I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with the wonderful people at INFLUENCE AT WORK this semester. It not only has been a wonderful learning environment, but it has given me a chance to reflect about where I'm going.I think the most important thing I've learned this semester is in regards to where I see myself in the future and what I want out of my career.
As I may have mentioned in previous postings, I have spent the last 5 years in animal welfare and even chose my major based on my intentions to stay in that field forever. My plans changed when I had an extremely negative experience while working at a shelter here in the Valley. I landed at INFLUENCE AT WORK entirely by chance, and it has caused me to re evaluate what is really important (as far as my professional aspirations).
The biggest take aways in this aspect have been the huge differences a positive work environment can make in my overall happiness. For the past several years I was feeling overwhelmingly stressed and might as well have written the book Non- Profit burn out. I was miserable doing what I loved to do. The work I do with INFLUENCE AT WORK isn't as fulfilling as finding a loving home for an animal found half dead a month earlier, but I find myself immensely happier doing it. I genuinely like and trust every one I work with. I am doing the type of work I enjoy (administrative), and I genuinely see room for growth without having to fight a political leadership to get there.Basically, the most important thing I have learned this semester is how I can love going into work everyday without sacrificing a secure financial status and stress to get there.
Hi Nicol! You touch on a really important issue and it is encouraging that your internship experience got you there. Balancing our passions for advocacy with workplace satisfaction is extremely important and I respect your decision. You can be no good for anyone if you are stressed out all of the time and not happy. It can even eventually affect your health. I hope that a positive work environment will come up where you can do the work you love to do, but being happy in the workplace does need to come first.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicol,
ReplyDeleteWow, what an empowering and inspiring post. Thank you so much for sharing with our class. I am truly touched by your experiences and how you found your calling. It may have been difficult to get to where you are now but the most difficult times of our lives is when we grow more. It helps shape us and find our way. I am so happy that you found what you loved and got an opportunity to intern with such an incredible organization and group of individuals. I wish you the best on your next endeavors.
-Denise