Here we go again...

So I am at it again, leaving one job and on to the next.

That is 3 jobs in 2 years…for those of you who have been keeping score.

I am headed back to the company that gave me my first real job out of college. Now going back a bit wiser, a bit more mature, and with a helluva lot more experience.

I can only imagine that some of you are pretty shocked…some of you are probably disappointed, most of you are probably rolling your eyes that I am leaving yet another job, and I bet there are a handful of people out there who are laughing at me for being so indecisive. And believe me I have been through all of those reactions and emotions (and then some!). 

Although I am excited about returning to my former place of employment, don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t an easy decision. I am not going back because it was easy work and my other jobs go too hard or anything like that. 

I know you are looking for the whole story, so here it is!

I left my first job about 2 years ago for an amazing opportunity that was literally handed to me on a silver platter. Being at my first job for two years and not knowing any better I jumped at the opportunity for more money, a better title…. and well that’s about it after those two things I was hooked. I said see you later and headed on for bigger and better things – so I thought. 

The first lesson I learned was that you don’t deserve respect you have to earn it. This isn’t a light bulb moment and don’t think I am some spoiled brat but I had never been in a position where I had to work so hard off the bat. From day 1 I was picking up where someone left off and it was A LOT of work. I put my head down and got to work and for about 3 straight months I pulled 13 hour days, worked on the weekends, had no social life... AND then realized I hadn’t made a single dent in the work load….it was too much for one person. I was overwhelmed all the time, I was constantly in a bad mood and was quick to snap at my new co-workers (and I can’t apologize enough to my friends and family who had to listen to me vent outside of work!), and I was quickly burning out. I asked for help and no help was received. After having a hard look in the mirror I realized that my quality of work was much more important to me than the quantity of the work and I was being stretched too thin. 

When I left though I hadn't realized how much of an impact I had made on this business and it was amazing to hear this from so many co-workers, members, and board directors, I had earned their respect, the respect I had been working so hard for. 

After leaving job #2, I found myself at job #3 in a whole new wheel house that was totally amazing! There was so much to learn, so much to do, and the people I worked with loved to have a good time. Well as the story goes, the rose colored glasses faded after a few months and I began to realize that the role I was in wasn’t where I wanted to be. I didn’t have the skill set needed nor  the environment that encouraged growth and development. The people I worked with made it easy to get through the day but at the end of the day I felt depleted and somewhat useless not being in love with what I was doing day in and day out.

Scared and embarrassed that I found myself yet again in an ugly predicament I consulted the wisest person I know…mi madre; who I think hides her irritation with me with laughter and eye rolls. She explained a few pros and cons to me about leaving yet another job but at the end of the day pointed out that I am at the point in my life where I have the flexibility to move around – to make the changes that I need to make in order to be happy. I’m not married, I don’t have kids (other than Bruce, but he could be fat and happy anywhere) and I have been smart with my savings…these things are huge factors in my decision to quit a job and take a new one.

Both previous jobs have been incredible experiences not only have I grown professionally but I have learned a shit load about myself as well. I have met amazing people – job #2 probably had some of the funniest people I have ever met and I hope to stay in touch with these lovable clowns for years! It also taught me that work is work – I would spend 8 straight hours, 5 days a week working – going from one task to the next. 

This was no joke. 

But it taught me a lot. 

A lot.

Job #3 – was a whirlwind. The people I worked with were a rowdy bunch who loved to joke and have a good time – they were a family! And although I got only a glimpse of it, they have a good thing going. They laugh, cry, argue, and play jokes on each other and it’s great! 

Let’s be honest, I love a good challenge. I am ready for the next phase. I have already pinky-promised my mom that I will be at this job for the next 3+ years so on the job front it better be a smooth ride from here. 

Cheers to the next one!