Finding My Forever Home: Navigating Career Twists and Turns

From Dreams of the Music Industry to the Pursuit of Values-Driven Work

Life has a way of surprising us, doesn't it? Ever since I was a child, I've been passionate about radio and music. I wanted to attend every live concert I could, and my mom took me to what the family could afford. I always called the radio station, mainly because I wanted to talk to the DJs. My high school had a radio station, so there was no doubt I would be a part of that during my junior and senior years. When it came time to choose a college, Ball State was the top choice. Why? David Letterman was my hero, and he had built up an amazing telecommunication program where, once on campus, I got to be both a DJ and a VJ. It was my dream come true! Upon graduation, I dreamt of moving out West and becoming a record company guru, discovering the next big artists in the music industry. However, my journey took an unexpected turn, leading me far from that dream.

A Fateful Summer in Los Angeles

While I was super excited to start my internship, I was left wondering why my best friend didn’t attend a concert one night. It was just two weeks after my arrival and was one of our favorite bands. Kelly had moved to LA a few months before me, and we made both our cross-country drives with each other. We were ready to conquer the world together, but a horrible car accident left her in a wheelchair and forced me to rethink my path. I didn’t have the strength to be across the country alone, without any other friends or family to support me mentally. I soon found myself back in Cincinnati, wondering what to do next.

Going Around in Circles

Thinking back on this time, I am wondering how I survived. I had no path or idea of what I wanted to do with my life, and I felt like I was spinning around and pinning a tail on the donkey. Wherever the tail landed, that’s where I ended up. Some of the different places and career paths I took included AM radio, retail management, market research, and recruitment. I was getting very dizzy and knew that it all needed to stop, so I focused on returning to school and earning my Master's in Education.

After five years of disappointment in the education sector, marked by administration issues, budget cuts, and school changes, a life-altering event pushed me to reevaluate my career choices. My students were amazing, most of the parents were rockstars, and I adored being an English teacher and having the liveliest of discussions in the classroom, but family comes first.

Discovering My True Calling: Embracing Marketing and Event Planning

After leaving teaching and taking a quick break to spend more time with my family, I began working at CE Power, a family-owned engineering and utility company that believed in me. They entrusted me with marketing responsibilities, and soon, a new role emerged - event planning. I was allowed to forge my own path and make my own decisions. It was a dream role. As my career flourished at CE Power, company ownership and structure changes eventually led to my layoff. I found myself at a crossroads once again.

Finding Freedom in Freelance Marketing

Since 2020, I've been freelancing in marketing, relishing the freedom to set my own schedule and work with diverse brands. However, I've realized something crucial in 2023 - I miss having a sense of community and a dedicated team. While freelance work offers flexibility, I've come to understand the importance of benefits and retirement plans and the need for a supportive team to thrive in my career.

Seeking My Forever Home: Values-Driven Career Goals

As I continue my freelance journey and seek a full-time role, I've identified five core values that a company must possess for me to come on board:

1. Empathy: A commitment to work/life balance and support during personal challenges.

2. Ethics: A strong moral compass that values employees.

3. Giving: A dedication to giving back to the community.

4. Fun: An environment that fosters camaraderie and stress relief.

5. Health: Quality benefits to support employee well-being and productivity.

Life's journey is full of twists and turns, and our careers often reflect this unpredictability. While my path has been winding, it has led me to a place of self-discovery and a desire for meaningful work.