Passion and Purpose – Why I Almost Went Postal

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There’s nothing like a birthday that makes you pause and reflect on your life. One particular memory stood out for me this year. It was March 21, 2005, just a few days before my birthday. My husband Carey and I officially swore in and became U.S. citizens. It was a long process and so much preparation went into getting our citizenship. So on this day, we were both excited and happy that our efforts had finally paid off, and that we would reap the benefits of better future and more opportunities for us and our children.

On our way home, we were both in high spirit. That’s when it happened.

My husband turned to me and said, “Now that you’ve got your citizenship, you can get a government job, like the post office.” I couldn’t believe what I just heard! I felt my blood was reaching the boiling point, yet I was SO mad that I couldn’t utter a word. Even with my “death stare”, dear hubby seemed totally oblivious (typical man). He continued, “well, you know, you can also consider the bank. They are always hiring tellers.” OUCH! That really hurt my feelings!

You see, I gave up my career as a college counselor when my daughter was about one year old, and my son was born about 2 years later. I was a stay-at-home-mom for a couple years, then started a home-based business and doing freelance jobs. Back in 2005, I had stayed home with our two young children for a few years, and Carey had asked me several times when I would return to work (i.e. a full-time J.O.B.). After staying home for a few years, I wasn’t sure what career I wanted to pursue, and I wasn’t confident that I could return to my previous career. Let’s face it, being a stay-at-home-mom is not a confidence-booster for career-minded high-achieving women. Besides, I wanted to find something that would allow me to work around my children’s schedules. So, a regular 9-to-5 J.O.B. wouldn’t no longer work. I did not want to settle. After months of soul-searching, I still had no clarity about my career path. Until my dear friend Heather told me about life coaching, and I eventually enrolled in iPEC Coaching and became a Certified Empowerment Coach.

On the day I got my citizenship, I was just enrolled in the coaching school. I was so excited about my future career – one that I feel combines my past education, training and experience in nursing, counseling and healing people. So imagine my surprise when dear hubby suggested I find a job at the post office!

To be frank, if it wasn’t because he was driving the car, I would’ve most definitely kicked him where it hurt MOST. And believe me, as a Black Belt in Tae Kwan Do, I have a powerful kick!!

After fuming for a while (you know how women are), I finally blurted out, “I can’t believe you said that!!! Post office? Why don’t I get a job as a grocery store cashier then?” I felt humiliated and hurt. He didn’t believe in me. I didn’t moved all the way from Asia to get my master’s degree, just to end up sorting mails here.

No offense to postal workers. It’s an important and respectable job. It’s just not something that’s aligned with my passion, purpose or talents. I know I’ll become bored and resentful very quickly, and it might just kill what little self-confidence I had left.

The last thing I wanted was to settle and compromise myself. And I’m so glad I didn’t. I became a Certified Empowerment Coach, best-selling author and international keynote speaker. I get to do what I love and make a difference in the world every day. My children, now 16 and 14, are amazing young people and very close to me because I’ve been home with/for them. And my husband Carey has become my biggest fan. Now he totally believes in my vision and support my work in so many ways. I’m truly grateful for him!

How about you? Are your life and work aligned with your passion, purpose and talents? Is your job feeding your soul, or draining your life force?

If you are currently at a job that depletes you, ask yourself why. Are you staying at this job because you are not sure what you really want? Or is it because of fear (fear of failure, fear of success, fear of the unknown etc)? Are you settling because you think that’s being responsible to your family, or, are you using your family as an excuse not to pursue your dream?

Oftentimes we feel that we have to be responsible to our family, at the cost of our own well-being and happiness. Self-sacrifice, as I wrote in my Amazon bestseller Intensive Care for the Nurturer’s Soul, is a virtue for many people, especially heart-centered women. It’s also a surefire way to Self-Care Deficiency Syndrome, a host of physical, emotional and relationship problems. Let me give you a reframe here. If you are sacrificing your core values and well-being, you are not being responsible to yourself – your higher self. Of course, being a parent, some sacrifice and compromises are required. There is constant give-and-take in marriage too. But, there is a difference between healthy give-and-take and complete sacrifice of your happiness, core values, well-being and even who you are. Can you tell the difference?

So, if you are currently at a job that depletes you, what’s the first step you can take to move toward a career that’s more aligned with WHO you are and give you more JOY? Maybe it’s getting clear on what you really want. Maybe you need to take classes or learn new skills for your new career. Maybe you need to polish your resume. Maybe you need to block out time to write or start your business. Or even just allow yourself 10 minutes to daydream. No matter how tiny a baby step you can take, do it. Begin today.

If you need some ideas and action steps for successful midlife career change, check out my audio CD “Changing Lanes: Secrets of Successful Midlife Career Change” on my website. You will learn:

• 4 myths that lead to job dissatisfaction
• 4 mistakes people make in career change
• how to decide whether to stay or change your career
• what you must look for in your new career to ensure your happiness
• the proactive steps to take for a successful midlife career change

If you are stuck in analysis paralysis, you might also love “Effortless Decision-Making Strategies for the Indecisive“ which teaches you:

• the underlying reasons why you are indecisive
• 3 questions you can ask yourself when you’re stuck
• the 10-second technique to bring clarity in decision-making
• one critical factor to ensure better decision-making and less regrets for you
• tips and tools to help you make up your mind so you can move forward

All my books, CDs & movie DVDs are available here: www.HueinaSu.com/store. Today is the LAST day of my birthday celebration sale. Everything is 20% off (use Coupon Code 201203). Plus, if your order total is $50 or more (after the 20% discount) you will also receive a copy of The Venus Evolution Global Telesummit MP3 recordings ($77 value).

If you need further support through coaching, I’m here for you. Simply drop me an email at info [at] HueinaSu.com with the subject line “coaching consult” and I will send you the details.

No matter where you are on your journey, I wish you a year filled with JOY and fulfilling success!