July 2, 2013
Hi! My name is Andrea and this is why I’m here: I have done the same vague types of jobs since I was 15 years old. I have sold shoes, cookies and hardware and was a union worker in a big box store a zillion years ago. I “was” a United States Marine. I’ve been the primary office worker or manager in a law office, an internet service, a regrettably shady personal injury clinic chain and a Chiropractic clinic that wasn’t shady half a dozen years before eventually owning my own private practice. I have been a personal assistant/sanity-saver twice. I have lived with and counseled at-risk girls on a ranch, and done hundreds if not thousands of hours of youth teambuilding and ropes course recreation. I have a doctorate degree in Chiropractic.
And not one of these things reflect me more than very superficially. Please don’t ask me to explain how I didn’t accept this and start the process to change it well before I was 40. I don’t have an answer for that. What I do know, and am experiencing more and more every day, is that my creative, curious, analytical, observational and exploratory nature is my strongest suit and whatever my next incarnation I want those to be the core traits I get to use every day.
It is time for a change. I’m currently working in an unfulfilling position, in a very expensive but low paying career I never should have pursued, and it is time for a change.
So I’ve hired a career coach. Yay me! But not just any career coach because I do NOT like to do anything by the status quo rule book. Her name is Stacy and she’s turning out to be like my own Yoda (but prettier). I’ve hired begged her to break me down from “above down, inside out” (a little Chiro reference there), layer by layer – through what’s proving to be a super fun exploration process – until we find out together exactly who and what I’m meant to be. What I’d be most happy doing with my life.
In hindsight… um. duh, Andrea. Why didn’t I do this 20 years ago? The more psychologically sad question is why didn’t I know 20 years ago. Hindsight.
Basically, I didn’t know any better. Despite all the costumes, I was raised and indoctrinated to be a rule follower (while being at my core someone who essentially cannot unquestioningly follow any set construct if it doesn’t make sense). Still, I did what the “American Dream” had taught me was the process. I got a job, I paid my taxes, got an advanced degree, opened my own clinic, succeeded clinically but not financially, and proceeded to flame out hard and not have anything even approaching the life I’d been raised to expect would just happen with hard work.
And I didn’t enjoy any of it. And I wasn’t happy. I’m not happy. Hence the decision to recycle myself.
Starting now.
I started coaching in early December 2012, twice a month. After 2 or 3 months the bright idea came up for me to blog the process I’m going through in career coaching. It’s a great way to make sure I do my homework, and maintain accountability. Also, I really like the idea that the work I’m putting in to this process is in one place where I can easily manipulate it.
In May I decided that I really wasn’t content with keeping my blog in WordPress.com, because I was aching for more freedom to play with formatting and design, themes etc. I had no earthly idea what a plugin was, or how it differed from a widget. I know not the slightest thing about CSS coding, although I’ve since learned how to change the size of my widgets using it (wheeee!). A small sort of accomplishment, all of this, to a twenty year old who grew up with an ipad glued to their butt, but for me all of this has been a new, frightening and such an exciting new adventure.
So please look around, there are mini-surprises everywhere (usually I’m the one surprised, but you never know). If you have questions about coaching, please do ask! As for me and my fun journey…we’ll see what happens!
Here’s my unofficial anthem. Enjoy. 01 This Is the New Year (Glee Cast Version)
Wow! You’ve revealed yourself to us. Sounds like you’re making some life changes. Can’t wait to read more. 🙂
Thanks Carrie… It’s about time, no? I’m trying this whole write ahead and schedule posting thing. We’ll see. Feels like a monster task, as I have to catch up to the fact that I started coaching 2 months ago. eek. Welcome!
Proud of you, girl! I can hardly wait to find out where this journey leads you!!!
Thanks Stacy…wait.. Which Stacy is this? I emailed both. hahaha
A huge step, very scary, and yet very worthwhile. May the force be with you. Alan
🙂 Thanks Alan. You know you’re one of my inspirations, right? You made the same leap once.
Congrats on the new blog. I think writing about a journey is a great way to understand that journey a little more fully.
Also, I suspect you’re half-kidding about the “Why didn’t I know that 20 years ago?” Because LIFE is full of that. There’s SO much stuff that I know now that I had no clue about when i was a kid. But it’s not like people didn’t try to tell me. I had to find these things out for myself. I’ve kept a Journal for pretty much all but 9 months of my adult life, and it’s interesting to go back periodically and look at yourself at an earlier age. It’s funny, because at 25, I’d look back at the 20 year old and think, “Man, that kid doesn’t have a clue.” Then at 30, I’d look back at that smug 25-year-old and say, “Oh, and you do?”
Love the photos. Until today I’ve never seen a USMC photo that would look appropriate with little pink heart stickers around it (and I know every marine is first an infantryman, so I know you’re tough as nails, but that HAIR!).
I know, right??! It was long and gorgeous and always up but apparently never quite tidy enough for my she-devil drill instructors, so they made me cut it, completely above the collar. It’s naturally curly so BAM, bob. Actually, it was nice but those hats smash one unnaturally (and look beautiful over a long haired bun). Curse those she-devils.
You’re right about the journey, totally. I was a moron even last year. hahaha. Part of what I might be interested in pursuing is a non-profit where kids (or bigs) can come to explore their talents….not talents, gifts. What they’re naturally more able and interested in, rather than the rote learning and strict schedule they get in school. Dad wants me to be an engineer, and they won’t pay for ballet, but I don’t get math and I cant sit still. Okay kid, lets dance. Or math-dance.
Thanks for checking it out and following 🙂
You can’t go wrong with a girl named Stacy. Just sayin. Good luck Andrea!
I agree! I was just telling her one of my best friends name is Stacy (or Anastasia) which is my favorite name (lol, obviously as per my former blog) and therefore automatically awesome.
Thanks for checking/commenting. 🙂
Absolutely awesome! What a wonderful and courageous journey you are on. Congrats on this great step. I hope you find what you seek and enjoy the ride getting there. Proud of you 🙂
Thanks boss! 🙂 It was scary putting this out there publicly, but it will definitely help with accountability. I think you can subscribe via email somewhere on the main page if you’re interested in the updates, not sure how it works for non wordpress.com readers… eek!
I’m curious to learn more! I think it’s very brave to move forward and reveal more of one’s self. Making life changes is never easy, so know that you’ve taken a huge step. 🙂
Thank you! 🙂 and thanks for checking it out. Here’s hoping for good change!
Great work Sag sister! Face your fears and challenges, kick their asses and come out smelling roses 🙂 Very proud of the step you are taking: atough one but so worth it!
Thanks mama bear! Is definitely a freaky step to take, but I’m counting on it working out in the end to something ideal. It’s been tiring putting this together, especially going back and reviewing the last 2 months. I’m about halfway through writing posts for the sessions I’ve already had…3 more to go and then I can relax and just take one at a time. Phew! Definitely post something if you have insights or ideas for me, please! 🙂
As I am sure you noticed, it appears we have quite a bit in common in our current explorations! Awesome to “meet” a kindred spirit and know I am not quite as crazy as I feel most days. Way to be brave and not only put this all out there, but to dig into yourself to begin with. Much support!
Thank you! I was excited to find your page as well. Just realizing I don’t know if I remembered to follow. I’ll look today. I’m happy to get to follow someone else’s journey too! A
Interesting .. Will see what you will end up with .. Hopefully all the best .. Good luck
Thanks Z! I notice there are 13 views on my blog today, are they all you? Did you really read most of them?! Wow.
um…make more comments! :)xo
Interesting to see you “recycled”… Glad you are keeping at it. 🙂
Thank you so much ! 🙂
Hello again. Just read all of the above and understand more about what has been going on with you. I’m recycling myself too, not on the level you are though. I was thrilled to find and hear from you. I definitely want to hear more. I hope we can connect.
You still checking this? Looks like an exciting and worthwhile adventure…So where has it taken you, as of today?
Hey! I just saw this. I was just thinking the other day we hadn’t spoken in ages and I should call you. I have to renew my tracfone. Hot mess. Hahaha. Will call as soon as I can. Hope you’re all well. Xo