The Rollercoaster Ride of My Career: From Job Hopping to Running the Show
Throughout my career, I've had my fair share of ups and downs. I must admit, I had a tendency to quit jobs, which resulted in periods of unemployment. However, when I did have a job, I put my heart and soul into it, and my hard work paid off. In just a few years, I found myself running the show, taking on leadership roles as the executive director of various agencies and organizations.
The Early Days: Job Hopping
Like many young professionals, I started my career with a sense of excitement and a hunger for new experiences. I was eager to explore different industries and roles, believing that variety was the spice of life. However, this mindset often led me to jump from one job to another, never staying in one place for too long.
At first, I saw this as a way to broaden my skill set and gain exposure to different work environments. I thought it would make me a more well-rounded professional. However, what I failed to realize was that this constant job hopping was hindering my professional growth. I was never able to fully establish myself or make a lasting impact in any role.
As a result, I found myself facing periods of unemployment. It was during these times that I reflected on my choices and the impact they had on my career trajectory. I realized that if I wanted to achieve my goals and reach the top, I needed to change my approach.
A Change in Perspective
With a newfound determination, I decided to shift my focus from job hopping to job stability. I understood the importance of building a solid foundation and gaining valuable experience in a specific field. I started seeking out opportunities that aligned with my long-term career goals and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
It wasn't an easy transition. I had to overcome the fear of missing out on new experiences and the allure of the unknown. However, I reminded myself that true success comes from dedication, perseverance, and staying committed to a path.
Rising Through the Ranks
Once I made the decision to stay put and give my all to a single job, I began to see the fruits of my labor. I poured my energy into every task, going above and beyond to deliver exceptional results. I took on additional responsibilities and sought out opportunities for growth within the organization.
Slowly but surely, my hard work started to pay off. I was recognized for my dedication and commitment, and I was given the chance to take on more leadership roles. Before I knew it, I was being promoted to positions of greater responsibility.
Running the Show
It was a surreal feeling when I found myself at the helm of an organization. As the executive director, I was responsible for making strategic decisions, leading a team, and driving the overall success of the agency. It was a role I had always dreamed of, but never thought I would achieve so quickly.
Being in a position of power came with its own set of challenges. I had to navigate office politics, manage conflicts, and make tough decisions. However, I embraced these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
One of the most rewarding aspects of running the show was the ability to shape the direction of the organization. I had the freedom to implement new ideas, create a positive work culture, and make a real difference in the lives of both employees and clients.
Lessons Learned
Looking back on my career journey, I've learned some valuable lessons along the way:
- Commitment is key: Success rarely comes overnight. It takes dedication and commitment to a path to achieve your goals.
- Focus on growth: Instead of constantly seeking new experiences, focus on personal and professional growth within a specific field.
- Embrace challenges: Challenges are opportunities in disguise. Embrace them, learn from them, and use them to propel yourself forward.
- Build a strong network: Surround yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals who can help you on your journey.
- Never stop learning: The world is constantly evolving, and so should you. Stay curious, keep learning, and adapt to new trends and technologies.
Conclusion
From job hopping to running the show, my career has been a rollercoaster ride. I've experienced periods of unemployment, faced challenges, and made tough decisions. However, through it all, I've learned the importance of commitment, focus, and perseverance.
Whether you're just starting out in your career or facing a crossroads, remember that success is not always linear. It's okay to take detours and explore different paths, but ultimately, it's the choices you make and the commitment you show that will determine your trajectory.
So, buckle up, embrace the journey, and never stop striving for greatness. Who knows, you might just find yourself running the show sooner than you think.
After UCLA College of Letters where I obtained PhD is Philosophy, Psychology and Religion I got a teaching job at the University. I felt uneasy teaching. I applied for a job in the mental health field; I got many offers and within two years was running the mental health center where I worked, supervising psychologists and psychiatrists who have been in that field for many decades.
Eventually, I felt bored by the job (of been executive director...I was barely thirty two years old when I was the executive director of the largest mental health agency in the city where I lived) and quit and tried doing other things.
Nothing I tried worked out for me. So, I did other executive director jobs but eventually wound up quitting and returning to college teaching until I felt that teaching is too easy for me; I felt unchallenged being a college professor (I filled my time writing on assorted subjects that interested me).
Eventually, I realized that I have a destiny and fate. My normal routine is to read until I go to sleep (although there is a huge TV in the house, I seldom watch it) and get up around 5 AM, think for a while, and then go to my computer and type the thoughts that I just had in my sleep.