I’ve often used the analogy that my career in dentistry was like being in a relationship.  At times you could say it was slightly abusive, and at times it was very supportive and loving.  Whether those descriptions are a bit dramatic or not, one thing is true: we had a very strong bond.  Dentistry was a huge part of me and it was hard to let go, even if I really wanted out.

As I journey through this career change, that relationship analogy journeys on with me.  I was married to dentistry.  You could say it was my first long-term relationship, so maybe I was young and didn’t really know much about myself.  As we both evolved, we grew apart and it became time to split up.

Now that I am single, I’m ready to play the field!  Woohoo!

This latest phase in my life is a phase of discovery.  I’m dating different careers and loving it; because frankly, I have a bit of job-commitment-phobia right now.  I’m scared of getting stuck in another unhappy work relationship for another 10 years.  And why not play the field?  Who says I have to conform to everyone else’s rules of what my life’s work should be?  If I can manage it along the way, why not hold out for my one true love?  (Or two, or three?)

I’m having a blast sowing my wild oats.

Alright, it might not be that wild, but it’s certainly not conventional.  As mentioned in The Slight Edge, you have to start with a plan.  That plan will never play out exactly as you envisioned.  You have to start somewhere, but being willing to roll with the tides is what will actually get you “there.”  My plan was to leave dentistry.  I didn’t know exactly how I was going to get out of my career, but I kept working toward that goal, opening my mind to different possibilities.  Then a vehicle for change showed up, and that became my new plan.  I enjoy helping people lose weight and get healthy, but I continue to take risks and pursue other worthwhile opportunities that develop along the way.  With that openness, new unexpected plans are coming into my life and bringing even more pleasant surprises.

I’m just not ready to settle down.

How about you?  Ready to play the field yet?