Okay, friends: here's your opportunity to share! Tell me about a time you made a decisive pivot—in your career or otherwise—or a time you took ownership of a momentous choice.
I'm in the middle of a transition myself, and boy is it hard to have one foot still in the door of your own identity! I remember when I transitioned to full-time writing and I was still a substitute teacher (my former career was an elementary school teacher). When I finally let go of the teaching aspect, I was able to devote more of my energy to writing. I haven't looked back.
Sarah, you make such an excellent point: we're often counseled to keep our options open as a way of mitigating future stress, but we don't always consider the stress that comes with waffling.
I'm cheering for you as you navigate your own transition!
I'm so looking forward to hearing more about this progression, Jordan!
As you well know, changes that might seem head-scratching to others often make complete logical sense. I'm glad you were able to own the changes that were right for you!
Loved this post Maddie - encouraging us to make deliberate choices that help us burn the bridges to parts of our lives that are no longer serving us. Thanks for helping me think more deeply about this idea. Good stuff.
I love that Oliver Burkeman quote. Although I'm definitely someone who likes to keep my options open, I appreciate making decisions that follow your heart. If something is going to make you miserable, that is almost never the right answer. Besides, if in the future you all of a sudden feel the urge to become a financial planner again, you could always retake the test. It might be a pain but it's not like you can never do it again. My sense, however, is that you are on the right path. 😉
Once again I forgot to answer your question. I made a decisive pivot this August when I left my "comfortable" job to write full-time. Although it's scary not receiving a regular paycheck, I am much more energized and motivated now than I was before.
Chris, my sense is that you're absolutely on the right path, too! 🤗
You make an important point: outside of relationships (in which it's all too easy to permanently burn a bridge), *so* many of our other Big Decisions can...actually be reversed.
This made me think of all the non-practicing attorneys I know who renew with the bar every year. The ego of it all. Light that bridge on fire, Maddie! My giving up fiction writing/screenwriting sort of felt the same (only it wasn't much of a career, LOL). A release. Letting go of something that meant a lot, that was part of my identity, of what I was supposed to *do*. But building this little happiness biz, connecting with others...that's what I want to do. Now, if I may be so bold...I learned the hard way to have an "anchor" job or client -- something steady and reliable to hold the fort against all the come-and-go money from other gigs. That's not a copout. Taking actual employment is also not a copout. You are smart and talented and you don't need my advice (but the unsolicited variety is my love language). I painted myself into a corner more than once by my vision of what "success" was supposed to look like. I have no doubt you're wiser than me in that regard. Congratulations, sis! xo
Cackling at the "unsolicited advice is my love language" bit 😂 Thank you for looking out for me, my friend! It means a lot. Learning from others who've been there is *always* valuable and appreciated.
I love that you mentioned identity here, because it's so much harder to let go of something when our identity is wrapped up in it. Cheers to you for doing the hard thing(s), so you could eventually make way for the right thing!
A year ago, I took a leap starting The Empress. I'm still so grateful for the first sponsors and to all our subscribers and it's deeply gratifying to find others out here charting new courses :) I too have some very academic letters after my name, but the sad thing is... they seem to hold little relevance the more our political climate progresses away from the humanities. I'm hoping there will be a few younger, more stubborn holdovers from my lot to carry on, but we'll see...
I'm nodding along with so much of what you wrote: most of all, the gratitude for early supporters and other creators when embarking on a creative project. Without community, I think it's almost impossible to weather the fear that comes with starting something new. Other people's support helps us focus on the wonderful, exhilarating part of the journey!
I'm so glad to hear it, Rosana—thank you! Making a career-change decision feels so heavy, doesn't it? I'm wishing you all the success in the world as you move forward into whatever's next!
I am a (mostly) lifelong PNW resident and still can't build a campfire, so you have me beat there 🙃 Can't wait to see what 2024 brings forward for you!
I actually laughed out loud at this one...don't worry, Sophia, you've still got plenty of PNW street cred in my book! I'm very much toasting to *your* 2024 success, too. 🥂
Hi Maddie! I'm a first-time commenter. I can relate. Three weeks ago today was my last day at a big tech company, a prestigious one whose app is likely on your phone. I started working there in March 2020, the same week that the pandemic changed all of our lives. I learned a lot working for this company and met quite a few nice people but it also felt flat (literally, the screen, while working almost all from home) and so hierarchical. I made two lateral moves looking for the right fit for my skills and interests, and had some success with that but also realized I was ready for more radical change. My favorite projects at this company involved teaching and I considered all of my jobs in big tech (I had three) places where I got paid to learn things to teach my future students. So I decided to start teaching! I just finished week 10 as an adjunct professor teaching a grad school class on the same topic as my tech job. I have 15 students, all international. One of them is getting married today and she invited me to lead a game at her reception this evening. Teaching has been really fulfilling and fun. I have decided against taking on any other work for the rest of this year. Next year I will figure out other pieces of my self-employment picture... leaning in to teaching, facilitation, and rest.
Leslie, I'm so glad you shared your story here—it's lovely to "meet" you here in the comments! I'm cheering you on as you continue in this next stage of your career.
I love that you were able to identify which threads of your big-tech role felt resonant (teaching) and which didn't, and adjust accordingly. It's the perfect reminder that even when a career change looks like a big shift from the outside, often it's a pretty strategic pivot based on what you learned about yourself in your last role.
Your writing! 🔥 I’m not sure who said “May the bridges you burn light the way” but “snuff out one option decisively, and you can focus on nursing another flame” is pure Maddie! 👏👏👏
"Snuff out one option decisively, and you can focus on nursing another flame..."
One year ago, I quit a tumultuous 30 yr nursing career. I worked through the acute COVID pandemic cluster f*** and reached Radical Acceptance ( " I do not like this. I cannot change it. I am moving on."). Moral injury is a real thing.
I still have the initials after my name. It's a financial decision to protect myself through the statute of limitations period for any potential legal or civil issues. I do continuing education and licensing requirements to maintain my malpractice insurance. Compartmentalization.
But, my heart and soul have moved on. Body and brain are healing.
Next step? Slowly revealing itself in faint hints.
Susan, thank you so much for serving through the pandemic—I can't even begin to wrap my head around how traumatic it must've been. ❤️
I love hearing your take on this issue. Sometimes self-advocacy looks like letting go of the letters behind your name...and sometimes it looks like understanding all the Very Important Reasons why, in your specific field, you should *absolutely* keep them. I'm so glad you shared this perspective.
I'm wishing you all the best as your next steps inevitably reveal themselves!
Oh, Maddie. This was good to read. AND ... oh my god, irreversible decisions. I can feel how deeply I want to transition to full-time writing. It feeds my soul. I feel like I'm building something that resonates. And I still gotta feed my body and the wolf at the door. So, I remain with a foot in something else, feeling the heat dissipate, trying to coax myself into rekindling that flame, too, if only just a bit, if only just for awhile. This piece will remain with me. 🔥❤️
Holly, I'm savoring the beauty of your words! For what it's worth, you *are* building something that resonates—with your readers (like me!) as much as yourself. The best part is that you're busy adding brick after brick to your writing portfolio here, even while you're doing all the other necessary work that life requires. I'm excited to see where this adventure leads you!
Life is indeed full of unexpected twists and turns, and it takes courage to recognise when one chapter needs to close to make room for the next. Thank you for sharing your journey in such a beautifully written way.
Okay, friends: here's your opportunity to share! Tell me about a time you made a decisive pivot—in your career or otherwise—or a time you took ownership of a momentous choice.
I'm in the middle of a transition myself, and boy is it hard to have one foot still in the door of your own identity! I remember when I transitioned to full-time writing and I was still a substitute teacher (my former career was an elementary school teacher). When I finally let go of the teaching aspect, I was able to devote more of my energy to writing. I haven't looked back.
Sarah, you make such an excellent point: we're often counseled to keep our options open as a way of mitigating future stress, but we don't always consider the stress that comes with waffling.
I'm cheering for you as you navigate your own transition!
Maddie,
Thank you for continuing to be vulnerable and sharing your wins and losses with us!
A momentous change you ask?
Well, for me, it was going from college basketball coach --> K-12 Health & Physical Education teacher --> Window cleaning small business owner.
From the outside looking in, it seems like a "What in the world" progression....but, looking back now, it makes sense 😉
I'm so looking forward to hearing more about this progression, Jordan!
As you well know, changes that might seem head-scratching to others often make complete logical sense. I'm glad you were able to own the changes that were right for you!
Loved this post Maddie - encouraging us to make deliberate choices that help us burn the bridges to parts of our lives that are no longer serving us. Thanks for helping me think more deeply about this idea. Good stuff.
Thank you so much, Sue! Yes, light that match...just light it deliberately. Perfectly stated! 🔥
I love that Oliver Burkeman quote. Although I'm definitely someone who likes to keep my options open, I appreciate making decisions that follow your heart. If something is going to make you miserable, that is almost never the right answer. Besides, if in the future you all of a sudden feel the urge to become a financial planner again, you could always retake the test. It might be a pain but it's not like you can never do it again. My sense, however, is that you are on the right path. 😉
Once again I forgot to answer your question. I made a decisive pivot this August when I left my "comfortable" job to write full-time. Although it's scary not receiving a regular paycheck, I am much more energized and motivated now than I was before.
Chris, my sense is that you're absolutely on the right path, too! 🤗
You make an important point: outside of relationships (in which it's all too easy to permanently burn a bridge), *so* many of our other Big Decisions can...actually be reversed.
This made me think of all the non-practicing attorneys I know who renew with the bar every year. The ego of it all. Light that bridge on fire, Maddie! My giving up fiction writing/screenwriting sort of felt the same (only it wasn't much of a career, LOL). A release. Letting go of something that meant a lot, that was part of my identity, of what I was supposed to *do*. But building this little happiness biz, connecting with others...that's what I want to do. Now, if I may be so bold...I learned the hard way to have an "anchor" job or client -- something steady and reliable to hold the fort against all the come-and-go money from other gigs. That's not a copout. Taking actual employment is also not a copout. You are smart and talented and you don't need my advice (but the unsolicited variety is my love language). I painted myself into a corner more than once by my vision of what "success" was supposed to look like. I have no doubt you're wiser than me in that regard. Congratulations, sis! xo
Cackling at the "unsolicited advice is my love language" bit 😂 Thank you for looking out for me, my friend! It means a lot. Learning from others who've been there is *always* valuable and appreciated.
I love that you mentioned identity here, because it's so much harder to let go of something when our identity is wrapped up in it. Cheers to you for doing the hard thing(s), so you could eventually make way for the right thing!
Right back at you, lovely. Looking forward to watching your huge success bloom! xo
A year ago, I took a leap starting The Empress. I'm still so grateful for the first sponsors and to all our subscribers and it's deeply gratifying to find others out here charting new courses :) I too have some very academic letters after my name, but the sad thing is... they seem to hold little relevance the more our political climate progresses away from the humanities. I'm hoping there will be a few younger, more stubborn holdovers from my lot to carry on, but we'll see...
I'm nodding along with so much of what you wrote: most of all, the gratitude for early supporters and other creators when embarking on a creative project. Without community, I think it's almost impossible to weather the fear that comes with starting something new. Other people's support helps us focus on the wonderful, exhilarating part of the journey!
enjoying your perspective on this. Currently considering a bit of a career change myself and good to read this...
I'm so glad to hear it, Rosana—thank you! Making a career-change decision feels so heavy, doesn't it? I'm wishing you all the success in the world as you move forward into whatever's next!
I am a (mostly) lifelong PNW resident and still can't build a campfire, so you have me beat there 🙃 Can't wait to see what 2024 brings forward for you!
I actually laughed out loud at this one...don't worry, Sophia, you've still got plenty of PNW street cred in my book! I'm very much toasting to *your* 2024 success, too. 🥂
Hi Maddie! I'm a first-time commenter. I can relate. Three weeks ago today was my last day at a big tech company, a prestigious one whose app is likely on your phone. I started working there in March 2020, the same week that the pandemic changed all of our lives. I learned a lot working for this company and met quite a few nice people but it also felt flat (literally, the screen, while working almost all from home) and so hierarchical. I made two lateral moves looking for the right fit for my skills and interests, and had some success with that but also realized I was ready for more radical change. My favorite projects at this company involved teaching and I considered all of my jobs in big tech (I had three) places where I got paid to learn things to teach my future students. So I decided to start teaching! I just finished week 10 as an adjunct professor teaching a grad school class on the same topic as my tech job. I have 15 students, all international. One of them is getting married today and she invited me to lead a game at her reception this evening. Teaching has been really fulfilling and fun. I have decided against taking on any other work for the rest of this year. Next year I will figure out other pieces of my self-employment picture... leaning in to teaching, facilitation, and rest.
Leslie, I'm so glad you shared your story here—it's lovely to "meet" you here in the comments! I'm cheering you on as you continue in this next stage of your career.
I love that you were able to identify which threads of your big-tech role felt resonant (teaching) and which didn't, and adjust accordingly. It's the perfect reminder that even when a career change looks like a big shift from the outside, often it's a pretty strategic pivot based on what you learned about yourself in your last role.
Cheers to your new beginning!
Your writing! 🔥 I’m not sure who said “May the bridges you burn light the way” but “snuff out one option decisively, and you can focus on nursing another flame” is pure Maddie! 👏👏👏
Jolene, this is music to the ears of someone (🙋♀️) who nitpicks every last word before hitting "publish." Thank you so much, my friend! 🤗🔥
🤗 🔥
Great read Maddie :)
Kiran, it makes me so happy to see your name here! Thank you so much, my friend. 🤗
"Snuff out one option decisively, and you can focus on nursing another flame..."
One year ago, I quit a tumultuous 30 yr nursing career. I worked through the acute COVID pandemic cluster f*** and reached Radical Acceptance ( " I do not like this. I cannot change it. I am moving on."). Moral injury is a real thing.
I still have the initials after my name. It's a financial decision to protect myself through the statute of limitations period for any potential legal or civil issues. I do continuing education and licensing requirements to maintain my malpractice insurance. Compartmentalization.
But, my heart and soul have moved on. Body and brain are healing.
Next step? Slowly revealing itself in faint hints.
Susan, thank you so much for serving through the pandemic—I can't even begin to wrap my head around how traumatic it must've been. ❤️
I love hearing your take on this issue. Sometimes self-advocacy looks like letting go of the letters behind your name...and sometimes it looks like understanding all the Very Important Reasons why, in your specific field, you should *absolutely* keep them. I'm so glad you shared this perspective.
I'm wishing you all the best as your next steps inevitably reveal themselves!
Oh, Maddie. This was good to read. AND ... oh my god, irreversible decisions. I can feel how deeply I want to transition to full-time writing. It feeds my soul. I feel like I'm building something that resonates. And I still gotta feed my body and the wolf at the door. So, I remain with a foot in something else, feeling the heat dissipate, trying to coax myself into rekindling that flame, too, if only just a bit, if only just for awhile. This piece will remain with me. 🔥❤️
Holly, I'm savoring the beauty of your words! For what it's worth, you *are* building something that resonates—with your readers (like me!) as much as yourself. The best part is that you're busy adding brick after brick to your writing portfolio here, even while you're doing all the other necessary work that life requires. I'm excited to see where this adventure leads you!
Thank you, Maddie. To brick by brick! :)
Life is indeed full of unexpected twists and turns, and it takes courage to recognise when one chapter needs to close to make room for the next. Thank you for sharing your journey in such a beautifully written way.
I feel so buoyed by your thoughtful comment, Winston. Thank you so much—this note made my day!