It’s been over 2 years now that I have gotten my emotional regulation issues fully controlled and I found happiness within myself but now am realizing that I am lost. I am 34 years old and am completely lost as far as my career path. I attended Michigan State University with every single want to be a doctor. A cardiac-thoracic surgeon or an anesthesiologist. I was adamant about it……. until organic chemistry. I fought with that subject until it beat me to such a bloody pulp that I abruptly changed my major to something a little easier.
Yes- I failed myself by giving up.
And now I feel as if I am failing myself yet again by not giving up.
Although my love for medicine is still very strong, my desire to practice medicine left the minute I closed that o-chem book and made the decision to pursue something else. I now work for a medical association and interact with doctors on a fairly regular basis so I guess my itch is scratched a little bit.
Now that I have gotten the psychological challenges down, I want more for my life. And my current career path just is not doing it for me. While I have great mentors and supervisors, I do not feel as if I am challenged, which is hilarious to me since I ran from adversity in college. I gave up easily then but wont give up now even though I know in my heart of hearts that I am destined for greater.
I am at a point where I want to fully pursue my passions and the type of career that sets my soul on fire. The problem is that most of those careers do not pay well. And mama has bills. I refuse to go back to living paycheck to paycheck. I refuse to set myself back but……. is it setting myself back if it is something that I love?
I love giving back to the community and would love a career where I am actually HELPING make a difference in the world so I have considered psychology. I absolutely adore social media management and event planning so that is an option. My heart goes pitter patter any time I think of creating online and creative content for brands and would without a doubt do a happy dance working as a creative director at a magazine. But of course I must first pay my dues. And I am willing to but first need to jump the hurdle of “I don’t want to make a minimal salary again”
This is why I feel lost. When do you make the jump? How do you take the risk? When do you know it’s time to stop being complacent and go for what you want even if a little more challenging? When do you stop working solely for a paycheck?
I know with more self discovery, I will easily find the answer. But of course I am impatient.
I am a huge advocate of self. Be it self-care, self-discovery, self-talks or self-love, I truly know that the relationship with yourself far outweighs any others. I believe it comes only secondary to your relationship with God. Well any higher being. So besides ranting on this here blog, I am going to meditate on my current path and figure out the best route for my future. But of course I must ask my Comme Coco community…… have you ever felt lost in your career and how did you get back on track?
Top: Mad Rag | Shorts: DIY cutoffs from my boyfriend’s Gap jeans | Sunglasses: Forever 21 | Shoes: Aldo (old)
Hello, red shoes give the spark to look.
About you post, firstly of all you must define that you like, check what academic discipline corresponds: biological and agricultural sciences, economic and administrative sciences, exact sciences, education sciences, art, architecture and design, social sciences, health sciences and engineering, social media…
This will help you to position yourself better, because you know of each discipline, and now combine it with your personality with this self-reflection that you do in this post… don’t forget that this world is increasingly more small…
MaximsFashion
Thank you Carlos!!! You are right!
Hi Jen!
I must say this post could not have come at a more appropriate time. This post gave me all the feels! Having just recently graduated and working in healthcare as a registered nurse. Although new and learning my way, I like the challenge but also find myself fighting for my happiness. I truly believe this is the right career for me because as a believer in Christ I have a drive to be of a service to His people. Outside of work I’m currently battling with finding things I enjoy and that make me happy. So I do feel lost. Because my job takes a lot from me emotionally, on my off days I fight to find the balance between getting my rest and binge watching a new show on Netflix lol and exploring new things and connecting with others;however, I believe this is more of a time to connect with myself. But I do like having a community around me and miss that. Do I have a complete answer to your question? No, as I’m weaving my way through life and praying to regain my happiness bit by bit. I just wanted to let you know I thank you for your vulnerability and your honesty and will be praying for you 🙂 I have learned lately that when I feel at the bottom and usually have a breakdown, soon after, the answer comes or something becomes a bit clearer. Be encouraged and thank you for your authenticity and amazing sense of style ( I’ve been following your journey for a while).
Peace and Love, Jasmine
Hey Jasmine-
Thank you so much for reading and also for your words of encouragement. This is truly a struggle but with time I know I will find the answer. I try my best to be open and vulnerable on Comme Coco because I am a real person with real issues and I want it to be a community of sharing and growing together. I really really really appreciate you! You have no idea. Thank you for supporting me and thank you so much for writing.
I hope that you find that balance. Being a nurse is beautiful work but very hard work. I wish I would have gone that route but instead I gave up!
Totally understand what you mean by “not wanting to work for minimal wage” But you know that old saying, “When you work doing something you love, you never work a day in your life”…that said, why not volunteer at some places that peak your interest? This way you will get a taste of what you are getting into???? ((SHRUGS))
that’s a fantastic idea!Thank you so much Debbie!
Hey,
I am currently having the career path blues. I’ve been in social services for almost 7 years now and I must be honest, it doesn’t pay. But parts of me love it. I now know that I must level myself to be higher and be able to service the people I current service at another level, so I am working on trying to be more of an advocate. It’s not easy but I’m working on it. You still have to itch for the medical field, look into something that is surround by that, if school is an option, go for Public Health, it pays (depending where you go), and you’ll be able to still help. Hope this works out. I’ll be reading!
OMGoooooood! you young people! Jesus, I never thought ( If, you knew me in IRL { my daughters taught me that} you would know I don’t do unsolicited advice) I feel I need to impart some of my wisdom. First to have a woman of curves and color giving us fashion…Bravo! Long needed! Your blog speaks to us women of many sizes and color. Know this. Second…Everyone struggles to get THERE… you need to remind yourself, it is worth it! Coming from a person who married ( 28 years ago) at 22 ( Don’t do it!) . But lucked out married to her best friend. Anyway, there were actual bets placed against this union. But we knew that we were two smart young black people who would never give up. And we are now living in a dream house with staff, both daughters are very successful and we are happy and more in love than as we were day one . But, it took work, reminding each other constantly of the goal, tuning out negativity , a willing to put in the work and to always be not just honest but truthful (totally different). Right now your youth ( 34 whatever!) is making you do the “second guessing” game. You think you need to re-assess your life. This is what I have told/raise my daughters,
“believe and know.”
thank you so very much for reading my post and your beautil comment and words of wisdom. Im truly touched! Dont be a stranger! 🙂