligns with the new company's mission and culture and giving myself time to appreciate the value in that - helped shape the foundation that I set.

The now part ...

Now, I am more than excited -to rise up to this challenge - to learn all the new things, to meet all the new people, to bring solutions to new challenges, to be part of a work family that embodies the "we are a team" spirit - becoming a General Manager in an industry I never could have predicted or planned - will forever be my bravest most appreciated career development journey that I have yet to travel.

Dear career-changer, there is plentiful advice for the topic of career development and a multitude of research, peer support, and resources that can help you navigate/explore/interpret/plan your journey - however, my best piece of advice is that - YOU and only YOU can instinctively choose what is best for you. And so, do the hard part - sit with yourself, make your plan, listen to yourself, and trust yourself! and when in times of doubt, if you have done the work to identify your mighty village then you will find the positive, responsible, encouragement that you need to make it to the next step - and when all else fails - NEVER GIVE UP!

#CAREERingUP