Step 2 Career Reinvention: Be Honest with Emotions
For the past three weeks, I have been riding one crazy emotional roller coaster. A friend helped me to understand that I am actually experiencing grief. It was sad to leave the department we built…my students…and my friends. Some of the friends I work with were also families we raised our children together. One day I pulled into the front gates and just began to cry…I cried all day that day. The next day, we told funny stories from the past twenty years and laughed so hard we cried.
I do think part of this process is to be honest when there is sadness, fear, and excitement…I have ridden all of those cars lately!
It is important to acknowledge this is a major life change and some stress will follow and emotions will get spun around.
I MATTER means I understand normal people cry, laugh and giggle during a career reinvention…and it is okay to do all of them…just not allow one of them to control me. In order to see this through, I must be hopeful, prayerful, balanced, honest with myself, and stay healthy (mentally and physically)….Ok, no more ice cream binges!
Is anyone else changing careers in midlife or beyond? Please share any advice you have…and after that, make sure everyone enjoys the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop…or even better, hop on!
Also, make sure you check out my latest post on HUFFINGTON POST HEALTHY LIVING
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Wow my friend you are on a roll, Walmart commercials, and now the Huffington Post. I am smiling HUGE right now . I am so overjoyed to know you are receiving well deserved recognition. I couldn't leave a comment on the Huff Post but I loved it. xo
When I took early retirement in my late 50s from a very lucrative career it was extremely challenging. I gave myself time and space to explore what I wanted to do next. I kept up with some private work and then just spend my days allowing myself to do what fascinated me and eventually my blog was born. "When you are on your path doors will open for you that would not for anybody else." Some people call it synchronicity.
Any period of flux is difficult, but one day it will be clear what direction you want to go in. Hang in there. Thank you for hosting Pam!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
Isn't it funny how we don't recognize an emotion that is so common when we are in the midst of it ourselves?
Of course it's grief! But I love how you're moving on??
Hello gorgeous! Love to party with you each week! Please stop by our party . We pin and tweet everything! Lou Lou Girls
I have been working part-time with the elderly for years. I have a medical condition that is preventing me from doing that now and I most likely will not be able to return to that kind of work. I am excited because now I can write full time but my heart is broken because I am missing my elderly girlfriends. To feel better I am going to visit them once a week. Maybe you could get together once a week or even once a month to share memories and to catch up. (((HUGS)))
Another resonant post… I have not changed careers, yet; but, know I soon will. I've experienced similar feelings this last few months (ups and downs)–from the realization that I feel called to make a change. Like you, I've built something and made a difference in my career; making it harder to reconcile a change. Nevertheless, change is exactly what I need, and so it is. 🙂 Thanks for hosting this link up, Pam. T.
This was a wonderful post…Letting yourself feel what you feel is the best, get it out and you'll head into the right direction after. It's quite a break to stop one thing to do another. I hope you have a wonderful weekend 🙂 x
Pam thank you again for your inspiration and sharine. Reading your experience made me feel so much better because I was realizing and acknowledging my feelings and my anger towards a colleague that hardly ever listens. Have to deal with her differently….Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend. Hope everything will turn out okay for you. Sabina | Oceanblue Style
Yes, changing careers is going to be an emotional roller coaster my dear.
Greetje
last wk. I went to goodwill. There was a rack marked $1.29 and some tags 40 per cent off. So I got everything I liked ; Christopher Banks spring jack per cent off; rest of the items were mariposa blouse, rei coral colored dressie T; Ann Taylor blue T. So I went to purchase and shared the sign. He said that sign was suppose to be removed but I will give them to you at that price 🙂 Several were brand new.
Thanks, Pam, for hosting this lovely party…it's amazing! I've placed your button in my sidebar, and I'll definitely be back. I hope you will come party with us at the Home Matters Linky Party — the Door is Open. 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
I can't wait to see where this new turn takes you!