One of the most stressful aspects of life lately has been how lost I’ve felt the past few months. Immediately after being laid off, I looked around and asked myself, “Now what?” Although I refined many skills through my job, I knew it wasn’t wholly fulfilling me as a person. I knew I’d have to move on eventually, but I didn’t feel an urgency to set long-term goals for myself until I was given the ax.

Let me just say, this is a very scary position to find yourself in. It’s kinda sad too. To work at the same place for almost two years and to have no better understanding of what you should be doing with your life is absolutely dreadful. Trust me.

Anyhow, as most of you know, I’ve taken this time to “rediscover myself.” It’s been hard not knowing what’s ahead, but I’ve enjoyed doing the things I love, whether I get paid to do them or not. And surprisingly, I’ve learned more about myself through the past three months of volunteering than I have in the year and half of working in my last position.

This is not a knock on my former employer. I am far from bitter and feel no need to criticize my old company. On the contrary, I know my old co-workers desire to do great work and I will continue being a mentor for their online mentoring program for as long as they need me (and as long as I have the time). But I know there’s a better fit out there for me. And I’ve been on a mission to find it.

I think I’m getting there. I tell you, these past few months have been eye-opening! I have found confirmation that I need to be helping people, probably by working with youth. I’ve been talking to a lot of people and I’m thinking about becoming a social worker. This option has become especially appealing after I learned that licensed clinical social workers can do therapy and many authors are LCSW’s, which fits well with my desire to write.

Slowly but surely, I’m setting some long-term goals which is a new, but amazing feeling. I don’t expect a job to offer me complete fulfillment, but I think I’ll find much satisfaction pursuing my vocation. I’m realizing my vocation and I’m working towards it. I certainly don’t have the path marked out in front of me, but at least I have the destination in mind. And while I travel a scenic route towards becoming a social worker, I expect many detours, traffic, and rest stops along the way. Those hindrances are rarely pleasant, but they’ll certainly help me become a more patient and more knowledgeable traveler.

I’ve got my map, I’ve packed my bags, and I’m ready to enjoy the ride. Bring it on, life. I think I can handle what’s next.

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