Big Moves, Big Difference

Work fills a large portion of our lives, not just our everyday existence but our lives as a whole, and though I've been a part of the workforce since I was 16 I only just came to realize how important it is to feel appreciated, and respected for the work I do.

Several months ago I read an article on LinkedIn, "people quit bosses not jobs," and I couldn't agree more. I liked my job, and I adored my coworkers, but I reached my breaking point after four years. I just couldn't  justify continuing to work for an employer that didn't appreciate their employees or provide a positive work environment. The lack of respect and the mounting stress not only affected my mental state at work, but it began to encroach on my home life, and that's not ok.

Once I made my mind up, I started applying for jobs via any job sourcing app that I could think of. LinkedIn, Facebook, Craigslist, Zip Recruiter, Indeed, etc. I sent my resume out on Thursday, received a call for an interview on Friday, and by the following Wednesday, I was starting a new chapter with a new employer. The monkey had slid off my back, and the elephant that had taken up residence on my chest was gone. I could finally breathe again.

The point of this post is to encourage anyone who is thinking of making a change, whether it personal or professional, to just take the dive and chase that change! I wasn't sure how things would stack up once I started my new position, but I couldn't be happier and I am SO thankful I finally convinced myself to take a chance and make a change. I'm a happier person not only for myself but for my family as well. I'm sleeping better, I smile more, and my stress level has reduced from maxed out to manageable. I'm sure there will be things I don't like about my new position, but I know how bad things can be and I won't let myself stay in that kind of situation again.

The past has also taught me to appreciate the small things, like the homemade card and envelope with personalized handwritten message, my new employer and his wife gave me this Christmas. It may not seem like a grand gesture, but the card was beautiful and the fact that they took the time out of their personal schedules to make it meant more than you can imagine. Especially when you came from a company that barely took the time to celebrate the holidays with their associates. I definitely made the right decision.