manifest destiny September 3, 2008
Posted by deepali in goals, personal growth, work.trackback
(aka, why i am quitting my cushy job to head off to the remotest parts of the world)
Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of skeptical looks. You see, the normal course of things is to graduate, work a bit, go back to school, work a bit more, and advance up a predictable and reasonable career ladder. It would be even better if you could manage to do this at the same company.
Well, for the last 5 years, I’ve done this. I started entry-level, worked my way up to senior management, and am now involved in some exciting things. I love my job, and I like working here. I managed to get an advanced degree from a well-respected institution, which has really opened up some great opportunities at my current place of employment.
But it also opened up opportunities elsewhere. And here’s the kicker – I’m not predictable and reasonable. I’m the daughter/friend/girlfriend/other that you sometimes lay awake wondering about at night… only to wake up in the morning to remember that everything will be all right because somehow, or in some way, someone (or something?) is looking out for her.
So I don’t worry. But I also don’t waste my time in complacency. My job is great, but it’s also frustrating. I have goals and plans, and I’m not the type to let someone else determine my timeline. Here, you wait a respectable amount of time to move up the ladder. I’ve shortened that timeframe a bit, but I’d like to do so even more. Unfortunately, from here on out, it’s even more slow-going.
Well, if there is one thing I know about myself – I’m impatient. So I’m taking a tip from Gen Y and moving on. I’m heading out to Mongolia, where I will engage in my own research. I’ll pick up the missing skills in my own way. When I come back Stateside, I’ll have one hell of an impressive resume. But I’ll also have a better understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses. From here on out, I define the future progression of my life.
Career advancement doesn’t always mean the corporate (or non-profit) ladder. It can also be self-defined. The key is to determine what skills you need to do what you love.
Wow! What a ballzy move on your part! Congrats and good luck. How many people in this world today actually go to work every day and can honestly say they love what they do? I for surely do not! I think it is great that you are taking a risk and making the move that you are, I wish I could define my own path but it just is not in the cards right now. Your post is amzing and thought provoking! I nominated you for the “I heart your blog” award…
http://www.financeurlife.com/2008/09/blog-love.html
Oh Deepali I’m sooooo thrilled for you!!! I love Mongolia and my old Prof worked there (in global health) for many years!
I too tend to tend to climb then bow out for 1-2 yrs to travel do voluntary work overseas etc. Very common here in England.
I’m really thrilled for you!
I give you a lot of credit…that is pretty far away…What will you be doing there?
@ Dr S – Why thanks! I’ll have to check it out.
@ FT – Have you been? Would love some advice!
@ Sharon – Thanks! I will be doing research on food security and migration.
Sounds amazing, can’t wait to hear more about it..
Wow! you go girl
@ Apieceofwood and Laura – Thanks! There will be plenty more to come.