I Thought I Knew What I Wanted —Charlene Chinn
I’ve always stuck to a “plan.”
From the age of eight I knew being an attorney was the plan. Nothing else came into existence or mattered in comparison. I went ahead and did what I thought was necessary. Looking back I kept everyone’s thoughts and societal norms in consideration because in my eyes that’s what you were supposed to do. Fit in, not ruffle feathers or deviate from the ultimate plan- to be seen as “doing the right thing” I’d be seen as successful and a winner. Having a plan also meant once it was created I couldn’t change it. Whatever was a part of that plan would be. No exceptions. There was always some form of a blueprint I naturally committed to. In my eyes the plan to become an attorney was it. I was going to achieve what I set out to do.
Eventually, all of that changed. The idea to practice law wasn’t of interest. The need to make this plan a source of fulfillment wasn’t working and the realization of that made me nervous. What was I going to do if this plan no longer worked at all? I remained committed and ignored the signs to shift my career direction and pushed through. I held on to the idea of what others thought I should be.
The mere decision to take a “non-traditional” approach to my career made me vulnerable to opinions. I stepped into unchartered territory. While I wasn’t practicing law in the traditional sense I wanted to hold on to some version of the “plan” so I committed to the corporate America lifestyle. Over the years I experienced periods of feeling professionally inadequate, questioning decisions and even feeling insecure. My original plan was completely gone and it meant I had to rebuild differently while maneuvering without a true plan. While I worked at prominent corporations and gained experience and exposure with senior-level and C-suite professionals, I began feeling unfulfilled. My expectations shifted and I grew apart from the corporate mindset.
The mere decision to take a “non-traditional” approach to my career made me vulnerable to opinions. I stepped into unchartered territory. Over the years I experienced periods of feeling professionally inadequate, questioning decisions and even feeling insecure. My original plan was completely gone and it meant I had to rebuild differently.
A Pivot to the Solution I Desired.
Finally, the mental shift happened. I began sharing my story, past the plan to what I wanted to do. The ability to share more often made me comfortable in speaking what ultimately is my story, my truth. In the process of navigating this territory, I learned key lessons and developed a new perspective. I came to the realization that I am truly enough. I realized those uncomfortable moments were periods of stretching and being comfortable in unknown territory. I’ve learned to be fluid in my plan. No more sticking to one idea but recognizing there is nothing wrong in being multi-purposed. Pivots are a part of the plan. Unpredictability is a part of the plan. I was now fully prepared to show up as my full authentic self. One that is unapologetic and available to be of service to others seeking to do the same thing.
And Now…
Today I am a tech recruiter for a sports tech software development company. As a recruiter, I am now in a true position to serve. I am of service to those looking for direction and a new focus in their career. I have the opportunity to provide career professionals with the ability to stand in their own authentic being. No more uncertainty but clarity to see the uniqueness in their own career journey.
As a Career Consultant and Strategist the goal is to provide what is best for YOU. Whether you are an individual or a business owner consider my work a new way to achieve the desired results you ultimately want to achieve.
