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Just what am I working for?

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  • September 15, 2014 at 5:19 am #64900
    Lee
    Participant

    I feel that I am at a crossroad with my career. I have been in the same organisation for 20yrs and it is safe to say I have done quite well for my self. Over the last 2 years I’ve been getting less satisfaction from my work, and that makes me wonder if it might be time for a change. I am currently working away from my family, commuting weekly home. My husband has always been very supportive of my career and is currently doing the heavy lifting when it comes to looking after our 2 children. This is not the first time we have gone with giving the family stability so I live away for periods of up to 2 years, but this is only the second time with children. The role I currently hold is head of a department, the role I have wanted since I joined the organisation! But now I’m here I’m not sure the cost is worth it. So what am I looking for? I guess I’m really looking for a forum where I can get these thoughts of my mind and maybe, over time, get some clarity of thought about where I’m at in my career and if I want to invest any more time here. Yes this current role will most likely lead to promotion, but I can’t see a job at the next rank that inspires me. So do I stick with what I know, putting my children through lengthy periods without their mum at home or Start making my exit plan. Thoughts?

    September 15, 2014 at 8:36 am #64903
    Wise Introvert
    Participant

    Lee, I think you already know the answer to your question. It sounds like your intuition has been speaking to you for some time…it’s a matter of whether you are willing to listen.

    It sounds like you set a goal and reached it, so now you need to find a new goal. Except you have changed over the twenty years, and what you once wanted may not be as important to you as what you want now. I think this is part of the ebb and flow of life. When you live in more alignment with your values and what your heart is calling you to do, you will feel more settled.

    That said, change is always scary. Especially when you have a level of success that is admired. Maybe it’s time to get clear about what success means to YOU now. Trust your intuition, it will guide you.

    September 15, 2014 at 9:34 am #64904
    Ashley Arcel
    Participant

    Lee,

    I agree with Wise Introvert, it seems like you already know the answer to this question. Twenty years is a great deal of time to spend dedicated to one thing and I know that it can be challenging to consider a change after such a long period but it does seem like that is what your heart wants. Is there a different position within the same company that might give you more of a sense of purpose or would you like to start down a completely different path? My father always used to ask me this question and I think it is a powerful one: if money were not a consideration, what would you do with your life? Is there something that makes you happy that you have not chased due to your involvement in this organization? Is there a skill you would like to develop or hone? I would be so curious to know where your path takes you. In any event, all the best to you. Trust your intuition. You already know what you need to do.

    -Ashley

    December 11, 2014 at 4:41 am #69086
    Lee
    Participant

    Well a few months down the track and I think I have come to a decision. This was largely brought about by my boss, perpetuating an attitude that has fed my dissatisfaction with my current employer. I feel pretty gutted, but at the same time I feel relieved. I want to be at home. I want to mother my children and I want the pace of my life to be a little bit slower.

    Now comes the hard part. Tell everyone and actually resigning. I will have many trying to convince me that I can do this job. My employer is very focused on retaining women at the moment, which means as one of only 14 women in my branch of 250 people. I think they will push me hard and really lay on the guilt, you don’t end a 20 year career lightly and they know it.

    So I need a plan. And I need to stick to it. But one thing I am certain off is that I cannot work with my current supervisor. This means my career manager needs to move me while I consider my options, but really it’s so I can have time to get my life in order and resign when it suits me and my family.

    I’m scared of the future, as for the first time in many years I’m not certain what’s ahead. I’m emotional as well. I feel like my life has become so flat and bland and I’m hoping to discover who I am again and find some real joy.

    I don’t know that leaving my job will give me all that, but I feel like it will be a start and at least I can go home every night.

    Thanks for listening

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