New Seasons Bring New Beginnings

I show you this picture of a road leading to a destination unknown because my life is reflecting just that.

This new fall season with it's dropping temperatures and glorious colored leaves has not only brought changes in the weather, but my life as well. In mid-September I was told about a fabulous work opportunity that I just couldn't pass up. As a result I found myself saying goodbye to more than just summer sun..... I was saying goodbye to my workplace that I had been at for over 2 years.

When I wrote down all of the pros and cons I realized that I had been comfortable and loved the people I worked with, but I was at a stand still and had simply outgrown the position. I knew if I passed up this offer I would resent my job, so I took a leap of faith and accepted the new offer! It was indeed one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make but it was so worth it.

I went from being a real estate office receptionist to an administrative assistant in the wedding reception business. I now have my own office (you know... the kind that have a door?) and my own personal phone line (with voicemail! woot woot). Totally an upgrade!

On my first day I was extremely overwhelmed with how poorly the files were being kept, the disorganization, but mostly my manager's stress level. I was missing my old job almost every day of the first week. The positive was that my manager was pretty new herself and was so thankful I would be there to help sort out the problems and find the solutions. We work with multiple wedding coordinators and all work as a team to make sure these events are being carried out as smoothly as possible. That's the best part, is that it all happens because of a team effort but everyone is pulling their own weight, like a relay race. When we cross that finish line and look at how well we did we know that we couldn't have done it without each other.

I am finding that my voice is finally being heard and not talked over. When I open my mouth people are listening to what I have to say... I'm not just the ditz at the front desk. I'm putting all of my brain power to use really experimenting with creative problem solving. I am starting to feel like an important link for the business's success and I have grown a passion for it... at least that's what can be said if you are having dreams about your job, right?

Every day is crazy as we find more issues to solve, but the good thing is that nothing is mundane about it. When I arrive in the morning I usually have no idea what the day will bring me. I can go from editing our wedding guides and setting up our filing system to arranging centerpieces and ordering linens. I guess the thing I love most about it is that it's EXCITING! Every event goes super smooth and our clients would never know the chaos that goes on behind closed doors! I love being a part of the chaos and I feel that in just the two weeks I have been there I have made some really good and affective changes. I am realizing that it's important to feel like you are growing and achieving which I now see how I was lacking those feelings at my old job. I can't wait to find out what other strengths I can use to add to the company's success.

Although my real estate job will always have a special place in my heart, I'm missing it less and less. I'm thankful for the learning experience and all of the relationships I have made and I know that I would not be where I'm at without my time there. The hardest part about accepting change is the discomfort with the unknown and always questioning, "Where will this road lead me?" But I'm glad I took the risk because that's what life is all about! If we knew where every road would take us what kind of fun would that be? And how would we ever learn how to make decisions? I'm learning that it's the excitement and learning that helps you grow as a person... and I feel good about that :)