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It's human nature to reflect on our past. Most of us try to do so in a healthy way, in an effort to ensure we're learning from our mistakes and to give us hope that we are better now than we were ten years ago. From the standpoint of our careers, most of us have those, "Ugh…what was I thinking?" moments when we believe we wasted time doing the wrong thing in the wrong career. That might not be the way to approach those less than ideal positions from our past. After having spent the first half of my twenties in an administrative role, I felt like I was missing out. After all, there were many times I was able to see a solution to problems the company leaders were too close too see, only to have mentioned it to the vice president I worked for that he took into a board meeting and present as his own. That happens all the time and it's part of a good administrative assistant's role, which is to provide support and even the occasional solution to a budget problem. Soon, I became bored and knew it was time to do something different. The confidence I gained allowed me to apply for, and receive, a position in public relations. Again, it was exciting for awhile, but there was just something missing. I was bored. Not only that, but while I could convince everyone, through my work, I enjoyed the constant face to face interactions, the fact was, I knew I needed something that didn't require a lot of interaction with others. I became frustrated with the constant intrusions, the unexpected media releases I had to prepare on a moment's notice and, too, the unpredictability of everyone around me determined how my own day progressed. It was just too much power others had in the course of my workday. Finally, it occurred to me I was happiest when I was writing those press releases and company statements, even if they were due to unexpected events that required me to "write on demand". Before long, I thought, "OK, it's now or never". I resigned from my position and decided to become a freelance writer. Suddenly, I was the only one responsible for how my day went…but that also meant I was the only responsible for ensuring the money came in for me to support myself. No matter, because I was really content with my decision and most importantly, I have never regretted it. After a year of working night and day as a writer, I was finally able to reflect on my past positions. I had those moments of, "Why did it take so long to figure out where I was supposed to be?" Then it occurred to me: I needed that experience gained from both those past positions in order to succeed in this new career avenue I was pursuing. So while I have finally found my "dream career", I have also learned to not take for granted those past positions. Looking for a bit of career advice and inspiration to move forward in your own attempts of finding the right career? Join A. Harrison Barnes on Monday, December 14, 2009 as he presents on Hound.com his first webinar, titled, "Do What You Want to Do, Not What You Think You Should Do". And while you're there, be sure to check out everything career-related Hound.com offers, courtesy of its founder, A. Harrison Barnes.
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