Reflections on Growth, Resilience, and Renewal

Well, here I am in a position I did not foresee. Earlier this year, for a multitude of professional and personal reasons, I decided to leave a job I had held for nine years. Younger me would never have done this.

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Growing up in a destitute and challenging environment, I began working at the age of 11 just to afford necessities like food and haircuts. Over the years, I’ve been incredibly blessed in my career, working with extraordinary brands and even more remarkable people. These opportunities enabled me to build a financial foundation that now gives my wife and me the flexibility to consider how and when we might transition into the next chapter of our lives—one that will likely involve meaningful and charitable work before any thoughts of full retirement.

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However, until this year, I could never have imagined stepping away from a stable role without immediately transitioning to the next opportunity.

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This has been a year unlike any other since my days of juggling up to three jobs to put myself through college. Without comparing my journey to the trials of Job in the Old Testament, if someone had told me on January 1st what this year would bring, I would have thought they were describing a decade’s worth of challenges.

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By early summer, I realized the timing was right to step away and focus on what matters most: my faith, my family, and myself. With the extra time I gained, I have been able to:

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• Support my youngest child: Mental health challenges can be overwhelming, and stepping away gave me the chance to provide the focus and care we needed.
• Prepare my rising high school senior for the future: I was fortunate to take her on college visits and share in these formative experiences.
• Deepen my faith: This year, I was blessed to begin diaconate formation, and the time away from work allowed me to fully immerse myself in readings, coursework, and prayer, fostering both personal growth and spiritual development.
• Recover from unexpected surgeries: While these weren’t in the plan, the time to focus on healing has been invaluable.

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The Job Search: An Unexpected Journey

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As I achieved what I had set out to do during this transitional period, I began looking for my next role. For the first time in my career, I found myself as a "free agent," a concept I was genuinely excited about. This job search has been a fascinating journey—one that’s had its ups and downs.

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Rather than view challenges as obstacles, I’ve embraced them as opportunities for growth. When faced with setbacks, I’ve focused on using the experience for “redemptive suffering,” offering prayers and support for those who are in even tougher positions.

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Reflections from the Journey

Here are some key takeaways from this transformative period:

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1. Community and Connection: I am deeply grateful to my friends, colleagues, and network for their support and prayers. Your encouragement has been a bright light in this journey, and I’m fortunate to call you friends.
2. The Power of Follow-Through: As someone who has always made it a priority to support job seekers when they’ve reached out to me, I’ve been surprised by the lack of follow-up or responses from recruiters and connections. While I don’t pass judgment, it’s a reminder of the importance of empathy and accountability, especially when others are seeking guidance and assistance.
3. Renewed Drive: Initially, I believed semi-retirement might be an option. However, this journey has reignited my passion and clarified my professional goals. I’m eager to bring my experience, energy, and expertise to the right organization before eventually riding off into the sunset.

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Final Thoughts

We can only control so much in our lives. Personal and professional challenges will inevitably arise, altering the paths we envision. However, our ability to adapt, pivot, and refocus will ultimately shape our success and happiness.

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If you find yourself in a transitional period, take the time to collect, reflect, and refocus. Then move forward with clarity and purpose, knowing that ups and downs are part of the journey.

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To those who are underemployed or unemployed, please know that you are in my prayers, and I wish for you to find the right opportunity at the right time.