Four years ago, I thought I was set for a career in public policy. I was motivated by my involvement in the College Democrats, driven by a will to succeed and to win. An idealist at heart with a heart of gold who saw the good in everyone, and believed that Government and policy really could make a difference.
It can. I still believe that. My personal politics have shifted, I’ve seen the grittier side of DC and loathe the “it’s who you know not what you know” attitude about so many professions in this area.
Thus, a large part of my unhappiness in my former job stemmed from the fact that I was no longer certain I wanted to be in politics anymore. A crisis of identity if you will, when you put so much effort and energy into one goal, thinking and hoping it’ll work out, uprooting your life to make it happen and just get your heart broken over and over and over again.
I’ve been broken, my dreams are broken. I wish I knew where I wanted to go from here, or what I want to do but I don’t. My idealist outlook has been clouded over by my cynicism and I need to wait for the clouds to pass. Because right not, I have no idea if it’s not that I don’t want to do policy or if I think, based on my experiences – what I classify as failures – that makes me think that I can’t. That I’m not good enough for it.
Is policy still in the cards? Maybe? I also enjoy social media, and web design. But maybe I want a career totally out of the ordinary – say like being a flight attendant. I’d love to travel and meet new people. But to be honest? I just…don’t know. At all.
I want to do something fun, I’d love to do something that gives me a little bit of flexibility in my schedule, I’d love to be my own boss but in reality? I just don’t know.
However, I love that because of yesterday, I can ponder all of this. I can sit here, watch Martha Stewart and think “that looks really neat, I’m going to go bake that” (which I’m totally doing – I’m making soda bread and car bomb cupcakes today). I woke up today happy for the first time in over a year. I have the opportunity for a new start, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for the opportunities that await me.
Of course, I know that I probably won’t maintain this attitude. I probably will get tired of sitting at home with the puppies really quickly. But for now? I’m sitting on a month’s worth of pay, I have some time to look for the perfect opportunity – not just the first one that comes along.
But seriously, everyone who commented on the last post? You guys are all awesome. It’s amazing to know that I have an awesome support base – not only from Fiance and our families, but also from my dear friends (who will be celebrating my unemployment with me tonight at the Capitol Hill) and my dear freaders of course. You all rock. A lot.
And I know that this isn’t going to be easy, interviewing is going to suck, applying to jobs and writing cover letter after cover letter is going to suck. And I’m going to cry – there will be rejections and feelings of “oh my god what if I never get another job” – all of which I’ve experienced before. But it’ll pass. I have faith.
*sigh* But for now? I’m just going to breathe and take everything one day at a time.
And seriously I’m going to consider a job like being a flight attendant. Or a freelancer. If anyone has any advice about either of these? Let me know! (or any other job leads for that matter!)
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m really impressed by your take on this! It’s a really horrible thing to go through and not many people would’ve processed it all by the following day! I’m sure it’ll all work out for you – a time-out is definitely needed! x
okay i didn’t get to comment on the last post, but i’m both sorry and happy for you. as everyone says, it could be a blessing in disguise and hopefully your time off will help you rediscover what you love and what you want to do and help you be happy.
and hey lounging around for a couple days isn’t too bad either
As a typical “lurker” (man, i hate that term!), I thought I’d come out and comment here. I know it’s going to be tough for you, but you have the right outlook on this. It’s the time to try new things and see what might really make you happy.
Personally, I was at a job for about 4 years and completely miserable. I finally decided to leave, and boy I’m glad I did. Now I’ve been doing something I actually enjoy for over a year.
The point is that there are both hope AND opportunities out there, especially in DC. That’s the beauty of this town: not happy with what you’ve tried? Well, there’s a million other flavors to taste. And hiring managers know it (especially now), which means having multiple jobs on a resume doesn’t look as bad as it was made out to in the past.
Good luck!
i totally agree with the negative outlook on “it’s who you know not what you know”. I hate that too. I am glad to see how you are positive about everything. I would be a stressful wreck. Wish I had your optimism!
My cousin (who just happens to live in the DC area) was a flight attendant with frontier for awhile. Could totally hook you up with her for advice on that…I’ve always thought it would be a cool profession, especially if you got to do international travel. I think my cousin probably had a love/hate relationship with it, but she always had good stories!!
You have the right attitude. Just have faith that you’ll find something that you love, and don’t settle for less than that!
Wishing you all the best!
I don’t have advice on being a flight attendant or freelancer but I do work in the Gov. Relations of a trade association and I do know a lot of people in the area.
If you ever need your resume circulated, or you want me to take a look at your resume (I worked on professional resumes for 2 years)…shoot me an email. I’m always looking to help people because I had no one helping me with my job search…so I know how rough it is, esp in DC.
But you have the absolute best attitude about this and that will go a long way
Hi,
The right attitude with combination of right aptitude work in the life.
Never be disappointment try to prove your self in every aspect of life.
Max
My mom was a flight attendant for 18 years and says it’s the best thing she’s ever done. Except, you know, give birth to me
Have you thought about- working at a university so that you can get a graduate degree for free?
What about an MPA? I want to do that… and I think you can do alot with that degree.
I am also awesome at editing things…so let me know if you need help. There’s always the DOUBLE HUSKY scholarship, which I think you can complete online too
I think you have a wonderful attitude about this because I know if I were in your shoes, I would be really bitter. And unhappy, though somewhat relieved because I would have a new opportunity in front of me.
You’re going to make it happen, whatever is meant to be. And we’ll all be here cheering you on.
Hang in there… Enjoy the good attitude while it lasts and the moment to regroup, breathe, and decide where to head. And as someone in HR, always happy to give a quick read to anything if you need an extra pair of eyes. As far as connections, I have a friend who’s a flight attendant with Southwest if you need a contact to give you some ideas or bounce things off of. I know it was really hard for her though getting started because they basically put you in as permanently on call at first. She’s been doing it, gosh, four years now? I think she’s still not on a set schedule.
I’ve been a little behind on my reader, but just wanted to let you know I’ve been thinking of you since I saw you made the unemployment list. I know it sucks, but I’m glad you’ve got a lot of positivity going on. It’s kind of an exciting time and you can go do whatever you want to pursue. Hope you find something you LOVE.
Being a Flight Attendant is not a bad idea…if you really want info e-mail me…http://www.theflyingpinto.com/
It’s extremely flexible and I’ve traveled everywhere! I’ve been flying for 16 years, and now I have a 2 year old and her life is filled with travel.