My dog wants me to work here
Today might be a little longer than usual as the story is so good. The point is to show you how to make the magic happen in your career.
Hint: Wait. Pay attention.
Here's the background of seemingly unrelated things that have been rolling around in my head for a couple of years:
- I live near a college and walk my dogs on campus everyday.
- I love the energy of early adulthood, and paid for my PhD by working in student affairs as a Residence Hall Director.
- My clients now include a number of 21-year-olds, and it's thrilling to teach them the lessons I wish I had known at their age.
- I have loosely thought about creating a program for young adults and have done nothing with that idea.
- I miss having colleagues that I see every day and the ambient conversations that happen in the cafeteria and hallway.
Here's the story:
My husband and I were walking on campus, and he suggested I might do a program for college students. I couldn't shut the conversation down fast enough. It was my restorative August, and I could not tolerate even a fun, inspirational conversation about work.
As we continued to walk, a door opened and hundreds of new students poured out. We pivoted our route to avoid the crowd and found ourselves walking next to a woman. I asked if she had just presented to the first years, and it turns out she is the VP of Student Affairs. We discovered we're neighbors, discussed her kids, our kids, and then I mentioned how much I loved my time in student affairs. Then she said, "Might you be interested in a part-time job?"
For the first time since I became a coach, I thought... "yeah, maybe."
We're having tea soon.
I don't know where this will lead or I want to add a part-time job to a full life, and here's my point. The magic happens when you least expect it. I wasn't just not looking, I actively shut down the conversation. Then one minute later, an opportunity fell out of nowhere.
So, let yourself long for things. Let ideas roll around in your head. Think about and even talk about unrelated interests. Then say hello, be out in the world, watch for the open door, and walk through with curiosity.
I'm amazed as you are.
My next live event, Energizing U, is coming up on October 26. If you want to amp up your energy and movtivation, this one's for you! Sign up here.