Sometimes 1 Step Back = 2 Steps Forward

My career has been a bit backwards. After college, I accepted a position in a much respected management training program for a large corporation. From there, I was hired into a lucrative management position in the same company and, for just about four years, I was on the fast track to big time career success.

And then I quit. It wasn't an easy decision and there have been times over the last few years that I've deeply regretted it. But these kinds of things are lessons I guess.

It's funny to look back on my career now that I'm an Executive Assistant. I never would have pictured myself in this life. If someone told me when I was a manager that in a few years I'd be an EA, I would have laughed. Why would I go from a position of leadership and authority to being a glorified secretary? That would be totally backwards!

But alas, such is life. Success and happiness rarely end up looking the way you think they will. And you rarely get to where you want to be by taking a straight and simple path. Sometimes, you have to move "backward" to go "forward."

Just for the record, I don't consider myself a glorified secretary. And I don't consider the management position that I left to be something at which I failed. We try many different things in life to see what makes us happy. Sometimes the things that really hit home are completely unexpected.

In our dreams and goals, we occasionally have to give up some things in order to achieve others. It's a matter of weighing what's important. The management position was great pay and it probably would have only gotten better. And sure, I liked being in a position of authority. It made me feel strong and powerful. But these things came at a cost: excessive hours at the office; an unhealthy amount of stress; an overwhelming sense that my life lacked meaning and was slipping away from me incredibly quickly. The depression I felt was more painful than anything I've experienced since.

There is not a doubt in my mind that the money and fast-track career (and everything that went along with it) were worth sacrificing for what I have now: a life. In the past, I was a career. Now, I am a person. I read, I write, I laugh with my boyfriend, I cuddle my kitties, I sleep in on the weekends, I leave work at the office, I take "mental health" days when needed, I care about my job but it doesn't run my life.

Some people will inevitably look at my resume and be confused. They will see me as the girl who couldn't take it. For the first time, I honestly believe I'm okay with that. As 2007 comes to a close, I finally feel that my step back has really landed me two steps forward.

With 2008 approaching quickly, I want to offer my support and encouragement to all of you who are considering a career change in the New Year. Whatever your reasons for doing it, the process will likely be difficult and, at times, downright scary. Career is a big part of what defines us. My advice - just be careful that it's not the only thing that defines you.

And keep this in mind for 2008:

Don't be afraid of taking that leap, even if you're not sure what direction your headed. Some things require a little faith.