Yesterday was my last day as a full-time employee at the most impactful job I worked thus far. The mission is something I believe in. I grew as a therapist and advocate for people who don’t always believe in themselves. There was consistent training and growth among the clinical team I was part of. There were office parties for birthdays, a day off to watch Disney movies, and that one time we got a half-day for a job well done. Self-care is a priority there. I brought my kids to work when I needed to. My coworkers became more than people I saw in the office.
Who would leave such a place? And why would she do it?
It was a tough choice, one that took lots of prayers and conversations with my husband and my small circle of trusted friends. It was important for me to make my next move my best move to another career opportunity. While I kept my family in mind, I worked toward my final decisions by thinking through a few things.
I Checked my Intentions
They say money isn’t everything. It’s a consideration most people in the human services field have to keep at the forefront of their brains. We are counselors, social workers, behavioral health specialists, case managers, etc. because we like to help people … not because we like the pay! Anyway, I obviously thought about the opportunity to be a larger help for my husband as we take care of our family. We could finally start a trust or two and plan annual vacations, you know … live the American Dream.
Despite a potential upgrade, the decision to take the new position was not abrupt. I thought of it over about three months. After turning it down twice, I considered a few pros and cons. The bottom line was the opportunity to achieve my professional goals. I chose not to run away from the responsibilities of being a leader and creator in my new role. This is a chance to model growth and downright unapologetic boss moves for my kids. I want them to see their mother boldly strutting in her faith walk. My intention is to blow the roof off. #Noceilings.
I Talked it Over With my Husband
Per usual, I encourage you to discuss your decisions as a team. Partner or not, hopefully there is someone on your side who can help you hold the mirror up for a good ‘ol soul check.
Are there fears that need to be challenged? When is the last time you revisited your family vision board? Do you have one?
Family planning is more than just getting pregnant or adopting to expand. How do all your decisions fulfill the vision for your family, however it looks? Maybe this vision starts small but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Planning should be ongoing! Crack open a new agenda book or have an annual vision board party with your partner that includes professional goals. This is a great way to help streamline decisions, making new offers a little easier to vet.
I Offered to Help with the Transition
I was taught that I should never burn bridges. Leaving this position was a little easier because I did everything in my power to help with what I was allowed to. Selfishly, I was soothing my irrational guilt. But also, ensuring that my coworkers were in a position to continue serving the people I wasn’t complete with; my files are up to date, etc.
What does a transition look like for you? I know some people have no qualms with leaving their position abruptly. We’ve seen that meme where the man is tossing his paper in the air shouting, “I hate this job,” but in seconds picks up the papers thinking, “I actually need this to pay my bills.” What a conflict! Regardless of the work environment, I urge you to have integrity on your way out. Thankfully, I am leaving with great relationships intact for future professional goals. I sowed my seeds because it’s ultimately going to impact the help I can offer my future clients.
How do you make tough choices? I’m obviously a proponent of a pros and cons list. But, I believe it all comes down to a self-check. What are your goals? I live by an acronym I teach: SMART(Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) goals. Other follow up questions include: Can you see yourself adjusting them for your new family? What happens to them when you reach different life stages? What are deal breakers for this particular decision? Once you are get to know yourself, I believe it’s an awesome start to achieving your goals, even if it means leaving a job you love.
Push yourself. Find support. And go for the gold!
