She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Career Dissatisfaction

After leaving my teaching job, I felt like a failure in the career department. It was time to reassess my situation and rethink my job strategy. With a string of jobs under my belt, including stints in environmental education, sales, and volunteer coordination, I realized that none of them had ever felt like a long-term fit. It wasn’t just about finding the right organization; I needed to approach my job searches differently.

Rethinking My Approach

I took a step back and asked myself some tough questions. What brings me satisfaction? What makes me feel accomplished? What work do I enjoy doing? And what do I want out of a job?

The Power of Self-Reflection

I discovered that external validation is crucial to my job satisfaction. I need to know I’m doing a good job, and feedback is essential to my growth. I also realized that I thrive on measurable success and tangible endpoints. My favorite days are those where I complete a project, and I hate not knowing whether I’m doing something right.

Identifying My Strengths

I took stock of the aspects of my previous jobs that worked for me. I love creating things, ongoing learning, helping people, and being an educator. I enjoy supporting others in achieving their goals and sharing knowledge in creative ways.

What I Want Out of a Job

I wanted to break free from feeling desperate and grateful for any position. I needed to figure out what I wanted and needed from a job to avoid burnout and frustration. I wanted a role that would allow me to see projects from start to finish, earn a decent income, and offer security and upward mobility.

A New Career Path

After much contemplation, I decided to pursue web development. I enjoy coding, and the idea of having a completed project to show at the end of the day was enticing. With free online resources, I could become qualified without going back to school, and the average starting salary was attractive.

Bridging the Gap

However, I still needed a job to tide me over until I’d learned enough about web development. I took to Craigslist and found a content creator/social media coordinator position at a local tech company. It was a perfect fit, and I fell in love with the work. I’m learning a ton about marketing, and my success is measurable. I’ve discovered I’m a #datanerd, and I can see a future trajectory for my career.

A New Chapter

I’m excited about my work and future in a way that I’ve never felt before. I’ve found that this industry allows me to transition my skills to build the exact career I want. I’m looking forward to freelancing full-time, kissing commuting goodbye, and enjoying a sense of fulfillment and purpose in my career.