It's Hard to See the Big Picture When You're the one in the Frame

*Alarm clock blares. Hits snooze. Hits snooze again until the very last minute.*

This was the life that I lived many days as I woke up to head to a job where I felt completely misplaced. I debated back and forth for a while if or when I would share this story, but now I finally feel completely comfortable with it. I know that it can be used as a testimony for others because so many people I have met and am acquainted with encounter similar situations.

Just 6 months ago (and long before), I was facing extreme career confusion as I awakened every morning to execute a role that I had lost interest in, felt no career trajectory, and completely stressed me out. I kept saying “I know God has something more aligned with my interests in store for me and this CANNOT be it. I just know it”. I continuously prayed for him to reveal his plan for me, to send me a new job in which I could TRULY be impactful and help others, and to make it clear why I was still in Michigan. Well guess what? He did! However, the answer was not immediately made clear. In fact, it would take several months.

After five months, everything has become ever so clear: 

1) I was still at my ”9-5” because I needed to continue to establish myself financially. 

2) God did send me a new “job” - it just wasn’t in the traditional setting that I pictured -immediately working for another organization. *ahem* CJW Consulting Group, LLC

3) He gave me enough strength to hang on until I couldn’t ANYMORE. I decided to resign and realign my focus on my new business which has truly impacted the lives of others. Sometimes you have to create the role that you are looking for. Additionally, one of the things I said I was going to do was visit my grandmother more (93 years old) once I had more flexibility in my schedule once I wasn’t glued to a desk. I said I’ll take my laptop over her house and work from there, etc. Guess what? I did! But I didn’t know my grandma would pass away within 3.5 months of my resignation (8/11/19 - Rest In Peace). This is when I realized that timing is everything. I was destined to resign when I did so that I would be able to spend more time with her during her last few months on this earth - at home when she was initially stable and in the hospital when she began to decline. I would not have had this flexibility with working two jobs or having relocated to another state. 

I say all this to say, many of you are struggling with similar battles. Pursue your dreams! I was initially discouraged by family and older fraternity brothers because they wanted me to keep the traditional "9 to 5". Sometimes you have to step out on faith and do what’s best for you even if it defies the “norms” or traditional views of those closest to you. Don't allow yourself to become complacent because you are afraid of trying something new. Most often, when you hear your elders speaking of their regrets, they seem to regret what they did NOT do versus what they did.

I want this to be an inspiration to someone reading this who may be debating a career change, starting a new business, praying for wisdom, strength, and clarity, etc. YOU WILL FIND YOUR WAY. Your 20s can be a difficult time filled with financial lessons, career confusion, etc. Trust me, it may take some time, but everything is temporary. I was taught PATIENCE and PERSEVERANCE throughout this process.

Trust, love, respect, and own your process and personal growth. And always remember - “Sometimes, it’s hard to see the big picture when you’re in the frame" - as I too, was once in the frame.

Best of luck as you progress professionally!