Transitions

Unless you’re amazingly lucky, you have probably felt that seven-year (or in some cases seven-month) itch to move on or shake things up in your work life. Maybe a good friend jumped into a new career and you’re a bit envious. Maybe you’re bored. This isn’t a bad thing!

I knew it was time to leave journalism when I dreaded going to work every day. When I realized it had been about a week since I had a real conversation with my husband, that all of my conversations with my family took place in the car during my commute. The real deal breaker for me was telling my grandmother for the billionth time that I just can’t make it to Thanksgiving/cousin’s wedding/family event because it was sweeps.

After some serious soul-searching and long conversations with my husband, I found a different job. I was lucky enough to find a way to use my journalistic talents in a new field.

Recently a friend mentioned that while she likes her job, she doesn’t feel challenged anymore. She appreciates this new stress-less feeling, but feels like she is missing out on growth opportunities. The main problem is that she’s moved as high up in her company as she can and has exceptionally good benefits. Something she isn’t really ready to throw away.

Before we even discussed quitting or an actual change, I asked her when the last time she took a vacation. She wasn’t sure. I suggested she start there. Get some distance. Think about what she loves and hates about where she is. Then I asked about hobbies. The one thing that got me through some really hard days in journalism was running/working out and volunteering. It helped put everything in perspective and it gave me an outlet to try new things such as writing press releases and organizing an event without fear of failure.

Have you transitioned out of a career field or changed jobs? Are you happier?