WORKING FROM YOUR PASSION IS ALWAYS A WIN-WIN

Pack your passion in your lunchbox and bring all of you to work – everyday.

So, you decided to change something significant in your life. You left one organization to start with a new agency in a better role. And, you took some time off in between gigs. Well done (whatever you did to take care of yourself)!

As the first day on the new job gets closer, you wonder how you ever managed to do a fulltime job with your full life. There’s never enough time off, but…

You wonder if that’s just the new job jitters. If you enjoyed distraction from the grind, stress, and pressure of your old job so much that you wonder if a full day at the new office is even possible – I say BRAVO FOR TAKING TIME OFF FOR YOU! You must’ve needed it.

CHANGE CAN BE HARD, SCARY, AND DISRUPTIVE.

Change, especially when you choose it, can also be good for your mental, emotional, and physical health. Change can bring a better environment, improved job satisfaction, desired increased responsibility, new challenges, a set of co-workers to get to know, and a healthier culture.

CHOOSING TO CHANGE CAN BOOST YOUR SELF-ESTEEM AND, ULTIMATELY, YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE.

Change also brings unknowns – and not already knowing everything may be unnerving for you. But, don’t pathologize your thoughts and feelings about making this significant career move.

IT’S 100% PSYCHOLOGICALLY NORMAL TO BE ANXIOUS ABOUT STARTING A NEW JOB.

Being new at work can suck at first.

That doesn’t mean it was the wrong decision or a bad move. I wanted to quit for the first three months at three of my career roles. I didn’t like having to learn how to do everything; learning the services, stats, and impact; filling out insurance forms; having to represent my new gig in public. I was super uncomfortable (anxious) before I ramped up, knew the answers, and had become fluent in the organizational vernacular.

Of course – over the first several months – I learned, absorbed, and began speaking the language of the organization. EVERY TIME, ease and comfort came when I remembered I had chosen to move to this organization.

In common to all my major roles: I believed in the agency’s mission. I was (am) super passionate about recovery-based and mental health service providers.

I LOVE recovery, treatment, mental and emotional health, counseling, coaching, aftercare – and helping people find the path to heal their family of origin and trauma wounds. Helping others heal themselves is still my greatest passion! I bring ALL of me to work.

WORKING FROM YOUR PASSION LEADS TO YOUR FULL ENGAGEMENT AND OVERALL SATISFACTION. BRINGING YOUR BEST SELF TO WORK HELPS EVERYONE!

Of these two scenarios, pick the one you want (and join in):

Your co-worker is emotionally polluting the environment with their bad mood, frustration, negativity, or gossip. They are unhappy at work, don’t trust their boss, complain to their co-workers, and generally spend more time procrastinating than producing.

Your workplace has a no-gossip culture, and everyone leaves their emotional baggage at home. You all come into the office each day with a positive attitude, passion for the mission, and clarity about your role and goals.

Surely you agree that others bringing their bad mood, drama (flat tire, how tired they are, roommate or family situation) and baggage to work can quickly turn an otherwise pleasant and productive workspace into a dreaded and uncomfortable place to go every day.

When I am passionate and knowledgeable about my field and employer, I bring clean, clear, enthusiastic, and positive energy to the workplace. I love working with the rock star frontline service providers who deliver high-quality care and services to clients. I am all about people getting the help and support they need – and deserve.

I contribute to a healthy work environment so clients feel only good vibes and can calm down their nervous systems in our space. Just like babies are sponges for what’s going on at home, clients and co-workers sense (and respond to) the energy in a workplace.

Do you cause others to walk on eggshells at work? Or do you bring your passion and positivity to work?

Back to starting your new gig… I encourage you to process your inner critic’s script… and to express thoughts and feelings so you don’t stash them in your purse, backpack, or lunch box.

YOUR INNER CRITIC MAY TRY TO TAKE YOU DOWN BY LUNCHTIME AND HAVE YOU DOUBTING YOURSELF, TALENT, AND WORTH.

Why on earth did they hire you? Don’t they see through you and know you’re an imposter?

WOAH! It’s time to find a private office or phone booth for privacy. Breathe in and out. Remember why you chose to make this decision to change. You made this decision consciously and with lots of thought and intention. In a few days or months, you’ll be gliding into work like you’ve been there forever. You’ll feel normal. You got this – just don’t give up five minutes before the miracle happens!

You know your stuff. And you know your story about why you chose this position with this organization. It’s called PASSION for the mission!

HOLD ONTO YOUR STORY AND COME FROM YOUR PASSION WHEN YOU WORK. EVERYBODY WILL WIN IN YOUR WORLD!

Many women prefer to have a guide who’s already done this work. A trusted confidante. That’s where I come in. I’m an LMSW and certified life coach here to help you. If you’re ready and willing to change yourself and do what it takes to show up at work, schedule a call. Let’s do brave, meaningful, and healing work together.