A New Direction For Me

I have been quiet here on the blog recently. I have had ideas for blog posts. I have even written things I meant to be blog posts, but for one reason or another, I have decided not to share/post those. Like with many people, I have spent a lot of time these last few months examining my life- where I am and where I want to go. 

For the most part, I am lucky. My job has been impacted by the pandemic, but not changed. I work from home right now, but I still do the same work. I am not concerned about losing my job. I did not get a raise this year, but that is the biggest financial impact of the pandemic on me. 

Still, I have been in this current position for over six years now. This is the longest I have ever stayed in the same position. I enjoy what I do. I love the people I work with. But I am no longer being challenged by my work. I am not learning anything new. And that is a problem for me. Being stagnant in my work is not what makes me happy. 

This means I have been thinking about other options. I spent a few days pondering a PhD, probably in Sociology, but I honestly do not think I want to do a dissertation. I have looked at professional certifications like Certified Management Accountant, but, while I do fiscal work and enjoy it, I do not want to be an accountant. I have looked at other certifications, like the Sig Sigma Green Belt, which only cost a couple hundred, which I almost certainly will get. It is not a new direction, and really should be something I already have.

But all of this thinking has had me thinking about what I like most about my current job and path. I enjoy the fiscal work and spending time in spreadsheets, but it does not bring me joy. It is just not a bad way to spend an afternoon. No, what I like most about this job, and all of my jobs since becoming a manager, has been the people management part. Not being anyone’s boss, but sitting down with people and getting to know them, learning about their goals, and helping create a path where they can achieve those goals. I enjoy doing this with my staff, and I love it when my friends allow me to sit and help them make these plans. This is what brings me joy.

In light of this, I saw an ad the other day for 90% off some Life Coaching certifications, taking a program that is normally $500 down to $50, and I decided to go for it. Now, this is one of the least expensive Life Coaching certifications that I have seen overall, so maybe it will not end up being the best program I could get, but it will almost certainly be the best program I could get for the money. It will let me explore this option without a huge layout of money, to figure out if this is the direction I want to go.

I will be honest. I do not know that I would ever quit the work I do to become a full-time, self-employed Life Coach. There is a lot of risk there, and while I am the one bringing in 85%+ of our family income, I do not know that is a risk I am willing to take. But it is something I could do on the side. Or, it could just be training that helps make me a better manager. 

It seems silly to be as excited about this as I am, but I am excited. 

So stay tuned to this space as I keep writing about personal finances, sharing pictures of my dogs, and talk more about this new direction.