How I got here

This is my first shiftlog...the first little account of how I decided to change the life that seemed to be living without me!

I grew up with the idea of a ‘proper job’. This was a job that had to stretch me, test my capabilities, and provide me with the security and the lifestyle, which I desired.

I got that job just over a year ago. I started with energy and enthusiasm, which is how I aim to approach most things. I had successfully relocated and was prepared to go out, start meeting people and throwing myself into work. But even just a few months in, my life wasn’t working out that way. I didn’t really get on with what I was doing that well, however hard I seemed to try. I was spending most of my pay, and my relationships weren’t as good as usual. And usually they are Good.

I’d been through a tough time before starting the job, and I put it down to that. And I knew that the career job was going to be harder than any other I’d had before. But still, silly things were getting to me. For example, I had to wear a suit every day at work. My initial reaction to the dress code was excitement but once the novelty had worn off it felt no better than a horrible type of school uniform. It was really strange because I don’t usually get bothered by these things. I use this example because it was one of the things which I came to identify later as being that I needed at work; the freedom and space to express myself.

One day, in near desperation, I googled how I was feeling. That was when I found careershifters.org. I read a few articles, which led to extensive exploration of websites, books and blogs. I became absolutely fascinated with stories of people who had decided to do work that they loved and enjoy themselves along the way. I tentatively emailed Sarah Cooper, taking my first little steps towards action. That little step meant far more than all the books I’d read and thoughts I’d thought. In Sarah’s brilliant way, she was helpful, friendly and encouraging – everything I needed at that time.

Sarah is now my careers coach, nudging me, guiding me, helping me sail this little voyage of work. It was just before our first session that I took the rather bold step of deciding to resign from my career job, without knowing what was coming next. Moneywise, I could survive on a wage from a temporary job but would have to work full time.

I have learned so much over the last few months. I have learned the value of work. I have learned that combining imagination, motivation and lots of guts can lead to amazing things. I have learned to have confidence and pride in who I am and to prioritize those things on which I place importance. I have rediscovered my creativity and passions. I have learned how to be even more ‘me’.