Forging a New Path & Finding Balance

I have a confession to make…

When I took a step back from my marketing career earlier this year, I didn’t know if I was going to come back.

When I was a sophomore in high school I knew I wanted to be in marketing. I took a class where we designed a celebrity endorsement deal for a sports video game. I was never really into sports but I loved the creative exercise of coming up with ideas and imagining how to bring them to life.

That same trimester my dad passed away. I got a C+ in that class from all the days I missed. I’d never had a C before, I was always a good student. I felt bitter about it, but I didn’t let that deter me. I’ve been on this path for the past 16 years.

Last year I found myself back in my home state, faced with the memories of things I walked away from when I joined the Army, went to college in California, and started building a life.

Things were going well though. I had a great job, cool clients, fun projects, and more time with family. But I had some work to do, on myself.

I started therapy. Easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I highly recommend it to everyone, whether you think you need it or not.

Then, I stepped down from my job, one I’d been dreaming about for years. I felt relieved, but kinda lost, and also terrified about whether I was making the right decision.

I needed some time to figure things out. I started volunteering. I knew it would make me feel useful in a different way. No creative campaign ideas or clever copywriting. I wanted to work with my hands. I wanted to be outside. I wanted to be of service.

I found a local animal sanctuary in need of help. I started coming in just to clean stalls once a week or less. After a while, I was offered a position. Just like that, things changed.

I now have 70+ animals that count on me 3-4 days a week to show up. I now wake up earlier than I ever thought I would want to so I can feed them, give them love, and take care of the chores before I go about my day.

And I feel great. Mentally, physically, emotionally, I’m better. And somewhere in between all of that I got the courage to go out on my own and start my freelance marketing business. Something I’ve always wanted to do. I guess I’m not done with it after all.

While life feels linear, our mindset doesn’t have to be. Giving myself permission to step back and assess my priorities has allowed me to create a new vision that has more balance and harmony for me personally.

I love marketing. I really do. But it’s ok to have other passions too. Animals have always been a big part of my life. We had dogs, goats, chickens, bunnies, a turkey and a cat growing up. And when I went vegan 6 years ago, I found even more compassion and space for animals in my life.

Now, I get to make a difference by working with vegan-friendly businesses, and I get to support animals who have been given a second chance at life. Both things allow me to participate in different ways.

Maybe it’s unorthodox. Maybe I should be spending 80+ hours a week consuming marketing advice from all the thought leaders and innovators of our time. Maybe I could get further ahead and have a more flashy career.

I’m not on any Forbes 30 Under 30 list (missed that boat). I’m not an Inc 5000 fastest growing company. I don’t have any special awards. I don’t have a podcast or a 40K subscriber newsletter list (yet!).

All of those things are amazing accomplishments and take a lot of ambition, determination and hard work. But maybe it’s ok that my path looks different.

I’m focusing more on feeling fulfilled, building better connections with my community, having balance that’s healthy and sustainable for me, and making an impact where I feel like it matters.

I’ve attached some photos from my new part-time job. One that I’m immensely proud of and grateful for!

But I’m also looking for partners that get me. If you want someone on your team who is reenergized and excited for the work, wants to make a difference, and have fun along the way, hi! 👋

I’m not here to race to the top. I’m here to create sustainable change. Are you with me? Let’s chat.