Getting My Life on Track, Part 1

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I admit it. It’s been far too long since I’ve updated. I don’t really have any excuse besides that I haven’t gotten around to it. But I’ve committed myself to remedying that, and to actually writing this blog!

Since the Spring, a great deal has changed in my life, literally altering how I approach each and every day.

I got a new job.

I started as a volunteer organizer with Oxfam.

I started a relationship with an amazing man.

All of these things, occurring within a month of each other, have vastly improved my life as a young professional.

First: the new job.
It’s no mystery that I was deeply unhappy in my former position. I had no opportunity for growth, and the management largely ignored my offers for help outside of my prescribed position. Employee relations were toxic; I was being poisoned each day, until my body ached and I had to force myself out of bed in the morning.

An opportunity presented itself and I jumped on it. It was a bit more lateral than I ideally wanted for my next position, but it’s placement within the institution would provide myriad educational opportunities and would set me up nicely for my master’s in public policy. I interviewed and jumped on it as soon I received my offer.

Now I’m nearly two months in and shining. I wake up happily each day, and have no problem sliding out of bed; sometimes even early enough to get a good work out in before leaving for the bus. My colleagues look out for one another, and stop by for friendly chats and ensure that I am still feeling welcomed in the office. While my job is largely administrative (or as I like to call it, “Charlie work”), I’m absorbing much about public policy, economics and government.

Second: Oxfam.
I received an e-mail in March for a new program coming to Boston: Oxfam Action Corps. Citizen volunteers would join together to organize on behalf of the organization for climate change and poverty worldwide. I applied, interviewed, and was picked to participate in a national training for Action Corps. leaders in Washington DC.

The training was eye opening. I spent days working closely with amazing and energetic people who held passion at their core. It gave me a safe space; one I felt comfortable being myself, expressing my love for the environment and policy, and creating change. I left DC with a renewed lease on life: new priorities, new vigor and momentum, and a new commitment to my career path.

It has continued to be a welcome challenge: learning to work with others, passing forward a certain message and work its demands into my already packed schedule. But its unintended lessons on time and volunteer management are vital additions to my ever expanding palette of skills.

Just a few months ago, in April, I felt my life derailing. I was reaching the edge of my ability to handle the amount of unhappiness amounting. But I held strong, pushed myself to find the sunlight in a dark tunnel, and have made through to surpass any held expectation. Although I had help, and plenty of emotional support, it was something I had to do my own. The worst thing you can do is give up, and then try to rely on others to fix your unhealthy situations.

My life is back on track – and I welcome what is still to come.

I’m still out there world, kicking and exploring what it means to be a young professional.

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