While I am not an avid follower of horoscopy, I believe I fit the exact characteristics of my sign, the Archer. “Sagittarius is an impatient force, escaping anything stagnant and any mental or physical confinement. It’s basic need, on which it never compromises, is independence.” Although a high-strung overachiever even at a young age, my Sagittarian-like carefree spirit and need for change was evident. When I was about 13 years old, I faulted my mother for not being spontaneous. I felt like she waited for things to happen instead of going out and creating experiences. (She is a Capricorn, practical and prudent. Patient and careful.)
Fast forward twenty-some years, and here I am in the “rat race”, “the daily grind”, “the fast lane”. Whatever annoying aphorism you give it, life has become monotonous. I have become a slave to my Outlook calendar. Each day begins the same: wake, coffee, shower, take the dog out and feed her, wake the children, feed breakfast, pack lunches, rush to school/work, wash, rinse, repeat.
As you can imagine, as an “impatient force” this does not sit well with me. I often find myself itching to break free of all responsibility and do something completely irrational and selfish. Reckless abandon is impossible, however, with a full-time job, two young children, a husband and a home.
Luckily for my marriage, my need for independence is channeled into my professional life. Each position I hold has a shelf-life of about two years. Any longer than that, and I get uncomfortable. I am always looking for what’s next and how I’m going to get there. This keeps me moving and mentally stimulated so I don’t fight the constraints of daily life. Advancing positions every two years also requires I ramp up quickly and make my mark in a short period of time. This shows ambition and drive, instead of reckless abandon. (The prior looks much better on a resume.)
Image credit ejallston
In addition to career advancement, I have achieved a position that provides flexibility. No longer being tied to an office, I own my schedule and split time between my customer’s local locations and home office. Some days I commute by car, others by train. There are business meetings, coffee breaks, and after hour events. I travel, and while my laments to Mr. Draper might suggest otherwise, I love the escape.
Some people are “lifers” at their place of work. They relish going to the same office day in and day out. They don’t mind punching the clock. While I don’t understand how they do it, I commend their work ethic. We need people like this to make the world go ’round. If you’re like me and thrive on new challenges, experiences, and a dynamic work schedule I hope you find a role to suit your spirit. Many employers now offer telecommuting, a great option for switching things up. Statistics from Global Workplace Analytics suggest looking for a salaried position at larger companies, and roles like management, sales and office work. Just expect that you’re not going to land a role like this right out of the gate. Pay your dues in the office (I did for 7+ years) and work up to a role where you have the independence you crave. Just a suggestion – while interviewing, don’t tell them you are an “impatient force”. Let that come out through your drive and ambition to reach the top and fly free.
True Confessions of a Working Mom 