Sometimes Change is Necessary!

This is a very different post from what I usually publish on the blog. However I feel so compelled to share my story with you. Why? Because so many of us have had or is still having a hard time adapting or embracing change. Sometimes change is necessary

So, first let me share a quick background knowledge on myself. I came to the U.S. from Jamaica in 2005 to finish my Computer Information Systems degree. I later got a job as a Marketing Analyst for a small company and stayed there for 8 years. I stayed for so many reasons but the biggest reason was FEAR. I was there for so long that I got comfortable. I knew my job so well and could do it blindfolded. The fear of the unknown was frightening. I was seriously afraid for so many reasons. But I knew I was in serious need of a change. I know some of you can relate.

Analyzing and Accepting Change

So here I am, Dec 23rd 2014, in a hospital bed in Manhattan with my new baby sleeping next to me. I stared into his little face and started analyzing my WHOLE life. I knew then, that as soon as I am well enough to move around I need to find a new job. A job that will challenge me and also better provide for this little precious gem I was lying next to. It just HAD to happen. It had to. 

Facing The Fear

I thought about what I do now and what I would like my next job and career to be. But I got lost quick. Then fear kicked it. I didn't know what was out there or what I was capable of doing. Suppose I resign and take a new job only to be fired instantly. My job was safe. My job was flexible. With a new baby I would be able to leave early to go home and build my own hours. The pay was bad but it was a job that I felt was somewhat secure. I tried to tell myself that 'most people do not have jobs, so be grateful'. But that was just FEAR talking. 

Make the Change

I decided Fear was not going to win. I started searching for a new job as I got home from the hospital - in between feedings. I was on my iPhone with the LinkedIn app applying for everything in my field, fields I believed I might be able to handle and even some fields that I just closed my eyes and say 'What the heck' and press they apply button. When DJ was 1 week old I started doing phone interviews. Yes, I said 1 week old. Lol!

Thankfully my husband is the best support system any wife would dream of. He drove me to and from my interviews. I walked into each one seriously blocking the pain of just birthing a child and focused on getting a new job before my maternity leave ended. He stayed in the car and fed and cared for the baby while I did my thing. Unfortunately not all interviews resulted in an offer. I got many rejection emails and calls and some simply didn't respond but I kept pushing. I wanted to give up so many times. Fear and I tackled a few times but I won in the end. 

When DJ was 7 weeks old I got offers from three Fortune 500 companies; all offering considerably more than what I was making. I couldn't believe it. Any choice I would have made would not have been a bad one. Now I work for PepsiCo which has to be the best company ever to work for where I am challenged daily. Most of all, the flexibility I have as a working mother is a dream. And I know that I have a lot more growing to do and I will get that point again when I will know it is time to change things up again.

The moral of my rant is that we should embrace change, analyze your life and anticipate when it is time to do something different. It might be your work life or personal life that needs a do over. But that thing called Fear can poison our minds and keep us where we are. Do not let Fear win. 

In what aspect of your life do you need a change? What would you do if you weren't afraid? Share with us!