When to stay and when to go

4/10/2017

I have often worked in male-dominated fields: law enforcement, healthcare, and even manufacturing. One of the ways I tried to fit in was to be one of the boys. I thought if I somehow disproved the theory that women are emotional, it would garner their respect.

Still it was a no-win. It was inauthentic for me, and it was exhausting. Over time, I had trouble separating my work face from my home life. 'Kick ass and take names' is not the preferred approach when trying to develop trust and intimacy with people you love.

Next time we can talk about how to know when to stay and when to go - at work, at home, or in love.

It's SO worth it! (no charge)

3 Comments

Audrey link

1/2/2014 12:57:40 am

The corporate world truly was a struggle for me. It seemed like a "necessary evil" in order to provide for my family. Yet, I felt completely used as "eye candy" for the regional authorities. I did a better job than most men in my management positions and got paid as such.

The "should or stay or should I go" question arose when I was asked to give more to my job than to my family (as a salaried employee -- nearly 90 hour work weeks). I, in turn, requested time off, a demotion, or at least to NOT BE PROMOTED to the new store opening that was incurring so many work hours.

I was met with an ultimatum: "Either take the promotion and the new store or leave." In a heartbeat, I chose my family. I was always "just getting through my day" at work anyway, no matter how wonderful a job I did. (And I did a superb job -- always bonused with AT ratings. . .)

Leaving those tiny successes and miserable days really wasn't much of a loss and proved to offer much time for introspection. I delved into the inner workings of ME, what I needed to thrive, and found that happiness for me would never be in a corporate setting like I had been in. Aside from all of that, I began experiencing numerous medical ailments. So, leaving work also proved to be perfect time for me from a health standpoint, as well.

Inspiring others, helping others brought me the most joy. So I did this, starting with MYSELF, then my children, and I expanded that idea to my community and then through social networking. And while it's always a "work-in-progress," I'm happy for that, because we are all really "works in progress"... And the only thing constant in life IS change, so working through those changes is challenging and exciting and much more satisfying than any 18 hour day as a manager in a corporation could ever be for me.

Thanks for a lovely post!

Much Love,
Audrey

P.S.
Happy New Year!

Kim Halsey link

1/2/2014 03:46:12 am

Audrey, I know so many women who have made the break from Corporate Control (me included) either by their own hand or the hand of fate. Congratulations!
--Kim

Nightlife in North Glendale link

7/4/2014 11:33:36 pm

Thanks to your blog, I'm gonna create one now too, thank you.

Kim Halsey

Since my last leap into early retirement from a corporate career, I have felt more and more like a Lemonade Stand.

We've all heard the adage "when life hands you a lemon, make lemonade". Well sometimes you get a bumper crop of lemons at once and life just plain sucks for awhile.

The secret sauce of success is to love the lemons life hands you. Easier said than done, you say? I say easier done than living with bitterness and waiting for it to pass.

I am only doing what I love to do at this stage of my life. and I love to co-create new lemon recipes with people who think they hate lemons.

So bring your story, your baggage, your pain, your woes and let's unpack them together. We will mix them with my secret sauce and create for you a one-of-a-kind recipe to brighten your day and sweeten your smile.

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