Today’s blog is going to be a bit different from my previous ones. I want to take the time to reflect on my decision to move from one career to a completely new one. This has been weighing on my mind pretty much since I started the course but now that I’m reaching the final few weeks, my thoughts have only been intensifying. Before we go any further, I do want to point out that I am 100% confident in my decision to change careers, but what I do find a little intimidating is all the little things that came with it.
Confidence
My previous job was a medic. At times, it could be a high stress environment considering there were people’s lives at stake, but it allowed me to develop a pretty good ability to read my environment. I could tell when a patient was feeling distressed, or a situation was escalating. As soon as I could see any signs, I knew what action to take, and I knew how the periodically re-assess the situation and adjust if necessary. In that job, I was confident in myself and in my abilities. I did not hesitate to do what I needed to do, and I always knew where to be.
Going into a new career, I’m not so confident. I know in the back of my mind that the uncertainty I’m feeling is completely normal, but a part of me wishes that I could fast forward to the part where I’m better able to trust myself and my abilities. I’m not saying I don’t feel sure of myself when I’m completing projects and stuff for school. What I’m saying is that I’m not sure about the work environment that is related to everything I learned. For example, while I was going through EMT school I knew what the book told me to do, the book wasn’t wrong but at the same time it wasn’t right because once I started my first job, I quickly realized that everything I learned was just a guideline. Well, the guideline that OSU has provided me is coming to an end and I’m excited and nervous to put everything I’ve learned to use. I just wish it would hurry up.
The Nay-Sayers
I started encountering the nay-sayers two weeks before I left my previous job and that’s only because I kept my mouth completely shut about what my plans were. Only my family, close friends, and supervisor knew what was going on. I’d seen other peers get completely torn down by voicing their plans to the point where they changed their minds and decided to stay in a place where they were unhappy. I wasn’t particularly worried about what others would say nor was I concerned with them ‘changing my mind’ but I didn’t think it was their business and I left it at that.
I thought I’d seen the end of them once I left my job, but I was completely wrong. My husband continued his career in the military and got a job in Belgium. It’s normal for the base to hold various events for families. It’s a great way to meet people and make friends but I quickly learned that there were nay-sayers here as well. It’s normal for other military spouses to be stay at home mothers but at times it seemed that anyone who wanted more than that seemed to be a bit of an outcast. I was lucky to find a good group of friends right after my arrival. They’ve been supportive, loving, and totally understand why I can’t grab lunch because I’m busy doing homework. I do have some Belgian friends as well but they are a little wary over American’s in general so they seem to keep us at an arm’s length.
It’s hard making friends. It’s especially hard making friends with similar interests. That’s why I was so happy to meet other people at OSU. I believe that there is a sense of community via the unofficial slack and other resources. I’m truly grateful for meeting all of my virtual friends and I’m excited to meet more like minded people.
I’m Too Old
This thought has crossed my mind a few times but I don’t dwell on it. I know this is just a little insecurity that is in no way true. As an older applicant I believe that I bring a little extra something to the table. I have plenty of experience working with others and leading teams. I know how to manage budgets and properly conduct inventory. I also know how to collaborate with other agencies/departments to get work done. These are skills that were not taught to me at any school. I learned them through trial and error and wonderful mentorship. So yes, I may be a bit older than the other applicants for an entry-level role but I bring with me plenty of skills and resources.
And So it Begins
I’m definitely not the first person to do a career change. I believe this post-bacc program is proof of it but it’s easy to get caught up in our insecurities. There may always be a voice of doubt deep in the back of our brains but I believe the key is to set goals and achieve them. We are all capable of accomplishing what we put our minds to. So right now I’m putting my mind on my job search. I know that I can do it and I can’t wait to find out how it goes.
