Why? Because it forces us to re-evaluate what's important to us. It makes us commit to a new direction that is in essence, "starting over again with no mistakes." New jobs are "do overs."
Choosing to stay in a job when your focus shifts from that of your employer to your own personal goal such as family or career development, however, is an even tougher decision. That compounded with this economy can make shifting careers a scary prospect with those at any part of their career.
My Story
I am currently in the process of re-evaluating whether I should stay in my current position or taking a step back from my career and focus on my family as a full-time at-home-mom. (A career on every level but unpaid.)
Rather than focusing on the uncertainty of my job (there is only funding for 6 months for my position), I've chosen to focus on the opportunity this is presenting for me and my next career transition. Turning what could be a negative situation into a positive opportunity is one way to look at how you move from one phase of your career to the next.
You may be thinking, "is she nuts in this economy?" I've interviewed and applied to other positions (federal positions so it could take months upons months for a decision and interview to be set up - seriously), so its not the lack of potential new career opportunities that is making me consider leaving the workforce at this time.
To add another twist, I'm not sure when or how I might reenter the workforce once I leave. For the first time in my life, however, I'm not worried or scared.
Some things I am certain about:
- The Lord is fully in control of every aspect of my life (including my career).
- Each time I have wanted to return to work, an opportunity has arrived.
- I'm the only wife and mother for my family.
- Not knowing the future isn't a bad thing if you're focused on the moment in front of you.
So for now, I am continuing to do my job. I am ready, however, to move on to the next phase of my life. Where will that be, you may ask? I don't know. You'll have to stay tuned :)
Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"
Choosing to stay in a job when your focus shifts from that of your employer to your own personal goal such as family or career development, however, is an even tougher decision. That compounded with this economy can make shifting careers a scary prospect with those at any part of their career.
My Story
I am currently in the process of re-evaluating whether I should stay in my current position or taking a step back from my career and focus on my family as a full-time at-home-mom. (A career on every level but unpaid.)
Rather than focusing on the uncertainty of my job (there is only funding for 6 months for my position), I've chosen to focus on the opportunity this is presenting for me and my next career transition. Turning what could be a negative situation into a positive opportunity is one way to look at how you move from one phase of your career to the next.
You may be thinking, "is she nuts in this economy?" I've interviewed and applied to other positions (federal positions so it could take months upons months for a decision and interview to be set up - seriously), so its not the lack of potential new career opportunities that is making me consider leaving the workforce at this time.
To add another twist, I'm not sure when or how I might reenter the workforce once I leave. For the first time in my life, however, I'm not worried or scared.
Some things I am certain about:
- The Lord is fully in control of every aspect of my life (including my career).
- Each time I have wanted to return to work, an opportunity has arrived.
- I'm the only wife and mother for my family.
- Not knowing the future isn't a bad thing if you're focused on the moment in front of you.
So for now, I am continuing to do my job. I am ready, however, to move on to the next phase of my life. Where will that be, you may ask? I don't know. You'll have to stay tuned :)
Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"
