Before jumping in, a quick recap to set the stage: at the end of April, I finally acquired my Project Management Professional Credential after months of studying. I got married on May 6th and then, to further my insanity, I ran a 2-day conference for work that I’ve been planning for the last 6 months.
I’m taking steps toward Project Management, I am following in the footsteps of my father’s successful career so I can provide for my family, and I am learning as I go. All of these accomplishments and events draw a picture of positive career and personal growth, right…?
…I guess? Maybe? I am going to level with you all. I miss doing work that I feel proud of. In the midst of juggling fire, I dropped several balls. While I do feel accomplished in receiving my PMP and getting married within a month of each other, the failure I caused (at least from my back-end perspective) with my Portfolio event weighs on me.
With studying, wedding planning, family divisions, and home and puppy care, I didn’t have the bandwidth I should have allowed myself. It is ironic how, in the process of learning about project management, I failed to manage my time, mental effort, and resources efficiently.
The nice thing about perceived failures is that they bare opportunities. I squashed my perfectionist ideals and stopped to reflect. As a young professional, I am always wondering what the next stage in my career is. I find myself wondering if the 8-5 Monday through Friday type of stability is comforting or suffocating. I find myself missing the freedom that I had as a college student working several part-time jobs with varying schedules. I was always busy and my schedule often looked chaotic, but I had the flexibility I needed to be able to make my own schedule. I had the flexibility to pursue my passions and to explore the world around me.
In these days of 8-5, Monday through Friday monotony, I find my passions drowned out by mediocrity and a lack of confidence. While I love the people I work with, I sometimes find myself asking if this job is right for the kind of life I envision for my future family. I know that stable jobs provide the means for me and my family to have a roof over our heads and food to eat but my soul seeks adventure. I am seeking creative outlets.
So, my questions to those more experienced in entrepreneurship, contract work, and adult responsibilities are – How did you know it was time to put your all into your small business? How do you balance home life and work life? What is your secret to success?