Wellness Wednesday: Overcoming a Career Setback

This week's Wellness Wednesday prompt could not come at a better point and time. This March marks eight years since I packed up and moved from my hometown in New Jersey to the DMV (D.C, Maryland & Virginia) to embark on my first career. I was a recent graduate with a B.S. in Exercise Science and would be working in hospital wellness and rehab center. Over the next several years, I obtained a graduate degree, top-notch industry certifications, and of course hands on training; with hopes of advancing my career in exercise physiology. And I did just that.

Fast forward to May 2011. I remember this day like no other. I was the manager of an on site Wellness Center for government employees. I opened the facility, taught a class, gathered my notes for an upcoming meeting. By this time, some of my staff had arrived. I was in my office reviewing my notes, when my supervisor who never shows up early or unannounced walks in. We talked briefly while I finished up my oatmeal. In walks an HR rep. Again I was caught off guard. The three of us sat down, and within a blink of an eye I blacked out to the sound of you're being forced to resign. My interpretation was

 Blind-slided, hurt, confused, outraged....were just some of the emotions I instantly felt. Later on that day, I received an email asking if it was okay to share news of my pregnancy. It took quite sometime (as one could imagine), but reality was sinking in. I wasn't being let go because of performance or lack there of, after all less than three months earlier I received a company award. It was all about dollars and cents. My son had just turned a year old days before, and now I was pregnant again. My employer was not confident in my ability to oversee a club with a staff of fifteen employees, produce meaningful profit, and raise two children. Although it did not seem that way at the time, it was a blessing and a curse.

On the one hand, I was able to be a stay at home mom, and on the other I was walking away from a career that I was very passionate about. Unsure of what the future would bring. Nonetheless, God did and always has a plan. So how did I overcome such a setback?

Prayer: Lots of prayer. 

Change of Scenery: After stuffing my face, taking some time away was much needed. I just needed a change of scenery. I went home to NJ and visited my family. My husband and I took a weekend trip, to help get my mind off of things. 

Get Moving: This was before I started running, so walking was my anti-drug. I would push my son in the stroller, and just walk. The fresh air, sights and sounds, and endorphin rush was a coping mechanism. 

Redefine Goals: After I got over the initial hurt, I took a lot of time to think about where I wanted to be, and what type of position would be bring me the ultimate self fulfillment. I came up with new goals and a vision on how I would get there. This was multi-focal, and involved a lot time and effort. Researching, updating my resume, enjoying time with my loved ones, keeping up with industry tends, etc.

October 2012 I went back to work part-time. It was the best option for my family and I. Two years later, I returned to another hospital, working besides two nurses as a Cardiac Rehabilitation Fitness Specialist. Once again, I felt fulfilled. Last month I received a promotion and am now employed as a Cardiology Technician.

Like life, careers don't always pan out exactly the way we want. For me it was a minor setback that led to a major comeback. If you are currently dealing with a setback in any aspect of your life, I encourage you stay strong. Always keep in mind that "the size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire, the size of your dreams, and how you handle disappointment along the way," Robert Kiyoaski. Rich Dad, Poor Dad. 

Special thanks to Maureen & Rina, for inspiring me to share this. 

Be Well,

LaToya