Unexpected bumps are the rule, not the exception!
When I was getting ready to head to college, my plan was to be an architect. Well, that idea didn’t last long. We’ll call that career bump number one! I changed course, found a great major, and upon graduation embarked on my professional career. Little did I know that unexpected bumps in the road that cause you to move in new directions are the rule, rather than the exception. Bumps aren’t necessarily bad. For me, each bump was accompanied by increased self-awareness, which resulted in a twisty-turny road of career adventure!
At first I went for the wow factor. My first job was in the field of special events. I loved the action, teamwork, and pressure to get things done right and on time. I was young, energetic, and eager to learn. As a result, I was good at it. I found I am detail-oriented by nature and have a knack for solving problems. Being able to do this work at events like the Super Bowl, Daytona 500, and Special Olympics World Summer Games (which was the largest sporting event in the world that year), was a dream come true. However, as much as I loved the travel and being on the go, I eventually decided it was time to put down some roots.
Then I craved stability. I found an amazing job at an experiential agency where I could combine my love of events with business strategy and marketing. The funny thing is even through I primarily took the job for the stability it provided, this position led to incredible career movement and growth. I ran over lots of bumps, and each one pushed me in a direction where I was given the opportunity to challenge myself and develop in ways I’d never imagined. I moved from the account side to a staffing/human resources role and discovered passions for people development, public speaking, teaching, and training.
And now I want to help others. My career has come full-circle and my goal is to help individuals with their own career development. I’ve learned so much, in large part thanks to the hundreds of people who have helped me along the way. If you told me when I was 18 that I’d be working in career development, speaking, and teaching, I’d have said you are crazy! I was super shy in high school and had no idea what career I would pursue. However, every single bump I encountered along my career journey has nudged me in this direction and I’ve found career fulfillment beyond my wildest dreams.
Statistics show that very, very few people stick with the same job throughout their career. There is no more gold watch when you retire, and most likely, no pension. So go for it. Try things. Learn about yourself. Figure out what you like, and how you can contribute. Make good choices and follow your dreams. Then buckle your seatbelt! If you see the positive in all the bumps you encounter and build self-awareness along the way, they will help guide you along your own unique career journey.
