Yes, and one I probably didn't have with myself enough lately...
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Are you immediately regretting your decision?
It’s a real issue. Really knowing what you want your life to look like. Sometimes what we want personally and professionally compete and we have to balance.
I’m fortunate now to be at a place in life where I’m pretty sure my highest priorities are set and that helps inform just about everything else.
Since we're all talking about jobs/careers etc, I'll chime in on my recent work transition.
From 2009-2020 I was managing partner in a retail business. We had a pretty good growth rate and we were definitely successful business people. My work itself was not terribly challenging, other all the unknowns that running a business can throw at you. Then COVID happened, and I just got burned out.
I successfully navigated us through the initial lockdown and immediate aftermath, but I needed a break. I found an enthusiastic purchaser who gave me a fair sum for my part of the business and went to the beach!
After taking a little over a year off - Mrs.Mtn.Devil and I were seriously considering relocating away from Asheville - I came across a great opportunity with a small non-profit.
I'm coordinating my own program within the organization, which is very satisfying. But I also have the support and direction of my Executive Director and my BOD.
I really mostly don't miss being the "decider," probably especially because my boss is very collaborative. K don't even really miss writing my own schedule. Monday through Friday generally suits me just fine.
The biggest challenge for me is simply learning a new position after doing the same thing for eleven years. Determining what my priorities are, what qualifies as "urgent," etc. I'm already getting more comfortable with this, and feel like I'm starting to transition from "faking it" to "making it," but that process has been way more exhausting than I would have guessed.
Much love and support to other DBR people trying to find their path. I'm happy to talk via PMs if you want. I find vocational path choices to be rather fascinating.
Cheers!
There is always buyer's remorse. Unless something is free or it isn't meaningful in value.
And I'll be honest, the Austin real estate situation is weighing on me. If prices were only modestly higher than they were in 2020 I would be much happier. That they are up 85-100% in 12-18 months makes it nearly unaffordable and a concern.
The Continuing Adventures of T-Bone (without The Drewsk): Summer 2022, T-Bone travels to North Macedonia to work on an archaeological dig.
That's a pretty significant career change. You never really get over the 'new position/new skill/new culture' anxiety, no matter how seasoned you are. It really helps to have a support environment and team. I've found over the years that a lot of folks that have been in the same place their entire careers don't really have a good feel for what it's like to be new and behave accordingly.
Where were you thinking about relocating? Would you still be MTN.Devil...?!?!
if you want to hear from just about everyone you've ever known, have your wife's email hacked, that will do it. Non stop phone and texting dings, time for cocktail hour!
Why are clams so happy?