Moments of Clarity

I will never forget one particular fall day when I was walking home from work, and I went past Trader Joe’s. I looked in at the bright lights, the perfectly placed food, and the smiling customers and staff. I remember thinking to myself, I could work here. Sure, I’d take a pay cut, but it wouldn’t be bad. In fact, I’d get a discount on food and lower my expenses! More importantly, I would be happy at work, and even if I had a difficult customer, it would be ok because I’d be a part of a team that positively supports one another.

Let me be clear, there is nothing wrong about working at Trader Joe’s or any other grocery store - it is important work. For me, though, in that moment, I wanted to escape to Trader Joe’s, not truly work there (for context, I was at a non-profit where I felt over stretched and stressed 99% of the time). It was that realization that I needed to escape which forced me to think, why am I still at my job that is making me so miserable? I didn’t have a good answer, so I started discerning about what I truly wanted to do and how my skills could make that happen. From there, I quit my job; I invested more time and energy in Reimagined Potential; and I found a great role helping small businesses, which works perfectly with Reimagined Potential. I wouldn’t say I was lucky; rather, I responded (instead of reacting) and found a career path that was right for me. All of this came about because of that moment of clarity walking past Trader Joe’s. Be aware of those clarifying moments that life gives us!

I’m sure if you’re reading this post that you know someone who is in a situation like this where they would rather be at any job than what they are doing now. Maybe that person is you. The best news is, no one has to stay at a job that is draining one’s energy! In my life, I’ve been in this situation three times, and I’m grateful for each time. Changing my career helped me to understand myself better and know what I truly prioritize in life. It also allowed me to find work that used my skills and knowledge in a way that made sense for that time in my life. Don’t fear leaving a job. Instead, take the time to dig in and see what else is out there and how your gifts, engaging in meaningful work, can make an impact in the world.