Everyday Baby Steps

I was reading this article about hating your job, and it got me to thinking.  I've mentioned before that I left my job as an academic advisor at the local community college shortly after finding out that I was pregnant with Brady.  But I haven't really talked about the reasons behind my decision. 

Lots of people think it was a CRAZY decision (it probably was) because my job paid more than my husband's, I had good benefits, and it's a job that I went to school to do while so many of my friends are working in careers that are in no way related to their degree.  There are many reasons for leaving, none of which had anything to do with the work itself.  I loved my job.  I enjoyed working with the students, had a great time teaching a course on study skills, and was able to help people navigate the pursuit of an education while dealing with real life. 

The problem was the work environment.  In addition, the state grant that paid my salary was ending.  However, never before had a job caused me so much inner turmoil.  My direct co-workers were such negative people; dealing with them caused me to begin to doubt myself and my abilities.  I'd worked long and hard to become comfortable in my own skin, and I realized that working with those people on a daily basis had caused me to regress, sending all my progress flying out the window.

Take a minute to skim over this article.  Of the "10 Signs It's Time to Quit", the only one that does not apply to my situation is "You're watching the clock every 10 minutes".  I wasn't bored with my job.  I really did love what I was doing and found it to be quite fulfilling.  In the two and a half years I worked there, I received an award from the students for "Outstanding Academic Advisor of the Year" two years running. 

Which brings me to my point.  After leaving the job, I had an incredibly difficult time coming to terms with my decision and dealing with the loss of identity that comes with such a life transition.  It was hard for me to believe I would get back on my feet and be successful again.  I've hung those awards on my wall, along with my college diplomas, as a reminder of my past accomplishments.  I'm hoping this reminder will motivate me and push me onward when I want to give up my goal of becoming a freelance writer and just get a job at the mall to help with the bills.  I was good at what I did once, and I can do it again.  I hope you'll take some time this What If... Wednesday to think about your past achievements and to consider your future possibilities.