Work Transition Checkpoint: 10 Months In (In Which The Road Twists)

dream frame with a mini image of Giselle;

winged muse and hand-of-Goddess in the background

"I have long wondered: at what point, if ever, do we say to ourselves or a beloved, 'This dream in this form is not possible. You are not attending to life's realities. You need to regroup.'"

~ Jen Louden

I am choosing to move forward on an opportunity to work three days a week at my former 9-5 job. It was tough decision, and it wasn't. I need the money, plain & simple.

It hurts a little (sometimes more than others) and it's a relief. A familiar, obvious, and attractive choice, these three days will offer a revenue base that will allow me to continue my journey to meaningful work a little more freely.

On the surface, this return to the office may seem like two steps back after a major step forward this past year, and it may be. But more and more I'm choosing to see it as just a step, another phase in my transition to meaningful work until the next one comes along.

More and more I am considering it as an opportunity to serve my dream and move it forward through expanded connections, new experiences gleaned, funds, and as an incentive to focus and prioritize work during my days at home. It may even mean a little more fun.

Everyone knows dreams love fun.

Already the release from financial pressure has left space for renewed excitement about the work I've begun putting out into the world this past year. I feel things percolating, and I'm eager to continue.

In a strange way, this twist in the road is validating the life I want to create, inviting me to question my vision - and solidify it.

My dream is far from dead, it's simply changing form to where it needs to be today.

It's time to regroup.

Bring it.

~~~

If you're struggling with a reality gap when it comes to creating meaningful work - wanting to be at a certain point, but not quite there yet - you're not alone. The blog posts below brought me comfort in navigating and accepting my own gap; I share them here in case they may be of comfort to you.

• Can Dreams Be Dangerous? by Jen Louden
• How To Deal With Disappointment by Beth Reacher, The Career Stylist
• The Life Cycle of a Visionary by Lissa Rankin

Comments

[jan avellana]

stephanie, i'm right there with you on this one! i can totally relate. i'm 5 years into my own creative journey, but i am changing course at a time i 'should' be (finally) building on my years of knowledge, experience, customer base, etc. etc...i am choosing to leave behind my handstamped jewelry to pursue my love of mixed-media art and digital illustration. for me, it came down to this: if i find a way to replace my jewelry making income, then i can finally, finally let it go. i've been ready to lay it down for 2 years now, but it took a while for things to come together for me to make this change...so, hazelnut cottage is closing down this fall/winter (yay!), i am back to teaching (part-time, 4 days a week). this will allow me to put all of my creative energies towards my new janavellana.com venture and artmaking, while still having some income.

it is a tough, windy road, for sure. i often feel like choosing this route = failure. then i have to remind myself that this is a brave act of me investing in my dreams. it is a means to an end, a bridge to get me from here to there. it is far slower going than i'd like, but the main thing is, i'm still going!

and so are you! keep at it!!! :)

[Sarah]

Thank you so much for this post. I really feel lost and helpless at times. I now feel that I have permission to do so, as it is part of the journey. My fracture occurred over 3 years ago and was crushing. I have definitely retreated and licked my wounds. I still feel so very uncertain, but do know that I am heading in the right direction!

[Pauline Leger]

Stéphanie, i think your decision is the right one. If i was presented with such an opportunity - i would most likely do the same thing. This is going to allow you the freedom your mind (and heart) needs to keep creating. You are not giving up the journey, you are simply helping it along. I am VERY happy for you. And your art in progress... holy shit. You're obviously giving yourself the space you need. Absolutely A.MA.ZING. Keep you head held high, my dear... you made the right choice. xox

[jag]

OMG, these posts from your companions on the journey almost made me teary! You are all such brave souls. "...brave act of investing in your dreams..." - wow! Then I saw this on today's Daily Motivator and it made me think of you:

"Dream big dreams, make big plans, and then act on them with dedication and persistence. Enjoy the feeling of effectiveness in the present while you build the best future you can imagine." - Ralph Marston

You are fully in today, moving towards your dreams. Dream on, Sis!! And much love to you as you prepare to feed your dreams at Squam... xox