"The work you do while you procrastinate is probably the work you should be doing for the rest of your life." -Jessica Hische
Aside from delicious vegan food, there isn’t a topic I enjoy discussing more than career happiness. It’s something I’m deeply passionate about and thrilled when I can throw ideas around with other people.
I could talk about it until I’m blue in the face. But, I guess that is pretty evident below.
Keep in mind, I really have no idea what I’m doing most days and I’m not here to give you advice on your unique academic or career situation. I can offer insight from my own experiences and lessons learned along the way. My goal for this post is to create a place for discussion so everyone can join in and offer their input, stories, and insight. That’s when the magic happens!
My story in short:
I graduated in October 2006 with a BAH degree in Psychology and minor in Family and Child Studies. In October 2008, I graduated with a Master’s Degree w/ Honours in Social Psychology. Prior to graduating, I interviewed for a full-time research position during Spring 2008. It was offered to me and I took it even though my gut told me that the timing wasn’t right. I was already a full-time grad student and part-time teaching assistant which kept me very busy.
But I took the job anyways even though every instinct I had was saying DON’T DO IT.
Lesson #1: Listen to your gut.
Eric and I were also planning our wedding to be held on Aug. 31, 2008. Stress was at an all-time high as I juggled courses, my thesis, a new demanding job, and wedding planning. My eating disorder got bad during this time and I often starved myself or over-exercised to deal with my emotions.
In October 2008, I was happy to be graduating, but I still wasn’t enjoying my career as a researcher like I thought I should be. While the money flowed, it didn’t matter.
On October 31, 2008 I started Oh She Glows as a hobby in an effort to add some joy back into my life.
Oh, and joy it brought!
This blog was in essence, ‘the work I did while I procrastinated’, as the opening quote mentions above. I blogged at breakfast, during my lunch break, and after dinner, for months. It was a lot of work, but looking back, it was the best positive escape I could’ve had to get me through that time.
This blog gave me the courage to pursue my passions full-time so I planned my actual escape and in early 2009, I quit.
It was the scariest, yet best thing I could have done.
Below are some of your career change questions that you posed on facebook last week.
How did you find your passion?
1. Get rid of life toxins
Until I was about 24-25 years old, my hobbies were calorie counting, the scale, and exercising. I didn’t have any real hobbies aside from playing sports throughout school and if you asked me what my passions were I would have stared at you blankly. To find my passions, I had to get rid of life toxins that weighed me down. Once I entered recovery for my eating disorder, I was able to add positivity back into my life such as finding new hobbies and activities. We need to get rid of things weighing us down to make room for inspiration, creativity, and authenticity.
2. Give yourself Me Time
It’s easy to say ‘I don’t have time right now’, but this is when it’s especially important to take time out for yourself. I gave myself permission to do things I enjoyed whether it be hanging out with friends, baking, reading, or spending time with Eric. Even if it was only 30 minutes a day, it was my time to do what I wanted and slowly discover activities that I enjoyed. ‘Me time’ allows us to figure out what it is that makes us happy.
3. Allow creativity to flow
Shortly after graduating, I started my blog which turned out to be the real gateway to discovering my passions. What better creative outlet than having a blank slate each day to write whatever inspires me? As a creative person, I consider my blog a virtual vision board. I can write about whatever I want which was a stark contrast to my role as a researcher. Overtime, I discovered that I had tapped into a huge passion in my life. (Another creative outlet I love is Pinterest). If there’s a voice inside you that suggests you try something out, give it a shot because it could be your hidden passion!
4. Look to your childhood
Look back to your childhood and ask yourself what activities you enjoyed. The passions we have as children are clues to what we might enjoy as adults.
As a child I loved:
- Playing house and school with all kinds of characters, names, and story-telling
- Playing with Barbie’s & Lego and creating stories about the ‘people’
- Polaroid, disposable, and film cameras !!!
- Writing Fiction stories
- Drawing, painting, crafting
- Baking & easy-bake ovens
- Playing with friends and animals
- The outdoors, playing outside for hours, skipping, building snow forts
- Track & Field, softball
My passions today seem to have the same underlying characteristics, albeit through different forms and expressions!
How did you know that your career was the right choice long-term?
Nothing in life is a sure bet, but my instincts told me I was on the right path. Sometimes hope, a good feeling, and a positive outlook are the only things we have. If I told myself I couldn’t do it, I would probably still be at my old job. Oh She Glows started out as a hobby while I did my ‘real work’. It turned out that I not only enjoyed blogging, but I fell in love with it. The blog and bakery brought together my passions like inspirational writing, healthy food, cooking/baking, fitness, and helping others.
When I couldn’t imagine myself not doing it, I knew I had found something special. It’s sort of like knowing you’ve met the person you want to spend your life with. I knew Eric was the one for me because I couldn’t imagine us apart. I felt the same way with my new career.
How did you deal with a severe pay cut?
Not getting a regular pay check in the bank every two weeks was difficult to deal with. I struggled with an identity-crisis (who was I now that I didn’t have a full-time job and steady income?) and insecurity (what would others think of me?). I had to make financial cutbacks in every aspect of my life. I only spent money on essentials like food and bills. I didn’t spend money on entertainment, eating out, clothing, or anything that I didn’t think was a necessity at the time. I got used to the cutbacks after a couple months and many of my money-saving habits stuck with me.
Do you think you would have taken that leap if it was just you taking care of you? I admire what you do and would give a kidney to be in your shoes, but just don’t feel that it’s possible for me. I’m not pessimistic–I am proud and satisfied with what I’ve done–but I’m realistic.
I would’ve left my research position eventually, but probably not as quickly had I been single. I saved consistently for almost a year before I left my research position so I could cover my share of the bills for the first while, but if I was single I probably would’ve stayed in the field for another 2-3 years so I could save up enough to feel stable financially. I knew in my heart that I wasn’t meant to be a researcher so I would’ve done what was necessary to change my career path even if it wasn’t as soon as I wanted. I’m a firm believer that planning and preparation is crucial if you are serious about making a career change. If you think it will never happen, you are probably right.
How did you take the leap with a career change?
Quitting my job was not an impulsive decision even though it may seem that way. It was a calculated decision that I planned for months before actually quitting. I flip flopped back and forth all the time, but ultimately, I knew in my heart that I had to go through with it. The day that I quit was not planned though. It just happened to be a really bad day that fueled my fire. :)
How do I know what my strengths are?
Growing up, I never really considered myself good at much. In my late teens, when I was trying to figure out what career I would enjoy, I asked Eric what I was good at because I had no clue. If you are lost about your own strengths, ask your family members or your partner. Most people can identify strengths in other people much easier than they can in themselves. Also, think about things that you do well. Are you an expert Sudoku player? Maybe you have a strength in problem solving. Are you great at knitting? Maybe you have a strong attention to detail and lots of patience. Do you love making lists and hosting parties? Maybe you have strengths in event planning. Do you love to bake? Maybe you have a sweet tooth like me. heheh…
Oddly enough, I went to see a Career Counselor during my first year of university because I was having doubts about my career path. After answering a battery of tests, I was told that I was suited for a creative field, such as teaching, writing, culinary arts, fashion design, or photography. A test could detect my strengths when I couldn’t detect them in myself. I highly recommend seeing a Career Counselor if you can.
I want to change careers, but my fear of other family members judging me is paralyzing. How did you get over worrying about what others thought?
This was my biggest hurdle of all. I think most of us care deeply about what our loved ones think, whether we like to admit it or not. I had so much anxiety to tell my friends and family that I quit. It almost kept me from quitting at all.
Ultimately, I realized that I couldn’t live my life for other people. We lost a friend suddenly to cancer in 2008 and it really made me change the way I live my life. I stopped beating myself up and worrying about what others thought. I don’t know how long my life will be, but I do know that I’m now living it authentically rather than putting off happiness for another day.
I would love to hear how it felt to walk away from a career you had invested so much time and money in!
The day I quit was a mix of negative and positive emotions. I felt shame, guilt, relief, anxiety, happiness, worry…you name it (see my I Quit post).
Do I regret the 7 years I spent in university? Not a chance. I now know what will make me happy in a career and what won’t. I may have figured it out the hard way, but I’m happy I did at all. An education is invaluable, even if not used in the traditional way that its intended (is it ever these days?). I still feel like I’m fulfilling my goal of helping other people (which is what drew me to psychology), but perhaps not in the way I initially imagined. The twists and turns of life are often the greatest.
How do you deal with isolation when making the change even though you know it’s an unhealthy career for you?
Losing contact with my coworkers was very isolating, especially during the first few months when I was feeling a gamut of negative emotions and questioning my path in life. In the workplace, coworkers are great for venting about problems, forming friendships, and leaning on when you need some support or advice. When I quit my job, I was on my own during workday hours. No one could figure it out but me and that was really scary.
Whether you are having a baby, moving, or taking on another big adjustment, surrounding yourself with supportive people helps so much. I talked to Eric, close family, friends, and on the blog. My mom always tells me that there is no greater joy than knowing your child is happy. If you can wake up each day and feel happy about where you’re going, you’re already a success.
“It isn’t necessary to know exactly how your ideal life will look; you only have to know what feels better and what feels worse…Begin making choices based on what makes you feel freer and happier, rather than on how you think an ideal life should look. It’s the process of feeling our way toward happiness, not the realization of the Platonic ideal, that creates our best lives.” ~Martha Beck
What she said. :)
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For a recap of how I changed careers and my full story, check out my ‘A Year Can Change A Lot’ Series:
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, and Part 10 (1 year later)
It’s funny that your passion drove you away from Psychology, while mine drives me toward it! I’ve always had an interest in it, but after my brother died by suicide almost 7 years ago, and I got involved with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, I became driven to do more with that interest. I’m now in school to get my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, which I will combine with my personal and yoga training certifications, and an upcoming Masters in Nutrition to start my own practice of teaching people how to care for their whole bodies (including their mind). I’m glad you stuck to your passion too – it really shows through!!
This was an interesting read. Thank you.
My passion is writing, especially fiction. I enjoy writing articles and essays, as well. It’s a writing life for me, if ever I can afford it full-time. However, because I am single, I can’t count on it right now. I am struggling to figure out what I can do for pay, though. I’ve had to cut down to part-time at my job because of physical limitations, and over the past couple of weeks have been making lists of what I physically cannot do (which unfortunately clashes with where all my experience lies), what skills I have, interests. Of course, finding there’s what you love, and finding someone to hire you without the experience.
I have been following your blog for a number of months now. While I love all the posts you do, this one I felt personally connected to. I, too, have a masters degree in Social Psychology. I, too, made a decision (just a year ago) to leave my cushy corporate job behind and start a new business. It has been a rollercoaster ride to say the least. It is very inspirational to me to watch your progress over the past year and see your blog, business and confidence grow. Thank you for sharing your journey!
Angela,
Like a lot of people who have commented, I can relate to your situation! I grew up thinking I had to do something practical with my life. That there were too many people to compete with in the fields I was interested in, like writing and jewelry making, so I should stop thinking about those things and find something safer. Something practical.
I continued to think this way until my Big Wakeup Call. I got injured. Big time. I couldn’t do the things I loved at all — for almost a year! I realized how precious they were and that life was too short to be safe and practical. I assumed I had no idea how to go after my dreams after denying myself for so long, so I started my own blog, and with it, a series of posts giving myself advice on how to be a professional artist and writer. It turns out, I know a lot more than I thought I did.
Would never have thought of trying had I not started surround myself with role models like you who show me it’s possible to enjoy a fun and fulfilling career. Thanks!
Hi Sarah, Im sorry I missed this comment. Thanks for your nice comment! I’m happy to hear that you are now seeing things in a different way. The other day I read, ‘you don’t have to be THE expert, just an expert’ and I think that makes so much sense. So many people are afraid to call themselves good at what they do or afraid they don’t have enough experience. But if we simply looked at ourselves and talent in a different, more positive light then maybe we’d get much further in our careers. Goodluck to you!
Oh man….do I EVER know what you’re talking about!!! 5 yrs ago I started my graduate program in a PhD Neuroscience program, primarily because I was fresh out of undergrad, didn’t know what I wanted to do, and an academic advisor told me this was the “best course of action”. It became immediately evident to me that I was unhappy doing research day in and day out, but I gave myself a year to try it and make sure it wasn’t just grad-school jitters. A year later, I watched an older grad student and friend lamenting about how she hated research but had been in the program for so many years and was so close to getting her PhD that it wasn’t really worth leaving and she was too burnt out to try anything else. I realized if I stayed on this course, this was where I was going to wind up. I informed the program the next week of my decision to take a terminal masters degree. Now I’m in a grad program for speech pathology (graduating in a month!) and couldn’t be happier :)…I feel so fulfilled, and realize that the risk was worth it…taking the time to listen to yourself, and not being afraid to admit when you’re unhappy with something. Looking back I KNEW I was unhappy in neuro research…i hated going to work and i loved leaving, and i never got GENUINELY excited about my work. My true self already knew I was in the wrong place, but I kept trying to talk myself into staying. Actually ACKNOWLEDGING my unhappiness was one of the most life-turning points….it gave me the courage to walk away from something that didn’t fit right to make room for something better, something that fit like a glove.
You are so right….life is too short to spend time being consistently unhappy. I’m so happy you found your happy place!!! :)
I’ve been following your blog for just under a year now as I’ve made the transition to being completely vegan. I absolutely love your recipes and cannot wait for your book to come out. This is the first time I’ve read this post about your career transition and I want to thank you for how honest, candid and inspirational it was. I’m currently trying to find an alternative to my current career situation and started a blog with a friend this fall as a creative outlet. I can really relate to the last quote you included by Martha Beck as I’m obsessed with planning everything to the last detail and so not having a plan for my life is a constant struggle. I’ve bookmarked this page as it will be a great reference for when my moments of doubt creep in. Congratulations on all of the success you’ve experienced and I look forward to future posts and your book being released.
Hi! Angela I was reading your previous post on how you made a transition in your career and it just resonated to me. I was in a career that didn’t really reflect my true self. For quite a time I was trying to please my parents and people around me. I I was able to get three professional licenses but it didn’t really matter to me. Still I felt unfulfilled and seem that I wasn’t flowing with the rythm of life. I am 44 y.o.now I felt that I wasted so much time not living out my dreams and my passion in life. I am a Licensed Dentist,a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Real Estate Broker but still I feel I’m not really living out my life purpose. I recently enrolled at the INSTITUTE OF INTEGRATIVE NUTRITION and found a new career as a Health Coach. I feel that I am now living a more authentic life. This career in Health Coaching reflects who I really am. I feel more grounded. I’m glad that I found my true calling. It feels so good to be aligned with what you really are passionate about. Just like you I love cooking and baking. I really enjoy reading your posts and have a passion for cooking healthy food. I plan to try out some of your recipes. It took a while for me to find courage to make a stand and be who I really am. Sometimes we tend to live up to other people’s expectations and forget about ourselves. Wow! It feels so good to express yourself fully and passionately. I realized that each one of us have our special God- given talents and gifts that we must share to the world. Thanks Angela I happen to drop by your site and your message truly resonated to me.
Let me give this message to your followers we only pass this way once so, FIND YOUR LIFE PURPOSE , LIVE YOUR LIFE FULLY, LOVE OPENLY AND PASSIONATELY AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD.
ANGEL
Wow, reading this post is exactly what I needed right now. I am going into my senior year of undergrad studying psychology, and I’m struggling with “what I want to be when I grow up”. The traditional careers in psychology (therapist/counselor, researcher, teacher) don’t appeal to me. I know I love psychology and I love helping people. I also love (healthy) food :) So thank you for this. Although I still don’t know what I want to “be”, I know that following my gut is the most important thing, and enjoy what I do in life, whether I’m making money at it or not. Thank you!
Thanks so much for this. These were some words I really needed to hear right now. I am going through something very similar right now. My full time teaching position ended (which I hated), moved to a new city, and am wedding planning all in a matter of months. It’s been a lot of change and I am trying to figure how I make my passions into a career. I have been having a really hard time to bring myself out of the downward spiral I was on. My life felt so out of balance. I am finally regaining that balance after a lot of soul searching. This is just further inspiration to know I am on the right track and that I can do what I love. Change is always scary, but I know in my heart it’s what I need to do. If it wasn’t for a horrible year of teaching and a move, I wouldn’t be pursuing my dreams right now. Sometimes it takes you at your worst to find out your best.
Your story has been inspirational to me for a few years. I am still on a mission to find what it is I love doing, and make it my career. This post has helped me brainstorm! I have so many questions and “what -ifs,” but I think that’s a good sign.
All of the questions I’d been wanting to ask you, summarized here! Thank you for this page!
Thank you so much for sharing this, it is so inspiring. I am a huge fan of your blog and I am so happy for you that your dreams have come true. Keep it up!!
I’m so glad I stumbled upon your website! I was just looking for vegan recipes, but here I found something priceless! Hearing your story gives me hope and the passion you submit into the things you do and love really gave me an authentic sense of what can be achieved. Like many, I have dreams to figure out what I love to do and make a living off of that, and so much more. This bit of inspiration you have given me will be remembered with every new dish I try, and goal accomplished. Thank you so much!
Great post. At some point, I think everyone needs to hear tips from someone who has been there, done that in leaving behind the toxic things that no longer work for them and choosing to do, and be what they love. That is, being their creative, authentic self, and exercising the patience and due diligence necessary toward being able to make some income as they do! As a veg and one who is also working toward a similar goal, I can relate to what you say. Oh, I can SO relate. :) This post not only gave me hope but resurfaced everything about these very things that I know, but seem to have recently forgotten. So, thank you for the reminder. :) A coworker told me about your blog and I’m glad she did! I’m loving it!
Hi Angela,
I want to start a blog of my own, but am at a total loss as to which host I want to start it on (ghost, wordpress, bluehost, etc). Which do you use for your blog and do you have any tips on how to get started?
Thank you so much!
Nadja
This post was the most real, and authentic I’ve read about career changes and how to truly find your passion, that I’ve ever read… and I read a lot! I’ve been on the verge of this for a long time but keep doubting my decisions for “security.” Thank you for sharing your experience… its truly magic to read!
hi! all that you have pointed to angela about finding the career that leads to fulfillment is bang on. the part about looking at what you did you in your childhood and what hobbies and activities you do now point to aspects of what make you…you…is a great place to begin. then ask yourself what is important about those activities and ways of being. what values are those. uncovering your values gives you clarity as to who you are and what you must have/must not have in your career (and even in your life). sometimes the path is not as obvious as it would seem and you have to try a few till it feels right. there will be roadblocks and ways of thinking that might get in the way along the path, but they can be overcome. the help of a coach (or support crew, friend, spouse) can push you through those roadblocks and keep you motivated and accountable along the way! cheers!