Going Backwards

I recently received a book of quotes "Beautifully Said" and as I was reading through the quotes, this one stuck out for me. I have experienced this in my professional career and I know that many are of the mindset that "going backwards" is not good for your career. I used to have that mindset but it changed for me about 20 years ago-I just didn't know it!

At the end of 1999 my leadership role was eliminated. I was actually told in May of 1999 but I was asked to stay on and do some project work for the major changes they were introducing. I did the work and departed at the end of the year. I took some time off and after a search I "settled" for a job that paid about $20k less and had a lower title than my last role. I took the job working for a close friend at an IT company to be her successor as she knew the organization was set to be sold. Lo and behold, it was sold shortly after I went to work there! Through a series of acquisitions by the original buyer and several years later, I was at the top of my game and the SVP of HR for North and South America.

Had I not taken that role at less money and a lower title, I may not have ever gotten to where I am now. Before joining the IT company, I almost took a job with the federal government-boy am I glad I didn't do that! Here I am now, 20 years after having my role eliminated and after leaving the IT world, I've created my own company working when I want and how I want with some fabulous clients, and I do mean fabulous clients, and I'm the happiest I've ever been. I don't know if I have the same euphoria as Alison Levine when she summits a mountain, but I feel like I'm on top of the world. I wish that for anyone reading this-step back to go forward-create the life you want on your terms - you'll be glad you did!