I posted this quote on my Facebook page this morning: “There comes a time in a man’s life when to get where he has to go – if there are no doors or windows – he walks through a wall.” (Bernard Malamud)
Usually, I post quotes on my Facebook page as I come across them – I shoot for first thing every morning – but rarely do any of them grab ahold of me and tug at me throughout the day as this one has. I am a little over a year from turning 30, engaged, and will be a first-time aunt in December. I see my friends shooting forward in their careers, and in their personal lives, and I just can’t resist the urge to reevaluate my own life. Have my goals changed since I graduated college? Have I done anything to pursue my dream of being a writer?
Sadly, nothing much has changed. I preface that statement with “sadly” because I’m still in the same spot career-wise that I was 6 years ago, more or less. The only major difference is that I’m making a little bit more money, and I am now a regularly published writer for a local site.
I haven’t been satisfied being a paralegal for years. While I enjoy the substance of the law and the daily challenges, the thing I really have grown to loathe is that there is no room to grow. Sure, there’s continuing education and paralegal certification, but what I am looking for is to grow within a company. Start from the ground up, and continuously progress. I need promotions, incentives, motivation. The glass ceiling is an unfortunate drawback of the legal field.
I’m looking into going back to get my business degree. The university here offers a Saturday program, where I could complete the B.S. in 22 months. I wouldn’t mind adding another Bachelor’s degree to the wall at home, right next to my B.A. in English. I like the way it sounds more and more. In addition to writing online content and maintaining this blog, I have advertised my writing and editing services. Two bites so far, one of which never emailed back, even after I followed up. I’m really into the social media thing now, and am spending a lot of time trying to learn as much as I can about it. How can I make it work for my professional endeavors? How can I utilize it to better reach my target audience? Am I making as impressive an online presence as I can?
I don’t believe that I have been stagnant for the past 6 years, but rather, perhaps, too hesitant (okay, maybe scared would be a better word) to go after what I want. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am no longer the shy girl from school that everyone remembers me as. I’ve got cahones, and I’m not afraid to use them. I am proud of what I have accomplished so far and am eager to see how far I can go. Start a new career? Sure! If it feels right, I’m all in.
Stay tuned. I have a feeling things are going to get very interesting. 🙂
Ashley Writes 