Taking a Leap

When I work with teens who are around 18-years-old, they’re often stuck as they think about the future. They’re not sure what to do. They don’t want to pick the wrong college, the wrong major, or the wrong job. They seem to believe that there is some perfect right choice that will give them the life they want, and any other choice is wrong and will lead to a terrible life forever.

I always tell them the same thing: There is no right choice.

I believe that wholeheartedly.

There is no right choice.

Why? Because no decision can keep you stuck forever. If you go to a college and find it’s not right for you? Oh hey! You’re allowed to move on to another college! If you choose a major and then senior year realize you’re no longer interested in the field you thought that major would get you? Yep, you get to graduate anyway but find a way into the field you want, or switch majors your senior year and stay in college a bit longer. There is no right choice. There is no wrong choice

There are simply no rules in life (other than the simple things like treating others kindly). Pivot when you need. Change if you want to.

I’ve been able to preach this to these teens with conviction in particular for these past few years because I knew the truth for me: My career was no longer right for me. A pivot was needed. I had to wait a bit before I could quit because of my student loans. But…my time is now!

Two weeks ago I told my boss that I was quitting and that June 22nd would be my last day, or sooner if I found a job that required me to leave before then.

The next day I went to an interview and got a job offer. It’s a totally different field, a totally different world. A massive pay cut. But…I’m taking the leap. Because I know that no wrong decision can be made. I HOPE that I end up loving my new job and staying in it for many years (this is particularly important because in this particular job, the freedom and benefits get better and better with time). But…if I end up deciding it’s not for me, guess what? I’m allowed to change again! I don’t get just one chance at a job or a career. I get to try new things out any time I want!

So, here I am. Middle-aged and starting a new career.

I am.so.freaking.excited.

So what’s this new job?

I’m going to be a flight attendant!

See you in the skies. Let’s live that adventure life.