Journey to 'The Good Life'

In July of this year, I hit a wall. I was burned out. There, I said it – let me say it again so we can start to remove the stigma associated with it, I was burned out. Burned out for me (it is different for everyone) was working crazy hours night and day. I was on the road constantly and so exhausted on the weekends all I could do was think about “vegging” in front of Netflix and to maybe get the laundry done, while still squeezing in some work over the weekend. I had no time for inviting others over, spending time with friends, barely time for family, and I found myself wondering how long this was sustainable. Could I continue this pattern indefinitely, and more important, did I want to?

I kept it up because I absolutely love what I am doing. I love my team and people I work with, meeting with partners, working to grow the business, growing the team, challenging myself to figure out the next crazy obstacle I would be asked to maneuver around and still hit the numbers. I love achieving the goal and the “Mic Drop” moment when I realize, man, “I did it!” I was doing this half after half over the last 4.5 years, but was the pace sustainable? Was I missing my sons high school experience, missing time hanging out with my husband, and missing connecting with others? Yes, yes, and yes.

I was on social media “vegging out” one weekend in July and this ad popped up that was like a script out of my head… Kathleen Byars asked if we were burned out and thought that stepping down would fix it, or a secret wish that we had to be in the hospital for a few days so we could take a break, or how about moving to an island where we could step away from it all… exactly what I had been thinking – I mean an ISLAND – wouldn’t that be grand?! I kept scrolling and then a day later I saw the ad again and thought, let me see what this is all about – it really resonates.

That one click started a journey that was more than professional coaching, it focused on the ‘whole me’ coaching: personal and professional, helping me prepare to live The Good Life. In this process I learned about my needs, how to better prioritize, worked through a past work experience that haunted me, and found my own footing again. I learned how to focus on my purpose as my foundation, find some leisure, get good sleep, and still push myself to excellence in all areas. And while not always in perfect sync, I learned about managing my needs as a result of heavy lifting/soul searching and figuring out what I want FROM and to give TO this glorious life I live.

In the process I realized that my current role while working for my professional needs, was not working for my personal needs. I needed a change. But if I was going to make a change, I needed to set some clear goals for myself. I wanted a role where: 1) I can create and do experience design again, 2) To use the business acumen I have honed over the last 8.5 years 3) To find meaning in what I am doing. i.e. is it pivotal for the company, fun work, a way to inspire others? 4) still be in a spot where I can kick it out of the park but find a tiny bit of balance back in my life, i.e. less travel, more time home. I also thought that given the season I am in with my son, that moving to an Individual contributor role would be the best fit for me. I will likely want to lead and manage a business again, but not right now.

I began pitching “myself” and skills to targeted teams/leaders back in late September, early October. Always asking, “Do you know of anyone who may be interested in the skills I offer and work I am looking to do?” The first manager I pitched “me” to, encouraged me to wait for roles to open on their team. Those opened and I went through a number of panel interviews. I am delighted to announce that my goals have been met.

Mic Drop!

Today I join the HP WS Partner Solutions team as the NA Managed Solutions Product Lead. I get to create and lead change, use my business acumen, do something pivotal with an amazing team, a spot I can shine and I will travel less than I do today.

What I learned in this chapter of life:

1)????? Ask for help, its ok. I was surprised by the support I found around me.

2)????? Stay true to your passion and make a path back there if you arent in it now.

3)????? A journey has ups, downs, lefts, rights. Even if its not exactly what you thought your journey would look like, embrace it fully.

A huge thanks to my tribe in this process: first Kate Byars for the life changing work you are doing – it started an amazing journey that lead me back to my purpose in life; second to Marcie White , Mahil Castillo , Rita Van Vranken SPHR, SHRM-SCP , Tami Beach , Bala Venkataramanan , Fred Rzeznik who have been on my career journey with me and give advice as my ‘personal board of directors’; third to leaders at HP who have supported me on my development journey Marcos Razon , Scott Lannum ; also big shout out to Jackie Johnson for being in the daily trenches in the crazy we experience; and finally to my husband, son and church family for your love and encouragement along the way.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t have a forward shout out to Rebecca Campbell , I am super excited about the next chapter ahead. LET’s DO THIS!

For those of you wondering, Kate Byars leads the Goodlife Institute. thegoodlifeinstitute.com

If you are feeling burned out, you are not alone, seek coaching, counseling, and create your own tribe. High performers may struggle with admitting burnout. Its ok, it doesn’t change how awesome you are, all you are saying is you may want to do something in a different way. I call that high performing self-development ??

My story is still being written, as is yours. Thanks for reading about this chapter.

~Marnie