Since I'm in my early 30's, I think chapter 12 was really something I can relate to. For over 10 years I've worked with software, and by 27 years old, I was already an IT project manager. I made fairly good money and felt that I had a good job, but the idea of just becoming more senior in my profession made me feel...empty.
Then, I met my husband. We happily got married and my life changed completely when I moved to U.S. I had to face unemployment for a while because chances for a young project manager in the middle of a economic recovery in America were really low. Just as our book described, I felt hopeless and worthless. Moreover, it was the worse time to be unemployed because my husband was deployed overseas and I was by myself. It was not finances that concerned me, but I had to get my mind busy with something beneficial. In the middle of a "life crisis", my husband and I decided to make a radical change in order to pursue what we felt was our calling for this life: helping others.
He separated from the military and both of us went back to college. I'm pursuing a career as a nurse and currently working as a certified nurse assistant in a nursing home. I can absolutely relate to the part of burnout that is mentioned in our book. It's extremely tiring to work in health care and many times copying with death is not easy too. However, their well being is what makes me come back every time. I can not describe how much more I feel satisfied helping someone taking a shower and feeling better about themselves than accomplish an IT project that was worth almost a million dollar.
Different of Super's theory, the consolidation phase didn't happen to me, but instead was a complete change of careers.
My final goal is not just becoming a nurse. My husband and I want to go on missions overseas to help other people.
The medical field is notorious for high burnout rates. The way people deal with stress is interesting. Some do physical activities that don't require very much thought process like running, swimming, knitting or biking. While others do things that don't require very much physical movement like video games, meditating, reading or puzzles. Finding what helps them unwind is invaluable to professionals in the medical fields. Good luck on your missions! Go for it!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your posts. You have so much diversity in your background and are able to speak to so much. I always find your point of view very interesting. I am so glad you found a way to channel your energy and passion and found a career that you will enjoy for years to come. I've been working in finance for the last 8 years and while I am good at my job and have held many positions, I get no personal satisfaction in what I am doing. This is a big reason I have also chosen to pursue nursing. I wish you the best :)
ReplyDeleteMelenie,
DeleteThank you. It's funny that you mentioned you've been working in finance because that's what I did for a long time (deployment of finance system) :). I used to be a certified SAP Finance consultant and then made my way to project manager. In my last assignment, while working for Philips electronics, I was managing the separation of all financial systems of the television division to a new joint venture that Philips engaged to.
Guess we have more in common that what I thought. I hope you can also find what fulfills you in the nursing field. So far, from what I have experienced in the health field, it is not easy but very rewarding.
I'm only in my mid 20s but feel as though I goin through a midlife crisis. There's a login ha to change in the last 6 o so months with goin back to school and planning a wedding and family but the book make me bookstores to when I hit the mid lid point. It like a promising break to work toward.
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