Taking Chances & Trusting Your Gut

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of mentoring many young professionals.  And while,  for some I have played the role of mentor, here I use the word more loosely in the sense of giving brief advice versus mentoring over a number of months or years.

One question I often got was when did I know it was time to change roles?  And also how did  I know I was ready?

The answer was, “I didn’t know. I took a chance and trusted my gut.”

I began my career as a clinician and quickly moved into industry in my same profession.

When I began my career as a clinician, I had the opportunity to move into a pediatric position….all kids…every single day.  I wasn’t sure if working with kids every day was something that was for me. Other pieces of the job lined up and I thought…..well let’s take a chance and see.  As it turns out, it was my jam.  In graduate school, I had a tough instructor who made me really good in this role.

By the way, you simply cannot stay in a bad mood when you work around children….they light up the world with their silly spirits and laughter!!

Fast forward a year or so and I was exposed to industry for the first time at a training. I thought to myself, I want to do that someday….to be the “trainer”.  I knew I needed about 5 more years experience but I knew I was interested.  Only 2 years into my job at the clinic, I had the opportunity to have that job in industry.  Was I ready – no way!  However, the hiring manager saw potential in me and hired me.  I worked super hard and over-prepared for every visit to build my confidence.

Three years later, I had the opportunity to interview for a Regional Manager position.  Did I feel ready? No.  Did the hiring manager, my mentor, believe in me? Yes!  I took the chance.

And on and on.  Each time, I left a position I truly loved.  And I always loved the next role! I experienced growth like you wouldn’t believe.  I was in uncomfortable positions over and over again….scenarios that stretched me and challenged me.  I was pushed by my mentors and managers and I pushed myself.

Today, I find myself in a time of transition and a new chapter.  Taking chances and trusting my gut has taken on a whole different meaning.  The question is – can I draw from all of my previous experiences during this new phase in my life?  At a younger age, it seemed so easy and I was really carefree when it came to my career.  Now at 47, it seems more serious and that there is more at stake.  Can I afford to take chances now?

I want to move into this chapter with the same fervor I had as a young professional…with that same belief in me and what I can do.  Having a significant shift in life can shake your confidence….losing a job that I loved unexpectedly has shaken mine.  But, rest assured, I am finding my voice!  I am learning to be patient with the process and trying to also enjoy the journey.  I am learning to trust in God and His plan.  I am taking chances on me just as my managers did in the past.  And I am believing in me!

As I end this post, I am reminded of a quote I read in the book by Hoda Kotb, I Really Needed This Today.

”Sometimes life doesn’t give you something you want – not because you don’t deserve it, but because you deserve more.”

As life gives you lemons along the way, be patient and wait for what you deserve and I will do the same.