“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” –Eleanor Roosevelt
So, here I am in the thick of looking for another job. In the world of education, this right here is called “interview season”. It’s the time of year when the school year is winding down and all of us disgruntled educators hit the ground running looking for a new opportunity. We hit up all of the back-to-back teacher job fairs, submit our applications, and redundantly send our “one-of-a-kind” emails to those people who we believe hold the key to our professional happiness. We only have a small window to get into a new district before our contracts become finalized for the upcoming year (no pressure though). We fantasize about being one of those lucky people who snag a job in a school that no one ever leaves (because that revolving door over here is clearly revolving for a reason).
The fact that I’m a school librarian makes it that much more difficult for me to find something. Typically, librarians stay in one position forever (unless you’re at a school like mine that just so happens to get a new librarian every few years). Today, I had a bit of a moment. The thought of me returning to my same school briefly shot through my mind. I essentially felt like my world was crashing in on me. I began thinking that I had clearly made all of the wrong decisions as far as my career was concerned. I felt myself getting emotional out of nowhere. Why? Simply because I briefly thought about how life would be if I had to remain in my current professional situation for yet another year. In my field, prospects are limited, time is short, and the uncertainty is real out here.
Here’s a fun fact…
When I lack answers or begin to feel like I’m stuck in a certain position, I go back to school. It’s just what I do. I try to find something else that I can do that will free me from these chains of a job that I’m just not satisfied with for whatever reason. That was no different today. I somehow started researching some other master’s level programs that would be more appealing. I researched and researched some more until I finally stopped and thought about what I was doing. My focus wasn’t where it needed to be. Instead of trying to find a quick solution to the problem, I needed to reflect and figure out what I’m really trying to do here. Why am I looking at yet another program? What am I really looking for?
To be clear, I’m more than grateful to have dependable income. If you had even a partial understanding of where I come from, you’d understand just why my current financial and living situation is much appreciated. I may not love the current state of my career but I do appreciate the level of security and comfortability that comes along with my work. But is this really the definition of success? I’m educated, articulate, and can typically win people over with ease. But yet and still, here I am staring at the phone waiting for someone else to call and give me what I consider to be an escape from my current professional circumstance. Why am I putting my livelihood in the hands of someone else? I mean, I understand that this is necessary for most people (including myself unfortunately). But at some point it’s necessary to think about what you really want and to go after it. If I was living my dream life I probably wouldn’t mind at all that this is my reality. But I’m not…so it’s time for something to change. Immediately.
Unfortunately and fortunately, I’m not sure what this even means, But what I do know is that my eyes are wide open. Once your wheels start turning in this direction, it’s difficult to stop it.
So here’s a few steps you can take to keep those wheels turning at full speed…
- Are you destined to be an employee or an entrepreneur? And this is a sincere question. Everyone is not meant to be an entrepreneur (and that’s okay). Determine who you are and plan accordingly. If you’re an employee, make moves towards accomplishing the necessary heights in your field. If you’re meant to be an entrepreneur, something in your day to day life should reflect that (even if you’re currently on ground zero).
- Let those creative juices flow. It’s time to sit back and use your imagination like never before. What does your ideal life look like? It’s okay to not know exactly what you want right now. Start with what you do know, write it down, and jump! Don’t just sit in misery.
- Stop waiting! Who’s in control of your destiny? Do your actions reflect that? Enough said…
Are you living your dream life? What are some things you can do to get closer to where you want to be?