“Most people will not change until the pain of where they are is greater than the pain of change.”- Unknown
While I don’t know who said that quote, I like it. Here recently my need for change has all but exploded. 2014 has started out “not with a sizzle, but with a BANG” (to quote the wise words of “Easy A”). Little did I know that my life would take a turn in a new direction, but I am so glad it did.
Yesterday I gave my notice and essentially quit my job.
Yes, you read that correctly, I quit my job. For those of you who may not know, this job is one of those “cubicle land” type jobs that pays a fairly good amount, has benefits and you dress like a grown up for work. I thought that’s what I wanted, but turns out, it wasn’t. I spent the last almost decade of my life serving in the military (7.5 years to be exact) and then within a year of getting out of the military, had found the job I am at now.
My current job is nothing glamorous, I am an analyst (wtf does THAT really mean I do?!) and I like the company and (most) people I work with. Stability does not guarantee happiness though…Do reports, type documents, rinse, repeat. That was my life. Autopilot and not challenging at all. I didn’t feel developed. I didn’t feel growth or change. I didn’t feel anything. Now fast forward 1.5 years into my job. What happened? Well, to put it short and sweet, people and situations infuriated me enough that I decided to do what I (yes, ME) wanted! I decided to change. Change your life by just changing your mind, so I did.
I enjoy being creative, being colorful, being fun and making beautiful things. I love all things sparkly and pink and delicate. I decided to put this to work and have enrolled in the Art Institute. I will be a part of the Bachelor program for a degree in Hospitality and Food & Beverage Management. I want to make people’s lives and memories special, and I want to do that in a way that is meaningful to me.
LET me tell you…quitting my first “big girl” job (post military) was not fun, but it was an experience. It was something good to teach about patience, about doing it the right way and doing it so when you leave, you’re the person who was bigger and better than the situation at hand. I leave this job with no regrets, no fear of what’s to come, only excitement and anticipation. This job taught me a lot, but I think most of the important lessons came in the form of “what not’s”…as in what NOT to do as a leader. What do I NOT want in my life? What do I not WANT in a job? What NOT to sacrifice for money. Remember to be passionate and do what makes you happy, because “if you do what you love, you won’t work a day in your life.” *wink*
DreamerSD 