Why I Left My “Dream Job” and Moved Across the Country

Less than two years ago I left my entire life and career, packed up, and moved over 1,500 miles from everything I had ever known.

In 2017 I was exhausted, depressed, living pay check to pay check, working two jobs, and beyond lost when it came to life. I was in my 5th year of teaching, and I was absolutely miserable. It wasn't the school, the students, the administration, or even the job that was the problem - it was literally everything all rolled into one, but mostly it was me. I was trying to force myself to be happy and it just wasn't working, so I decided I didn't just need a change, but I needed brand new.

I didn't know exactly what I needed to do, but I knew that being a teacher wasn't it. I started Googling different terms like "corporate trainer", "training specialist", and even "jobs for former teachers". Within a few weeks I had applied for over 70 positions that involved some type of education, mainly training for various companies. I knew what I was good at, and I wanted to stay within the realm of education and training.

Out of those 70 positions I received 2 interviews. That alone was enough to make me feel like I would never be able to escape the life I was currently living. I had a master's degree, and couldn't even get an interview. It was soul crushing, but I kept my head down and I knew the right company and position would come my way. Not surprisingly, it did.

In early 2018 I had a phone interview, and in March I was flown out to Denver, Colorado for an in-person interview with my would be new employers. I knew before I got on that plane that I wanted this job, and I knew no matter what I would give everything I had at that interview. I had been fortunate enough to meet some people that worked on their Nashville project, and through my own research I had a feeling this was the change I needed.

Luckily, they did too.

In April of 2018 I accepted a job with a software company as a training coordinator, with the caveat that I would know the location of my new job AFTER accepting the position. After reviewing the specifics like job responsibilities, salary, and benefits, I knew this was the right choice, so I picked up the phone and accepted the offer. Three weeks later I got the call I was waiting for: I was given my project location.

Within 10 minutes, I went from never living more than 90 miles from Nashville, to being told I would be a resident of Boston, Massachusetts in less than two months.

The next few weeks were an absolute whirlwind. Setting up a cross country move, leaving the career I had not only been in for 5 years, but had basically dreamed of for years, and coming to terms with what my new life would be, was not just exhausting but terrifying. More than once I questioned if I had made the right choice, and the guilt of leaving my family wasn't non-existent either. Deep down, I knew this is what I needed to do, so I kept my head down and kept pushing.

In June I hopped on a plane with three suitcases and a backpack, hugged my mom and dad bye, and took a one way trip to Boston.

The past 18 months have been the scariest, most stressful, and amazing 18 months of my life.

I came to a project with a group of people I have not just come to appreciate as coworkers, but love as friends. I have cried, vented to, eaten with, and shared many beers with these people, and to say this experience would have been different with out them is an understatement. These people have been my lifeline, and without them I don't know how this would have turned out.

This past week we rolled out the software we have been developing and training for over the past 18 months, and it was the solidification I needed to remind me that I am in the right place. I got to be a teacher, I didn't have to give that up, but I did have to learn how to improve on other skills I had been neglecting. I'm learning how to operate not just in the classroom setting, but in the office as well.

Not all of these lessons have been easy, and I've made more than one mistake, but they have all been worth it, and my resume is very appreciative. I'm glad that I made a career change, and I'm glad I made a change that included a move. I miss my family and my friends. I haven't been there for some birthdays, weekend get-to-togethers, and even a few births, but I did what was right for me, and that's what matters.

Never be afraid to take a leap of faith. Don't let the unknown keep you complacent, and NEVER let yourself think that being unhappy is just your lot in life.

Be brave. Go for it.

Love,

Lilly