My life has definitely been a zig-zag! The decision I made that confused everyone around me the most was when I left elementary teaching to pursue my MBA. It seemed very clear to me, but no one else understood. (Not too many 2nd-grade teachers find themselves suddenly sitting in 5000-level business classes with NO business background!) After receiving my MBA, I managed a small department at a large newspaper for a little over a year, and then decided to return to teaching. I often felt embarrassed by my changes. Why had I even gotten my MBA if I was just going to return to teaching?
What I later realized is that it was during my MBA program that I discovered my strengths. Fellow classmates sought me to be in their groups for projects because I could get up and deliver a presentation well. I had one professor who made it quite clear that the only reason I was accepted into the program was due to my strong communication skills. When I later worked at the Star-Telegram, I was told, "You have the gift of words," when I wrote a recommendation for employee of the month.
I did return to teaching, of which I have no regrets. However, now that I'm no longer teaching, I'm remembering these earlier experiences as I figure out what I'm doing next.
Julie, I resonate with your story, thanks for sharing. I too have left something, only to return later, and felt foolish. But like you, over time I recognized how much I'd grown in the in-between. Blessings to you.
Mine led me to discover international development as my 'calling'. In it, through it's natural crests and troughs, I have learned that I need to think even more expansively. Fingers crossed.
Oh boy, does this resonate with me. From my teen years I knew I wanted to be a writer, but I didn’t know how to make that happen. In college I had the idea if I got an MFA I could teach. I did that, sold my thesis novel, and got adjunct teaching positions. I sold more novels. But then my proposals quit selling and I couldn’t get a full time teaching position.
So I started working at a small town weekly newspaper, first as an editorial assistant, then as a reporter, and eventually retiring as an … editor!
Oh Lordy, this spoke to me Will. All I can say that what is connected in my tapestry of zig zagginess is one thread, words. Sound advice and wisdom, yet again.
Thanks Will. Sometimes it's helpful to remind ourselves that we are not born with the answers...one of the beautiful things of life is the adventure of trying things out, unearthing our different capacities, and being formed by different environments. So often we get fixated on getting 'there' and miss the life that is unfolding right before our eyes
Thanks for sharing your zig-zag experience. I started out as an accountant and because of circumstances wound up becoming a database developer. Being fluid in your profession allows you to grow so much and in so many ways. There is always a positive generated by the negative even though we can't see it at the time. As Winston Churchel put it, "fortune, when scowls most spitefully, is preparing her most dazzling gifts."
Great post! As one who’s been sidelined by major caregiving for years and now chronic illness, I can see my writing journey as a gift from God and the next “zag”! 😉
What if your beautiful life were also an artichoke, peeling away the layers, revealing more and more of your heart...
Bonnie, I like that analogy, thank you.
You're good at writing also! Might be another turn in the future. ❤️
Thanks, Melanie.
My life has definitely been a zig-zag! The decision I made that confused everyone around me the most was when I left elementary teaching to pursue my MBA. It seemed very clear to me, but no one else understood. (Not too many 2nd-grade teachers find themselves suddenly sitting in 5000-level business classes with NO business background!) After receiving my MBA, I managed a small department at a large newspaper for a little over a year, and then decided to return to teaching. I often felt embarrassed by my changes. Why had I even gotten my MBA if I was just going to return to teaching?
What I later realized is that it was during my MBA program that I discovered my strengths. Fellow classmates sought me to be in their groups for projects because I could get up and deliver a presentation well. I had one professor who made it quite clear that the only reason I was accepted into the program was due to my strong communication skills. When I later worked at the Star-Telegram, I was told, "You have the gift of words," when I wrote a recommendation for employee of the month.
I did return to teaching, of which I have no regrets. However, now that I'm no longer teaching, I'm remembering these earlier experiences as I figure out what I'm doing next.
Julie, I resonate with your story, thanks for sharing. I too have left something, only to return later, and felt foolish. But like you, over time I recognized how much I'd grown in the in-between. Blessings to you.
Good word Will! Thank you. Godliness with contentment is great gain and I am reframing my desired outcome to be intimacy with God.
Janet, well said. And what a great outcome to desire.
Mine led me to discover international development as my 'calling'. In it, through it's natural crests and troughs, I have learned that I need to think even more expansively. Fingers crossed.
Jayant, I like that--"crests and troughs." Best wishes to you on your journey.
I love this article. I think it showed up at the right time
Thank you, that means the world. Glad it was helpful in some way.
Great insight Will. My own journey sings a similar tune. Much appreciated.
Scott, thank you, my friend.
Yes a beautiful zig zag where God uses everything. "3. Know the difference between calling and assignment." Thank you.
Deborah, you're very welcome. Hope this blesses you.
Oh boy, does this resonate with me. From my teen years I knew I wanted to be a writer, but I didn’t know how to make that happen. In college I had the idea if I got an MFA I could teach. I did that, sold my thesis novel, and got adjunct teaching positions. I sold more novels. But then my proposals quit selling and I couldn’t get a full time teaching position.
So I started working at a small town weekly newspaper, first as an editorial assistant, then as a reporter, and eventually retiring as an … editor!
Michael, thank you for sharing a snapshot of your zig-zag journey. Sounds like you followed the trail and landed somewhere great!
Thanks Will!
This is so good. Thanks for the reminder that our “calling” is a divine unfolding of who we’ve always been.
Well said, and thank you for reading.
Oh Lordy, this spoke to me Will. All I can say that what is connected in my tapestry of zig zagginess is one thread, words. Sound advice and wisdom, yet again.
Becca, thank you for reading. Hope it was helpful to you. Gonna do more writing on this topic soon :)
Thanks Will. Sometimes it's helpful to remind ourselves that we are not born with the answers...one of the beautiful things of life is the adventure of trying things out, unearthing our different capacities, and being formed by different environments. So often we get fixated on getting 'there' and miss the life that is unfolding right before our eyes
Dan, so well said. The fixation on arrival blinds us to the gift of the journey.
Well said.
Thank you, AJ.
Thanks for sharing your zig-zag experience. I started out as an accountant and because of circumstances wound up becoming a database developer. Being fluid in your profession allows you to grow so much and in so many ways. There is always a positive generated by the negative even though we can't see it at the time. As Winston Churchel put it, "fortune, when scowls most spitefully, is preparing her most dazzling gifts."
David, thanks for that quote. Hanging onto that one! And also for sharing a bit of your story.
Great post! As one who’s been sidelined by major caregiving for years and now chronic illness, I can see my writing journey as a gift from God and the next “zag”! 😉
Jen, sorry to hear about your chronic illness. Just said a prayer for you. And glad you're framing your writing journey as a gift.