Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
It’s funny that this question came up as I had to do this question for career development today. I picture myself in two self employed industries (likely real estate and gardening but I’ve got various ambitions), with two kids and the sweetest husband in a home where we host gatherings and a garden we can enjoy in the mornings and afternoons. I’m still very active in the gym and outdoors, and we travel abroad on occasion.
Describe something you learned in high school.
I reasoned that I did not need to go the pace of the class since most classes were not very challenging, and that I could read ahead the material we never would cover in class. I wondered why so much was left out until I realized most studied just as ordered and not with much motivation or curiosity, limiting teachers who by and large wanted most of the class to pass even at the cost of diminished overall progress. I realized I would never be conversational in a foreign language at that pace. Perhaps it is not only natural ability but the drive to learn and be challenged that determines who will feel successful in their endeavors.
Describe one positive change you have made in your life.
Investing in a 3-month gym class with a private trainer was very impactful on my physical health and my confidence.
Most changes push us to grow in some way, so they can have a beneficial impact even if they are painful and stressful at the time. Two weeks into my career change I am starting to feel it. This is perfectly normal and expected, though I would love to have a little less emotion about it. Ah, to be a Vulcan.
I don’t need to push myself to burn out, and I’m going to have to learn so much through experience which means beginner mistakes. I need to give myself grace which could mean taking things slowly at times. I don’t need to burn out to try and impress someone else.
Anyone else out there have some past experience of a major career change and how it went?
What’s the most fun way to exercise?
Gardening can involve many muscles and also be restful, or riding a bike as a means of exploration and exercise is another splendid option.
So I’m a week and two days into my new career in real estate. It’s exciting, unpredictable, and honestly my adrenaline levels may take some getting used to this new pace. Just today, I made my first calls which came with follow-back actions (and a quick self-reminder to note my new office number mid-call!), set some long-term goals, and created my first social media video (linked here) as an agent which sent my mind in so many directions!
Trying to meditate after that was like herding cats.
What’s something most people don’t understand?
Unless you are a diplomat, working at a foreign consulate is just a job. I find it fascinating how most think of it as this regal position, and at the same time have no clue what exactly it is. (I could really mess with some minds if I wanted to!) A consulate general is not an embassy, and local staff don’t travel the globe for work. There can be some hilariously odd happenings, but everything beyond that is classified 😂
Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.
It was difficult to leave the position of teaching when my Japanese program was cut 12 years ago. I’ve always had a passion for learning and teaching others has been an extension of it, and I had been teaching on and off from the time I had been in college. While it is a time consuming position to be at home late into the evenings making materials and planning classes for the coming day, it was very rewarding as well. Like any skill, I can see how the more years you do it, the better your instincts to bring in more engaging material, stay flexible with changes, and accumulate boatloads of resources so you don’t have to make everything from scratch. I came to my current job not out of passion, but for service to others. I expect my upcoming change at the beginning of April will be a continuation of service to others, but there’s the opportunity to educate my clients and I’m looking forward to bringing some of that passion to teach back.
So a good use of a Wednesday night in late February is building gingerbread houses. The sweet smell doesn’t remind me of my childhood even though most building items are familiar candies. Did they change the recipes since then? The one on the left is mine, and as far as first times go it feels like a success.
What’s the thing you’re most scared to do? What would it take to get you to do it?
So I plan to quit my job in the morning which is something I’ve wanted to do for about 10 years. I know I won’t regret it, and I have been wanting to change careers for some time, but didn’t know which way to go. When you are anxious about the unknown future struggles but excited about the new experiences, the feeling is unsettling. Plus I’m tired of so much feeling.
What do you complain about the most?
I often complain about work stress, but I plan to quit my job of 12 years on Monday and put an end to that chapter of my life.
Mauron Kur 