Letting the Grass Grow
Posted on October 8, 2010 8 Comments
About a year ago I left my fast-paced, career-tracked, ladder-climbing job at a global PR firm to work as a communications director at an elite university in Chicago. It wasn’t an easy decision – I loved my job and my co-workers – but after eight years of non-stop travel, late-night new business cram sessions, early morning client calls, and some recession-era “right-sizing,” it was time for a change of pace. I made two promises to myself when I took on my new role: I would have a better work-life balance, and I would get an advanced degree.
On the first promise, I’ve done quite well. In one year at my new job, I travel for business less and travel for fun more. I learned how to cook, lost 20 lbs. and am fitter than I’ve been since high school. I relaunched my blog. I took some executive education classes, and also do some guest speaking at the University. When I think of my stress level today vs. one year ago, the difference is astonishing. I feel like a much different, healthier, more positive person.
That’s not to say my new job is a cakewalk. Making the transition from corporate life to academia wasn’t an easy transition. But in my first year there, my team has made giant strides toward meeting our goals – everything from building a social media presence to developing new branding standards to the initiation of an internal communications presence to the launch of an events capability to the integration of our media relations planning teams …. well, let’s just say we’ve reinvented everything. Building something from the ground up is hard work, but it’s fun. And though we have some late nights, weekends, and really busy time periods, for the most part, work is done at the end of the day. (God, I STILL feel guilty saying that.) I was ready for a change of pace, and I got it. And having been through the 24-hour, always on call job, I appreciate this environment more every day.
On the second promise, going back to school, I’ve not done as well. I did take some classes early on in the year, but they were not part of a master’s program. My goal was to be in an MBA program this fall. I didn’t even take the test to get in; heck, I didn’t even buy the book to take the test. It just hasn’t been a priority, and frankly, I’ve been fine to let this decision marinate for a while. After all, going to school is a big commitment, and a big expense. I’ve been watching B (my boyfriend) go through law school as an adult student and I’m not sure I’m ready to commit to all those struggles at the moment, especially when things are going so well on the “life” side of the work-life balance.
This week, however, I was talking to a friend about why I took the job at the university, and mentioned that my original plan was to get an MBA. “What are you doing to make that a reality?” she asked.
“Well….” I answered, trailing off.
She knew where I was headed. “Let me tell you this,” she said. “Don’t less grass grow under your feet. You’re young, but before you know it, time will have gotten away from you.”
Oy. Talk about a reality check.
I went home feeling gloomy and anxious. Am I wasting my time? Am I killing my earning potential? Since I have the luxury of being a single, childless woman now, shouldn’t I be doing all I can to earn, earn, earn? Shouldn’t I be investing in myself? I thought about my apartment, and how I don’t yet own a home. If I finished an MBA in two or three years, wouldn’t my living situation change dramatically as my income grew?
I came home and started outlining a post on how I’m at a career crossroads and the clock is ticking. And then I read the second paragraph in this essay.
And I read it again.
I thought about how, actually, I really enjoy the feeling of grass under my feet. If at some point, time does get away from me, know what I’m going to regret? The eight years I spent making plans for other people, letting my job run my life and generally missing the little things, like grass between my toes. I would regret not doing more with my free time, not spending time with friends and family. I would regret not traveling. I would not regret, however, missing an opportunity to max out my earning potential.
I’ve been an overachiever my whole life. Academically, professionally, and even extracurricularly, if that’s a word. For instance, in school, I used to cry if I got anything lower than an A (no joke). In college, I didn’t just join a sorority, I became president of all of them. I scored promotions every year at my old job. It’s strange for to admit that I’m not ready just yet to head back to school. I feel like an underachiever.
B-school is most likely still in the cards for me. But taking a break from the pressure I put upon myself is good for me, too. I shouldn’t get an advanced degree just because it’s expected. I should do it because it will help me achieve a goal I set for myself for the future. I’m not yet sure what that goal is. I might like to become a brand manager on the marketing side. I might like to one day go back into the agency world and manage creative talent. I might want to try starting a consulting business of my own.
But I also might want to complete a few more races. I might want to spend some time volunteering. I want to see what I can do with my blog. I want to put my energy towards projects and goals that will help me to become a better, happier, healthier person, not just someone who makes a lot of money.
Before I settle on the when, I need to settle on the why. And with things going the way they are, I’m just not sure I’m there yet. I hope that doesn’t make me an underachiever.
Category: Career
Tags: Grad school
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8 Responses to “Letting the Grass Grow”
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October 8th, 2010 @ 5:21 am
Everything you wrote I can relate and understand! The part about work/life balance and working on yourself is something I made my priority 5 months ago. It made a huge difference in how I feel. So happy you found what works! Plus I’m so glad you’re writing again because your blog keeps me motivated and navigate career-stuff.
October 9th, 2010 @ 2:25 am
I went straight from undergrad to grad school. it is rough. Grad school is so much different than undergrad. If you go back, go back, throw yourself into it. it is hard but enjoyable.
But, if you are not into it, not ready, do not do it. you will be miserable. Go to school because you want to, not because you feel you have too.
October 9th, 2010 @ 2:53 am
So glad you’re finding the right work/life balance for you.
A few months ago I made the decision to accept a job in a state I never thought I would live in. Do I make the money and have the perks I used to have? No. But I am within driving distance of family and friends, which has really enriched my life.
I’m waiting to close on my first house within the next two weeks, which is amazing to me after years of moving around and renting. I’m glad to see that you are blogging again!
October 12th, 2010 @ 7:32 pm
Knowing the why is so important. I’m glad you realized that before you wound up in school and I’m so glad that you’re consciously enjoying this time with the grass between your toes.
October 19th, 2010 @ 10:27 pm
It can be difficult for Type -A- people. I chose to not go the MBA or MS route. Instead, I’ve looked to certifications and targeted skills training that can support me where I am and can still be useful where I might go next. It still takes commitment of time and money, but it can be more flexible. Keeping current in a changing world takes effort.
November 11th, 2010 @ 6:50 pm
Certifications are a good idea. I actually heard about a certified financial counselor option that I might research in conjunction with some of the stuff I’m doing here. Agreed that keeping current takes effort!
January 5th, 2011 @ 8:09 pm
[...] Letting the Grass Grow. I got a lot of positive feedback on this one from friends and colleagues. The truth is, climbing the corporate ladder isn’t for everyone all of the time. As I’m learning, personal growth can happen outside the office, and when it does, it can be just as rewarding as big career progress. Make time to set your own goals, rather than conform to expectations, and be sure to assess those goals every once in a while. You might be surprised at what you find. [...]
February 1st, 2011 @ 7:11 pm
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