It's ok to take a break...a long break if you need it...
Last week I took a mental health break from many things on my plate.
I often hear a “negative” metric thrown around about transitioning veterans who can’t hold down their first job for more than a year. My response to that is, so what. As long as a veteran is learning from each new experience and getting closer to their inevitable goals, each new position helps create a path to get to the final product.
Last week, I needed to make a tough choice about continuing with my current role at American Corporate Partners or stepping away. I have pretty severe back issues that were flaring up and I had hoped my most recent MRI wouldn’t confirm those issues were worsening. I wasn’t so lucky.
I don’t share this because I want sympathy but I want to acknowledge that this was only the second time in the past 20 years I didn’t have to ”figure out” how to make a job work that wasn’t working. More details on the first time in a later newsletter, but for 20 years I sucked up many terrible situations or work arrangements because I didn’t have a choice; I had signed a contract. I didn’t have the freedom to quit the military when it wasn’t working for me.
With my back issues, driving into downtown Washington, D.C. from northern Virginia simply wasn’t going to be a viable work arrangement, no matter how much I wished that wasn’t the case.
I won’t say it’s been easy to overcome the ingrained desire to perform to a status quo that doesn’t work for me, but it’s getting easier each time to say no. I spent the past year during my military transition focusing on the things most important to me and what truly fuels my soul. I no longer view my purpose as putting everyone else’s needs before mine but to put myself first so I can be purposeful in my pursuits.
I found my passion working at ACP but continuing there meant putting myself second. My goals didn’t align, passion and personal well-being, so I reluctantly resigned.
In this process, I continue to learn more about myself. I keep getting closer to what I know will eventually be the right fit. ACP solidified my decision to continue pursuing roles in the non-profit, veteran space and I cherish every day I got to spend working with the mentors, proteges, and ACP staff.
I feel like it’s more dangerous to make a veteran feel forced to stay in a situation that isn’t working for them for fear of being a metric. Moving around in your first year should be normalized and encouraged!
I’m a veteran who’s already back on the job hunt after a short time at my first position and I don’t feel any way about it besides knowing I’m putting myself first and I’m proud of my efforts.
Next week, I'll continue my writing about the steps I took every month of my retirement journey, but this past week and even right now...I'm focusing on me.
Former Store Manager and Trainer at Starbucks
1yI 💯 think you are doing the right thing and I applaud and appreciate you sharing. Good Luck on your journey .
Sales Director ~ Emergency Networking
1yI remember as a full time firefighter/paramedic. There were days - and thankfully they were not every day … but days I didn’t want to come back to work. I took the shift off - and many times took a mental lashing from a supervisor - My partner asked if I was feeling better thinking I was physically sick l, I said I was sick - sick of this place and job and I needed to get my head straight. Never had to say it again …. Best thing I ever did ….
Pivoting & looking for a new challenges! However, I’m determined my new organization be the right fit culturally.
1yMetrics don’t matter anymore. Focus on finding & keeping your smile. #cityslickers
Cornell Johnson MBA | Capture Strategy | Technical Writing | Sound and Events | DX
1yI am proud of you for choosing your health and allowing more accommodating possibilities into your universe.