(Re)Invention Roadmap
Posted by RenaissanceTrophyWife on April 12, 2009
With the upheaval in the financial industry, and looming instability of our healthcare system, I’ve been pondering my next steps in this environment. My friends would exclaim, “Again?!?!” but smile and laugh that it’s so quintessentially RTW. As a good friend once quipped, “You’re only predictable in your unpredictability.”
Image from Brittanica.
Evaluating my path as I traverse the distance from point A to point B is nothing new– I’ve also revised my destination enough that I’m more comfortable with change than stasis. (A large portion of that can be attributed to my personality as well.)
However, I’m loath to call this next turning point, or any of the previous ones, a reinvention. To me, that word is associated with mid-life crises, U-turns to correct ineffective decisions, and self-help books. While reinvention is a useful process for those who have progressed too far in what they may see as the wrong direction, making the call to take the correct exit at the right time is an entirely different matter altogether.
I’ve yet to see an industry spring up around inventing yourself in a satisfying manner the first time around… and while I’ve made my share of mistakes, I think I’m young enough to escape the mid-life crisis label. It’s all about perspective, right?
I prefer to think of my evaluation process as inventing my path forward, utilizing the various skills and knowledge I’ve gained to date, rather than a revision of prior decisions that now need to be recast in a different light. Maybe the distinction is subtle, but it has a considerable impact on the way I formulate my approach going forward.
Every time I make a career move, I get more introspective for a time, recrystallizing my story and highlighting the elements most relevant to my targeted future undertakings. What better time to refocus the blog as I concentrate on my past and present strategies?
(Incidentally, I find it somewhat appropriate that I’m posting this on Easter, a day of resurrection.)
Would love comments/suggestions re lessons you’ve learned in similar situations, or particular topics I should highlight!
(Re)Invention Roadmap said
[...] Original post by RenaissanceTrophyWife [...]
Kristan said
I don’t think it’s a subtle distinction: there’s a huge difference between making mistakes and correcting them, and just realizing it’s time to move on/move in a new direction. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with either — it’s more making mistakes and not doing anything about it that’s “wrong”.
Personally I’ve gone through a couple key moments of change: (1) dropping computer science as my double major in college and picking up design & Spanish minors instead. BEST DECISION EVER. And (2) realizing that I am incapable, at this point and time, of holding a full-time job AND dedicating the amount of time to my writing as I want. So I had to voluntarily demote myself at work, to part-time admin. And that was kind of a hit to my pride, for a number of reasons, but it was also the right decision.
So I guess if it feels right, go with it. Better to regret the things you do than the things you don’t.
RenaissanceTrophyWife said
Good point! I’ve come across many people who seem to think that the best course of action is to continue along a certain path, once you’ve started, and this belief also tends to coincide with a mindset of “if you’re fixing it, it must be broken.” While I don’t believe that at all, I think that it’s hard for them to see what I want in the context of proactively managing my life/career. Not necessarily a subtle distinction for me, but for them, I suppose.
“And that was kind of a hit to my pride, for a number of reasons, but it was also the right decision.” — I can definitely see where you’re coming from on this. Good for you for making the right decision! I’m of the school that obsesses over advantages/disadvantages and tries to be practical, then ultimately makes a decision based on my heart/gut. It’s been scary at times, but I can’t say I’d do anything differently (so far).
Kristan said
Oh, I am SO in that school too!
wellheeled said
Please tell me when you figure it out. I’ve struggled with this topic – a lot, and still haven’t come to an answer.
RenaissanceTrophyWife said
You would think for the number of times I’ve switched focus (4 disparate fields between HS, college, grad school, job) that I could do it in my sleep… or use a template or something. Of course, the only thing I know for sure is what I *don’t* want to end up like. C’est la vie.
Beginning at the End « Renaissance Trophy Wife said
[...] all the more reason to continue working on the other elements. Hence, my consideration of a career change (although not as drastic a shift as the previous one) even in this turbulent environment. [...]