Out Of Darkness, And Into Light!

by Geoff Hansell
(Morrisville, PA)

Geoff Hansell

“When you stare into the abyss the abyss stares back at you.”
Friedrich Nietzsche

I had been in the same career for the past 18 years, I had been moderately successful, but there were more downs than ups. But I kept telling myself, welcome to the world of work, this is just how it is, stress is part of work. Little did I know at the time I was in the wrong career!

As I continued to progress through my career, I had many pitfalls and challenges, which involved working for 6 different companies in those 18 years. Not too bad, but when you consider that I worked at my first job for 9 years, that means I had 5 jobs in the 9 years after I left what I thought would be my womb to tomb job.

After a tumultuous 4 years with my last company, 2 probationary reviews, and very close to being canned. I was down about as far as I could go. I knew I wanted to quit that job and career, this time for good.

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life (at the young age of 46 years) but I did know that if I stayed at my current job I would continue to be unhappy, and that unhappiness had already begun to seep into my personal life. I was sure of one thing though, I did not want to leave one dead-end job for another.

So, I began with what I liked; I like computers and the internet, and writing so I changed my resume to highlight my skills; what I could do, rather than what I had done. I knew there was a job out there that could use my skills, I just had to find it.

I was on the usual job hunting sites, looked in the local paper, and even met with a life coach (who is the pastor at my Church.)

Then it happened, I saw an ad in my local paper for the job I had been looking for, it involved reasearch, the internet, exactly what I was looking for! I interviewed for the job, was offered it, and accepted this entry level job because I knew it would grow into something better. I have been at this job for 2 months now, and it is going great!!

If you are a career changer, and reading this I wish you good luck in your hunt. You can get the job you want- Just have faith in yourself, and others will also.

Comments for Out Of Darkness, And Into Light!

Oct 16, 2011 Rating Just shows it can be done! by: Cherry  Thank you so much for sharing this story, Geoff. It just proves that when you know your job is wrong for you and that your natural skills are not being used, it really is possible to make the break and create a fresh start. The right job is out there for you if you only keep your eyes open and believe you will find it. Good luck with your new career.