Considering a Change…
As I wrote in my last blog update, I’m currently in between jobs. This is certainly a difficult spot to be in, but I can’t deny that it does offer some opportunities. For instance, I have a lot more time to write and work on my own projects, which has been incredibly fulfilling.
Additionally, while there are practical matters to consider, this natural pause in my career offers me the chance to reassess and reevaluate what exactly I want to do professionally going forward.
Writing this out will help me sort through some of these thoughts, and publishing it will help keep me accountable. So here we go.
Balancing the Dream with Reality
I’ve always wanted to be a professional writer, and for the last 5+ years, I technically have been. Writing was a big part of my role in content marketing. But was it the kind of writing I find deeply rewarding? Not necessarily.
I always said that I was a writer with a full-time job and benefits and that I considered myself lucky. I was extremely proud of my work, and grateful that I was honing my craft even if the subject matter did not inspire me as much as writing a novel does.
I made a practical compromise between art and compensation and I was satisfied with that for a long time. But now, with ten years of experience behind me, I’m wondering if I should re-evaluate that compromise.
Exploring My Passion
If I could dream as big as possible, I’d want to be a full-time author who could live off my books. But even for the majority of successful authors, that isn’t reality; most authors have other jobs. So while that is the work I’m most passionate about, it’s probably not the only thing I want to pursue.
So, how do I find something else that I can be passionate about? Not that I wasn’t passionate about my previous job. I was. But I’m looking for something new that really, really excites me. What is going to motivate me to get out of bed in the morning and (potentially) commute on some days? What is going to have me ranting excitedly when someone asks how my day at work was?
I’m starting to realize that the answer may come with a new industry, and perhaps a new job description.
The Shift, and the Reach
Over the weekend, I had a conversation about what exactly I’m looking for as I’m searching for a job. And the truth was, I was still figuring that out. I’ve been applying to roles that are similar to my last, but in different fields. Roles that seem familiar. More of the same, if I’m honest. It’s almost as if I’m gravitating to these roles out of habit.
But then, someone asked if I had considered another industry. (I don’t want to pigeon-hole myself, so I’ll refrain from mentioning specifics.) I had some pre-conceived notions and some reasons why I hadn’t pursued it yet, but it stuck with me.
And I haven’t been able to get the thought out of my head.
It would be difficult, as this industry is highly specialized. But what if?
I’ve heard of plenty of people who pivoted their careers successfully, and why couldn’t I do the same thing? It’ll probably come with a pay cut, but I’m ambitious and am certain I’d make up the difference after some time.
It’s a reach. I’m not even sure if it’s feasible yet.
But it’s exciting to think that maybe there’s something here.
What I’m Bringing to the Table
Impostor syndrome is horrendous. So in order to fight it, I wanted to list out some reasons why I’m capable of making a change like this:
I’ve done this before! My previous role was in an industry completely new to me. I not only had to learn about the company and its market, but also all of the industries it serviced. From technology to construction to finance, I had to write like I was an expert in a multitude of sectors. So, I became one. I can certainly do that once again.
Hyperfocus can be detrimental, but it can also be a gift. When I am interested in something, I need to know everything about it. I eat that topic for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If my new role is something that excites me, the way my brain is wired will allow me to get up to speed quickly.
I’m still looking for marketing roles (or similar) within the industry. I don’t want to completely shift functions, so my past experience and skills will still be valuable.
I know the value of soft skills. I’ve been writing about them for years, and I’ve made a point of honing them and being able to demonstrate them in an interview setting.
I’m willing to do the work. As I said, I know this is likely to come with a pay reduction, and maybe even a step down in seniority. I’m mentally prepared for this, especially for the right opportunity. I’ll work my way back up the ladder even if I have to start one or two steps down.
Passion is not enough to achieve success on its own, but pair it with hard work and it becomes an invaluable asset. I have both in spades, I cannot wait to find out where that takes me.
