I’ve debated writing about my current experiences because, in my mind, a coach and mentor is supposed to have her sh*t together.
I’ve also learned that many of you who do read my posts and follow my accounts learn so much from my experiences. So, while it feels uncomfortable to be vulnerable and honest, I know it’s what I must do!
As you know, I’ve been running my business, The New Firm, for about three years now. It has evolved a lot because I have evolved a lot. In my posts and programs I talk a lot about figuring out what works best for you. Perhaps a 4 hour work week is for you. Perhaps climbing the corporate ladder is for you. At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong way to approach designing the life of your dreams … there is only your way.
The funny thing is that now I am in a position to use all of the same tools and techniques that I share with all of you. I find myself facing yet another (possible) career transition and I find myself hearing my own advice in my head.
The teacher becomes the student!
Back to the story. About two years ago, my family and I moved to Illinois to be closer to family. I took that opportunity to explore staying home with my children and step away from the practice of law. I took that opportunity to continue evolving my business and myself. So, since March of 2017 I have not held a traditional job. (That’s not to say I haven’t been working … being a stay-at-home mom that is running her own business is quite an undertaking!)
One of the hardest lessons I have learned in being an entrepreneur is that no matter how hard you work or how well you do something, you may not always reap the financial rewards of your efforts. Some months you may do really well and you pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Other months you just don’t. That is the exact definition of entrepreneurship. It requires a strong stomach and the ability to roll with the ups and down. (And in being completely transparent, I’m blessed that my husband has a steady job, for that allows us to roll with the ups and downs a bit more easily.)
I must admit, my stomach isn’t that strong and those ups and downs can be hard to take.
I’ve always like stability. I preferred working in retail over waiting tables because in retail I always knew exactly what I would earn. Waiting tables usually earned more than retail, but it lacked consistency. In many ways, that is also why I like traditional 9-5 jobs. Consistent salary, steady benefits, a schedule. You usually know exactly what to expect. You come in, do X and Y, collect your paycheck, and go home. If you are lucky you have some creative leeway. If you are even luckier, you get to work with some neat people. But, you also have to give up certain things. Nothing in life is absolutely perfect. Not even entrepreneurship.
Right now I’m exploring whether going back to work in a traditional 9-5 setting is what I want. I have been given the opportunity to interview for a position at a local University that combines all my skills. It involves working with students, using my immigration knowledge, and would even allow me to travel internationally and have summers off! It feels great. Of course, right now, it is simply a possibility. Until there is an offer in hand, nothing is certain.
As a mom, I am always thinking about how anything I do affects my children. I see myself accepting the offer and figuring out a new schedule. I see myself going through the growing pains of adjusting to full days and weeks of work and turning my kids’ schedules upside down. For the past two years, we have all had the privilege of having lunch at home and naps in our own beds (moms need naps too!). And that’s been pretty awesome.
The truth is, a job would provide a world of benefits that would truly enhance our lives. And, the type of job seems right up my alley. Of course, it comes with a cost. I think pretty much anything worth having does.
For now, I’ll leave you with this. There are no wrong decisions in life. Whatever you choose, as long as you are choosing with your whole heart, is correct for you. I’ll keep you posted on how this all evolves. The first step is to give the interview my all. Then, we wait. In the meantime, I know that I will be using my own advice to make sure I move through this transition with grace.
Thank you for witnessing my journey!
PS: Even if I do get an offer and accept it, I plan to continue doing my work with The New Firm. <3