By Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter
Dictionary.com defines “change” as follows:
“to make the form, nature, content, future
course, etc., of (something) different from
what it is or from what it would be if left
alone: to change one’s name;
to change one’s opinion; to change the course of history.”
There is something both romantic and disconcerting about the idea of change. Ultimately,
changing the “future course” of something is empowering. Personally, I have encountered, battled, spearheaded, embraced, endured and celebrated change in the course of my life. Most recently, when meeting and dating my husband, Rob, I met with a nonconformist and agent of change who sees transformation opportunities in every situation, and in every day.
Just weeks into our courtship, Rob’s itch to return to the tropical lifestyle in which he had lived the prior seven years, became apparent. In serious discussions regarding our relationship’s future course, we agreed that we would reside and make our future in a climate conducive to both of our lifestyles and desires – this included seriously considering a move back to Florida (from Missouri).
As well, within 15 months of dating, as we sailed into a more serious relationship, and inspired by the movie, “Fools Gold,” we bought our first sailboat; four months later we invested in boat number two; and only six months after adopting our sailing lifestyle, we exchanged marriage vows on our boat.
The sailing changes included not only a financial investment in the boats themselves, but marina and slip charges that would perpetually commit us throughout the life of our sailing dream.
None of these changes in lifestyle and marriage status were easy or without their painful moments that change and growth require: stretching intellectual, physical and emotional muscles that become dormant when we become acclimated to our day-to-day routines.
More recently, after two+ years of marriage, as my 13-year-old business (CareerTrend.net) has continued to grow and as Rob’s sales management career persists to thrive, we regularly converse about our next change – moving ourselves, and our boat, to a warmer climate conducive to year-
round sailing. Moreover, during this period, Rob has moonlighted in my business, has become a regular blog contributor and involved himself in my day-to-day sales and business development initiatives. His writing career outside the careers industry also has taken root as he published his first article in a global sailing magazine called “Good Old Boat.”
His CareerTrend contribution is in the throes of transition as he segues his sales management career this winter. November 1 was his last day of full-time engagement at his other employer as he takes the leap toward full-time partnership with CareerTrend.
Though Rob and I have been somewhat shielded from the financial flux many have encountered as a result of last-two-years’ economic crash, we are not immune to the negatively toned ripple effect that an economy both paralyzed and petrified by financial unrest can create.
In fact, our own personal and business plans, though on track, have evolved, as we adjust our sails to accommodate the winds of change, plotting course adjustments and considering alternative options to our once-certain relocation to the Florida Keys. A recent trip to Lake Texoma in Texas fortified our research arsenal as we investigated sailing and lifestyle opportunities on a sprawling, 90,000-acre lake (nearly ten times the size of our current sailing lake in Kansas).
As well, we researched housing options, considered the differences in cost of living in Texas versus Florida, and marveled at the resort lifestyle that the Lake Texoma sailing marina offers (we located housing within walking distance from the water and found a sailboat slip that our Sea’s the Day would call home).
Moreover, as our parents age and our sentiments toward family continue to deepen, this more central location between Rob’s family, and mine, factors into the potential change decision.
As Rob and I embark on our next change phase, I can’t help but consider how my experience mirrors many of those events my own clients face. Whether they are thrown into the tumultuous storm of career change without a life raft, or, whether they are at the precipice of career change, still employed, but uncertain of their economic, personal or emotional future, change is inevitable. Change is constant. Change, though sometimes messy, and wrought with uncomfortable choices that seem uncertain, is generally good.
While many consider unplanned change an uprooting of their current goals, I like to think of it as an opportunity disguised by the pain and discomfort, and often punctuated with happy surprises.
Moreover, I think that most people – in particular career changers – possess MUCH more control over their future than they EVER think possible. While the course you may be plotting will change, the destination, need not. Here are 3 reasons why:
- Though Rob and I continue to alter our course and adjust our sails, our destination remains
stable. Our destination is a lifestyle that offers a warmer climate, closer proximity to our sailboat that allows a day-to-day melding of our writing and sailing passions and our careers. We also desire a slower-paced lifestyle that is not wrought by the demands of city life. - Likewise, job seekers and careerists need only to consider their ultimate goals and be open to the course changes required to transport them there. You may find that the destination may not be a specific position title or industry but instead an amalgamation of your talents, passions and experiences that uniquely interlock to enamor you to a particular company and role. THAT is your destination versus a round-peg, perfectly fitted hole in which you fit your career.
- The key: visualize a specific job destination initially. It must start with a title, or cluster of titles, it must be describable, with specific requirements and attributes. This provides a concrete target. As you create your career communications messages that aim your career arrow at this precise target, you will find that other opportunities, similarly shaped but with their own unique, colorful attributes will emerge. Investigate those. Be curious. You will find the twists, turns and choices in your career change opportunity both invigorating and evolving.
Change – it is inevitable; it is constant; it IS good! Celebrate! Be curious; be OPEN to and unafraid of the opportunities change offers!
Fantastic post, Jacqui! I wish you and Rob absolute blessings as you make these changes or decisions in your lives!
Oh, thank you for your blessings, Julie! We so appreciate you.
And thank you for the kind remark regarding the post!
Jacqui (and Rob)
Another fabulous post, Jacqui.
You and Rob make me crave adventure and change… and make me want to buy a boat! 😉
You are right… life is continually changing. We can either embrace and accept it, or try to fight it with an end result that is sure to be painful.
Better to look at each new opportunity as a gift and enjoy it. You never know what waits for you around the next corner!
Erin
Wow – appreciate your complimentary words, Erin!
And, I’m so glad we could stir up your cravings!
Your reinforcing words regarding the ‘continual changes’ of life are great to read. My sense is that you … and your family and business have thrived amidst changes over the years and will continue down that successful path, enjoying the twists and turns and surprises along the way.
Many thanks!
Jacqui
Loved this Jacqui, hope we get to visit you in lake Texoma. Beverly
Beverly,
Such a nice surprise to find your note at my post!
Thanks for visiting here and for your kind remark; and, thanks again for your Texan hospitality last week!
~Jacqui
Great post Jacqui – almost tempts me a real land lubber! As we have discussed in so many other forums – it’s all about self insight and harnessing that in a practical way to achievable goals. Sounds a wonderful life! Good luck.
Dorothy,
So glad you enjoyed the post.
My plan to tempt is working! *smile* If ever you travel my way, I will promise a smooth sail.
Good point about “self insight and harnessing that in a practical way to achievable goals.” Thanks for the value-add remarks!
… and for the well wishes.
Jacqui
Wow, what an exciting time this is for you and Rob! Life is just so much rearranging of things to make them more pleasing and comfortable.
It’s terrific to have options and overwhelming at the same time. Sometimes it’s not change that’s unsettling but whether the changes we choose will fit the expectations we have.
Like you and Rob,I’ve taken some big gulps of life that have moved me closer to the life I’ve wanted. I’ve found my way to a life that I tell my friends “isn’t hard on me.” Feels good…and I hope future changes will maintain it.
It’s a treat to follow your path. Thanks for sharing so much~ ~Dawn
Hi Dawn,
You always brighten my blog posts with your enriching words!
I love the idea of “rearranging things ” to be more “pleasing and comfortable.”
As well, your sharing your own experience with taking some “big gulps of life” that have moved you closer to your desired life is great to hear. Love the visual of “big gulps!” I (and I’m sure Rob would agree) feel that we’re taking a couple more big gulps as we execute this transition; but, as you aptly put, we’re aspiring to a more pleasing/comfy result.
Though life is full of risk and no “certain” outcomes, I am a firm believer in momentum and HOPE, which is why we are deciding to move forward on this Texas adventure!
You’ve purely and introspectively interpreted the intent of my post. Many thanks for that, Dawn!
Jacqui
Jacqui, what an awesome post. Thank you for sharing so much of what is going on in your lives. It helps make you and Rob that much more “real” to us. And the parallels you’ve drawn to from a career perspective are spectacular.
So am I correct in understanding that we will be Texas neighbors soon? 🙂
Thanks Alicia!
Your smiling face ALWAYS elevates me!
And, of course, your nourishing words — they add value. Glad to share more of Rob’s/my reality with you (and with others). I’ve benefited from YOUR forthcoming, “authentic” blog posts and other communications, too, a great example to mirror (thank you!).
Thanks, also, for commenting on the parallels drawn from a career perspective – I’m glad those resonated.
YES, we will be Texas neighbors soon. I understand, though, that my Texas address still will be about 6 hours from San Antonio – hey, but at least we’ll be in the same state! I can’t wait to call you my Texas “neighbor!”
Here’s to many continued connections with you,
Jacqui
Hi Jacqui,
Kudos, yet again, on another wonderfully enriching post. Every time I read one of your pieces, I am enlightened, wrapped in the verse of your stories.
There are so many nuggets in here. The most important how you weave and share your professional and personal life with the struggles, decisions and opportunities of change.
My dad once said to me, “The only constant is change.” How true! “The Secret” has much to do with how we embrace and manage change.
Once again, your post is so rich with meaningful insights, including;
– “There is something both romantic and disconcerting about the idea of change.”
– “None of these changes in lifestyle and marriage status were easy or without their painful moments that change and growth require…”
– “While the course you may be plotting will change, the destination, need not.”
– “Change – it is inevitable; it is constant; it IS good! Celebrate! Be curious; be OPEN to and unafraid of the opportunities change offers!”
Jacqui, you are wise: Your words and insights connect at many levels. Rob is a lucky man (tell him I told you so!)
I’ve stated this before: You truly have a gift. When the time comes, I offer to write a forward in your yet to be published book!
My best,
Mike
Hi Mike,
Your thoughtfulness in identifying “nuggets” of the post that resonated is much appreciated. I’m so glad you found enrichment in reading, and mostly, glad that you stopped by and took time from your day to read and comment.
“Wrapped in the verse of your stories” <– music to my ears! ; )
As well, your dad is a wise, wise man; and, your reference to the book, "The Secret" further inspires me to get ahold of a copy one day soon. Learning more about how to embrace and manage change is something I aspire to continue.
Moreover, delighted that my words connected at more than one level; and pleased to share your "words" with Rob (*smile*).
Your advocacy is appreciated, and I am further influenced to consider a book; when that happens, I will be messaging you to tap you for that "forward" you have generously offered (thank you very much!).
And, thanks for your value-add comments!
Best regards,
Jacqui
Hi Jacqui – what a great post! I have lived in both Texas and Florida and also love the water. I would be happy to share my experience/opinions if you are looking for insider knowledge…. either way, you would be moving to a “no state income tax” state, so make a plan for another 5% of your income to go in your pockets!
Good luck and thank you and Rob both for the continued inspiration! -Joe
Good morning, Joe,
What a treat that you stopped by!
NEAT that you’ve lived in both of our aspired “destinations!” Interestingly, Rob has lived in both, too (he was raised in West Texas and lived 7 years in Florida).
It’s always great to learn others’ perspectives and experiences/opinions, and we would value your “insider knowledge.” I’d be curious what part of Texas you lived in? And, when you lived in Florida, were you close to the water?
Either state will be NEW to me, having lived in the Missouri/Kansas Midwest for my entire life.
LOVE the “no state income tax” state benefit! We’ve definitely considered that as we transition our lives from a state heavily immersed in taxes (including a 1% City Earnings tax that just adds insult to injury).
Joe, please stop by with your value-add comments ANY time!
Thanks, also, for the well wishes! We will keep you posted on our movement ; )
Jacqui
Jacqui,
This post is about so much more than career-change.
In the sharing of your story, you express your values and how you and Rob have worked together to meet those values.
Aligning actions with what is important to us is a great stress transformer and subsequently, a terrific life enhancer!
Thanks for entertaining, educating and modeling!
Hi Marianna,
I’m always honored when you stop by and remark. Your comments pull a unique thread through the comment fabric.
And, yes, yes, this post really extends beyond career change – and your point about ‘expressing values and Rob’s and my working together to meet those’ resonates (and further helps ‘me’ to identify the thrust of the post). Thank you.
Moreover, as an expert on the topic, you further connect the dots between aligning actions with what we value to being a great stress transformer / life enhancer.
Many thanks!
Jacqui