Life is unpredictable. We can try to plan, strategize and map out our next move but oftentimes life happens. Hi friend my name is Felicia Tucker and I have a life happens story for you. By trade I am an athletic trainer and I have been certified for almost 17 years. After working in this industry for fifteen years and I began to get the itch. You know the itch that says maybe I should try something different. I tried something different by accepting another job within the company. This is the job that I desired and one that I knew could be a stepping stone to future career opportunities. While on this dream job something drastic happened and now my career and life can be summed up in two words: career transition.
In April 2019 I lost my job and I did not see it coming. I thought I was a valuable asset to the company. Well all of that went out the window when I was told, “I don’t see how you will fit with what I want to do”…..ouch. As a mom of three not working was not an option. So I am back working as an athletic trainer because I need to work but my passion lies elsewhere. Feelings of restlessness and frustration began to settle in because I felt like I was taking five steps back but I had to remember two things: Jeremiah 29:11 and grow where I am planted. So friend if you are feeling stuck in your season of transition I want to offer you some solutions on how to maximize this time and space.
Become a student
Am I telling you to go back to school? Not necessarily but what I am saying is during this time acquire all the information, knowledge and tips that you can about your passion. I am a firm believer that learning never ends so why not learn about things that will enhance you as a person. During my transition period I reached out to a friend and simply asked if I could be her apprentice. She is a guru in an area that I am interested in so why not soak up everything that I can while I am in transition. In addition, begin to look for classes, webinars and seminars that could enhance your skill set therefore making you more marketable. This transition period is temporary and you want to be prepared when the next opportunity arises.
Get quiet
In order to prepare for your next big move you have to be prepared to sit down and assess where you are and where you would like to go. As a wife and mom solitude and quietness are hot commodities but it is possible. I had to reclaim my mornings and prioritize my quiet time. It is during those first moments of the day that I have clarity, peace and the ability to think. My best ideas and creative juices are flowing during that time and I can process those thoughts uninterrupted. The best thing about reclaiming my mornings is the time spent in prayer and reading the Word. I get my daily encouragement and I am prepared for my six year old, three-year twins and our three-ring circus. I want to challenge you to spend time with yourself, think, process and pray. The results are huge.
Revisit your dreams
So part of getting quiet is the ability to dream and to revisit dreams that are on the shelf. I did not realize how far I placed my own goals and dreams aside in order to help someone else achieve their goals. As moms we are caregivers and our concern is for others, which isn’t bad, but we can oftentimes get lost in the shuffle. I have begun to write down my goals and take steps to achieve them. This career transition period is not the end but the beginning to something great and new. While the middle and waiting is not fun it allows more space and time to dream, plan and execute. Take this time to think about what you want to achieve and map our how you’re going to get there in switching careers.
Forgive
I’m sure you might be asking how does this help me in my season of career transition. I had to forgive those who I thought did me wrong. In my mind I had given everything to the company, sacrificed time with family and now I have been removed from my job. As a result I began to internalize feelings of disappointment, anger and even embarrassment. I then began to harbor un-forgiveness, which hinders progress. I had to forgive because the world keeps turning, the company keeps moving forward and I need peace. Once I made the decision to forgive and to constantly forgive, my thoughts changed from them to me. Everyday we have to make the decision to release people, disappointment and unmet expectations. Your future self is depending on it!
Take a leap of faith
Now that we are forgiving, learning, getting quiet and dreaming big dreams it’s time to act. Are you thinking about career transition, going back to school or starting a business then do it! One of my favorite quotes is “ life is too short not to try” – Lara Casey. So mamas let’s get out there and show the world our tenacity, resilience and worth. I am taking a leap of faith by exploring other career options and diving head first into my blog. Will I be successful? Will I fail? The only way to find out is to try. Ready, set, go!
Remember career transition is not the end it’s the start of a new beginning. Keep moving!
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