When asked what I do, my response has always been easy. “Executive recruiting,” I’d reply. There was no hesitation. That has been the business Ive been in for the past 18 years and how I defined myself.
Until recently.
I left my corporate role at the end of 2017. Friday, December 29 to be exact. It was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made and one of the most rewarding.
The decision was a lengthy evolution. Prior to deciding I was ready to leave and actually giving notice, I had spent many long nights reading blogs, articles and books on topics from how to manage career stress, to the secrets of the world’s most successful people, to ways of gaining financial freedom and how to transition out of Corporate America.
I was searching for relatable stories. Trying to find that one perfect example that may nudge me over the edge, give me the courage to break away from the constructs of corporate life and its tempting rewards, and let me know I’d be okay if I walked away.
While I didn’t find that one perfect story, I did discover there were many folks out there with similar struggles – .people who loved their professions, yet were unusually restless and desiring to make a change. Whether that meant quitting their jobs and traveling the world for a year, changing roles, going back to school or just leaving their careers to see what could happen if they only had more free time.
The latter was what I did.
Heading out on a journey of self-discovery by no means meant I was throwing caution to the wind and completely abandoning my former way of life. I’m a highly organized, list-making, Type A personality who likes to have a plan.
Well, I didn’t exactly have a detailed plan, but I did have a long list of things I’d like to do if I weren’t working in a full time role.
One of those was to write more. I used to journal regularly, but at some point it stopped being a habit. This is an opportunity to get back into that habit, discuss developing a new blueprint for living and as my LinkedIn profile states, take a “Creative Career Detour. “
It won’t be perfect, it’s not mapped out… I’m learning as I go.
So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!
This was so interesting. I thought it was fabulous and a wonderful experience for anyone thinking of following you. Looking forward to reading more.