For the last 14 years I have always had a job. I started walking dogs so that I could save money for college, I took a job bartending in college to help pay for groceries, I took a job counseling so that I could move out of my parent's place - before I knew it, I was an adult with a full resume of work experience. I've worked in some interesting people, for some very interesting people, but I never stopped to think "Do I even like this?"
I can remember the first time I felt a bit of resistance against the corporate world. I was working as a leasing consultant and my male coworker made a comment about my ear piercing, which he followed up with a comment about my tattoos (neither comment was positive)- it pissed me off. But being a mini professional, I bit my tongue and dealt with it. That was when I began to swallow the endless amount of bullshit that came with each job.
I've had managers slap my ass, I've hidden mistresses from a boss's wife, I've pulled drunk execs out of bars and had to drive them home, I've put up with numerous temper tantrums and degrading comments- and I did it all with a smile on my face. Not because I enjoyed it, but because I needed the money, I needed the health insurance, I needed the security. But at this point I think I have finally hit my limit.
I went to a Career Meet Up for women this afternoon. The purpose of these events is to meet other women and support each other in our career goals. We were posed questions about something that we would like to change or work on in our professional life. As I was listening to the women around me discuss their issues, I noticed something- these women genuinely loved their professions, They loved their careers and only wanted to further succeed at kicking the corporate world's ass. I admired them, their tenacity and their passion for their professional life was like a lightning bolt.
When it came my turn to share I began to speak about the role I had just left and the new one I had been offered. As I was talking about it, I began to ramble. I started talking about my love of makeup and writing. How I thoroughly enjoy being at home with my family. How I absolutely hated wearing business attire, how I didn't want to change my goddamned unnatural hair color, how I had no intention of covering my numerous tattoos- and I realized in that moment- I did not want to waste any more time trying to be like everyone else. I did not want to change myself- or tone who I am down- for the comfort of a paycheck. I think something inside of me has snapped.
I so admire the people in my life who just fucking own the shit out of their jobs- my brother who is always making the most mature decisions and owning the finance game, my mother who worked her way up the corporate ladder to become an exec. Those people are so focused and so skilled at what they do- and my god do they do it well; I just don't think I am meant to be one of them.
I look at my best friend Veronica, who owns her own business and has two young children. She is the ultimate boss lady, she makes her own rules and lives her life however the hell she sees fit. I look at my friend Aaron, who has two companies and uses Uber to supplement his income and chase his dreams. These two people have no intention of ever returning to the 9-5 life because they simply weren't made that way. Both have encouraged me to do the same and I think I may just have to give it all I've got.
I made a list of all the things I am successful at and I've always used that to determine my next role- but I think it's time that I start listing the things I am passionate about, the things that excite me and make me feel inspired. I think it's time I take that plunge and really find my bliss. I know that means I will still have to work the 9-5 until I find and cultivate it- but I think I have finally accepted the fact that I was also meant to do something else. I think some of us are just made that way.
I can remember the first time I felt a bit of resistance against the corporate world. I was working as a leasing consultant and my male coworker made a comment about my ear piercing, which he followed up with a comment about my tattoos (neither comment was positive)- it pissed me off. But being a mini professional, I bit my tongue and dealt with it. That was when I began to swallow the endless amount of bullshit that came with each job.
I've had managers slap my ass, I've hidden mistresses from a boss's wife, I've pulled drunk execs out of bars and had to drive them home, I've put up with numerous temper tantrums and degrading comments- and I did it all with a smile on my face. Not because I enjoyed it, but because I needed the money, I needed the health insurance, I needed the security. But at this point I think I have finally hit my limit.
I went to a Career Meet Up for women this afternoon. The purpose of these events is to meet other women and support each other in our career goals. We were posed questions about something that we would like to change or work on in our professional life. As I was listening to the women around me discuss their issues, I noticed something- these women genuinely loved their professions, They loved their careers and only wanted to further succeed at kicking the corporate world's ass. I admired them, their tenacity and their passion for their professional life was like a lightning bolt.
When it came my turn to share I began to speak about the role I had just left and the new one I had been offered. As I was talking about it, I began to ramble. I started talking about my love of makeup and writing. How I thoroughly enjoy being at home with my family. How I absolutely hated wearing business attire, how I didn't want to change my goddamned unnatural hair color, how I had no intention of covering my numerous tattoos- and I realized in that moment- I did not want to waste any more time trying to be like everyone else. I did not want to change myself- or tone who I am down- for the comfort of a paycheck. I think something inside of me has snapped.
I so admire the people in my life who just fucking own the shit out of their jobs- my brother who is always making the most mature decisions and owning the finance game, my mother who worked her way up the corporate ladder to become an exec. Those people are so focused and so skilled at what they do- and my god do they do it well; I just don't think I am meant to be one of them.
I look at my best friend Veronica, who owns her own business and has two young children. She is the ultimate boss lady, she makes her own rules and lives her life however the hell she sees fit. I look at my friend Aaron, who has two companies and uses Uber to supplement his income and chase his dreams. These two people have no intention of ever returning to the 9-5 life because they simply weren't made that way. Both have encouraged me to do the same and I think I may just have to give it all I've got.
I made a list of all the things I am successful at and I've always used that to determine my next role- but I think it's time that I start listing the things I am passionate about, the things that excite me and make me feel inspired. I think it's time I take that plunge and really find my bliss. I know that means I will still have to work the 9-5 until I find and cultivate it- but I think I have finally accepted the fact that I was also meant to do something else. I think some of us are just made that way.