As I reflect on my career journey, I’m reminded of the power of embracing the unknown. After over a decade in the commercial training/education area, I made the bold decision to leave my comfort zone and join IBM’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Education division. The thought of entering a new industry, one that was unfamiliar to me, was daunting. But, as I look back, I realize that this leap of faith was the catalyst for my personal and professional growth.

Filling out the questionnaire for my annual checkup, I realized that, fortunately, my stress level is under control. I often see people suffering from burnout, dissatisfied with their quality of life and unwell, without realizing that work is the major culprit. I consider myself lucky not to be among them. But is it really luck?

A few days ago, I read a post on LinkedIn about a positive work culture. The text presented excellent counterpoints between what appears to be a positive work culture, often with shallow effects, and what this culture should truly entail.

During this transition period, since I was laid off in June 2017, I applied for over 100 jobs. In the beginning, I wasn’t that selective about the companies or segment. I would never apply for a job in the tobacco industry, obviously. But I sometimes applied for jobs in companies I had no interest in. And in about a year I only had one interview, early in my search.

LinkedIn suggested I shared what I wanted to be when I was 15. But, honestly, I didn’t know then what I wanted to be for the rest of my life. I was only 15, how could I?

The last few weeks have been hectic. And, therefore, I’ve been absent here. Let’s see what happened:

Earlier this week, I had to objectively answer a question about work and income, and I had to stop and think about it because the answer didn’t roll off my tongue.

The question is: how much do I want to earn, and when do I need to reach such income?

The past few months have been filled with changes. Personally, I moved to a new house, improved my health, lost weight, changed my hair. Professionally, I was laid off the company where I worked for 12 years.

My personal life is going well – except maybe for the extra kgs I’ve gained while on holiday, but I’m working on fixing that. But I’m still in career transitioning mode and searching for a new professional opportunity.