Career Change Chronicle Vol 2: 5 lessons from five months

When I made the "big switch" to Advancement, I was looking for different. Well, I got that in the best possible ways. I still spend a decent amount of time talking about the wonderful work being done in Student Success and the University overall. One of my biggest assets going into this new role was the knowledge and passion for this institution. I have been challenged, had to reflect, and developed new skills within my first five months that will be helpful wherever my life takes me. As I reflect on the past 5 months, I have also learned important things about myself and the benefit of taking a leap of faith to see where you land. Now, there is one thing that I think I need to acknowledge. I took a jump, but I knew I had a little bit of a landing pad. Colleagues had offered me GA's, I had a temporary job lined up provided by a good friend, and I was nearing the end of my doctorate so any gap could have been explained. The lessons we learn in any role are important and hope this reflection is helpful to others considering making a big change.

1. Very few things are permanent- The reality is, I could go interview for Director jobs in Student Activities, Orientation, and related fields tomorrow if I decided to. The plethora of experiences I gained through my old roles comes forward with me and by leaving well from my previous role, I didn't close any doors forever. I think this is important for folks to remember because even in changing your career, you are bringing all the experiences, skills, and work with you to your new adventure.
2. Leaving creates opportunities- By leaving one role, I have created opportunities for me and for people I care about. Development & Fundraising is an important element of multiple fields and areas. This provides countless areas of opportunity for me if I ever find myself leaving Georgia State. However, my leaving also created an opportunity for a former direct report to gain skills and new opportunities that she wouldn't otherwise have been able to get based on our department structure. This is a win-win for so many reasons.
3. Regret is real and normal - I quite literally have the words "Forget Regret" tattooed on my wrist. I try to live my life with no regrets. There were some serious moments of regret. I left a job I did love, a team that I cared for, and a role that meant so much to me. I wondered if my "millennial" got ahead of myself and if ultimately I had made a mistake. I didn't. I made a choice for myself. I said yes to taking a risk, nothing is permanent, and in the end all the skills and lessons are taken forward (see lesson 1).
4. I know more about the best and worst qualities I have as an employee- This maybe is one of the harder and complicated lessons to acknowledge. When it comes to my best qualities, I am a hard worker, talented, quick learner, creative, a contributor, high energy, and productive. Ok great...we'll just stop there. (Just kidding...though that is the easier part to acknowledge). The worst parts of me are I am impatient, constantly looking for growth and "more," and am constantly looking two steps ahead. I wonder/worry if I will find myself constantly looking for more and not able to just simply sit in the moment and enjoy. Do the best parts of me make up for the worst as an employee? Well...only time will tell that, but what I know is that the more I learn about myself, the better I can be at acknowledging the work I have to do on myself while doing the work to contribute.
5. I know less about where I am going in my career than a year ago and maybe never really knew that much to begin with- This is a funny one that a few of my old managers have talked about. I have always had a plan (you know the whole looking two steps ahead thing) and believe that it is important. What I have come to learn in taking this jump of faith by taking a new role in Advancement is that a plan is great, but a willingness to see where the path will take us is powerful. When my mom passed unexpectedly and quickly, I wanted to have control. Well...we can't always control the way life works...but with the right perspective and focusing on doing good work...I think it will all work out.

I initially thought I would write these posts more often, but for now....let's just see what happens. I am grateful for the lessons, I am grateful for the experience, and I am grateful that each day I continue to be able to do work to support the mission of a place I love, a place that shaped me, and a place that is helping higher education achieve its goal.

Until next time, Ben.