Changes

I lost my job in Corporate America six months ago. In the time since, I have applied for over three hundred roles, had countless networking calls, utilized professional resume/recruiter resources, and networked harder than I ever have on LinkedIn. I have also stressed about how to make house payments, how to provide Christmas for my children, and what to do about health insurance. Those who know me often told me in the early, emotionally hard days that I would quickly find a new role, a new place in the corporate world. After all, I have a master’s degree in both communications AND business administration in addition to project management, information security, AND marketing certifications. I have created roles, defined processes, worked with clients, and been a people-leader. In any other job market, I might be a catch. Unfortunately, the current market is….. rough.  My LinkedIn network is full of people who have been without a job for 6, 9, 12 months or even more.

As I volunteered at my son’s school, fastidiously cleaned my house, and cooked new recipe after new recipe I began to wonder if perhaps this was a turning point in my life. Was the corporate world ever my intent? I had been at my previous company for 15 years, being hired shortly before I completed my undergraduate degree. It was a good job, allowing me to provide for my son as a single mother and then as the years went by it allowed me to grow into new roles while providing for a growing family. But as I thought about it, I realized it was never my intent to go into the corporate world to make money. As a child I wanted to go into public health (blame movies like And the Band Played On and Outbreak). As a teenager I wanted to pursue law and become a public defender or prosecutor. Even after I had my son and was in college, I would tell dates that I dreamed of working in the Peace Corp or for the IRC or UN.  I began to dive into the aspects of work that I enjoy and that bring me fulfillment and realized that it was advocating for those who I worked with and enabling my direct reports to be successful where I found the most joy and peace.   

I have now returned back to school pursuing yet another masters level degree, this time in social work as I work to become an LCSW. The mission of social work includes promoting and ensuring access to various resources for the larger community.   

So now I am on a new journey, one that will take several years as I navigate school with internships, part time jobs, and being a wife, mother, daughter, and friend. Hopefully I can share some laughs, share some learnings, and share both by hopes and my fears. As always, ask any questions, add any comments, or show your support if you like!

Always your friend,

Morgan