You Deserve a Break

Catching your breath in order to thrive

Author

Sara Kobilka
July 15, 2024

The next step in your career journey may not feel like you’re climbing up. And that could be JUST what you actually need.

- Sara Kobilka, Renaissance Woman

I’m in the middle of a 2-week trip with my husband and kids to where I grew up in Minnesota. Last weekend was filled with camping with the extended family. The upcoming weekend involves a trip to the cabin with another side of the family. But right now, we’re keeping things quiet at my in-law’s house and it’s EXACTLY what we need. If we didn’t have this downtime, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the next adventure-filled stop on our trip.

And depending on where you’re at in your career journey, a little downtime may be just what you need.

If you’re burned out after working a high stress job, moving on to another high stress position—even if it is more prestigious—may not be what your mind and body crave. This doesn’t mean that you need to stop working entirely. But there’s no shame in working nine to five in a position that is relatively easy to do.

And if money is tight or your unemployment is running out, taking this type of job can significantly reduce your stress level. Lower stress means you’ll have more energy for networking and job hunting. When you do get an interview (and you will), you’ll feel less pressure and will come across as more confident. On top of that, you never know what connections you’ll make at work or what new skills you’ll gain that you can pack into your “skillset suitcase.”

It's time to hush the voice in your head that says these jobs are below you and instead, see them as temporary breaks in a busy itinerary. You have great things ahead of you, but you may need to catch your breath first.

If you’re struggling with where to look, possible fields include:

  • Retail (bonus points if it’s somewhere you shop anyways)

  • Childcare

  • Administrative

  • Seasonal Work

I’ve worked in all of these fields at some point in my life and grew from those opportunities.

Now it’s time for me to go for a run before we head to the playground and grab some ice cream. Hooray for recuperating!

Blazing campfire in a fire ring with a hand holding a stick in the lower left side of the image.

There’s nothing like staring at a campfire to fill my soul.

PS: To keep myself and other fans of the arts entertained (remember, I am a Renaissance Woman after all), look for a reference to at least one song lyric or quote from a movie, TV show, play or musical. Message me on LinkedIn if you find it and you win…a virtual shout out in the next newsletter!

Hi! I’m Sara Kobilka, owner of Renaissance Woman Consulting.

I am a Renaissance Woman and part of my wider-ranging background includes time as a TV meteorologist/reporter, non-profit leader, higher education program coordination, and now, business owner. During each leg of this journey, I gained new skills that I was able take with me in my next step. Now, I work remotely with clients to help them confidently tell their story and navigate the transition to their next step on their career journey.

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