I don't know what made me believe that just because I'm making big moves, I won't encounter big problems.
I've said it before. A few weeks back, I wrote about getting a new job and how amazing and terrifying this next step was for me, especially given that this job is 100% remote and is actually paying me what I'm worth. I talked about my fears and anxieties surrounding this new move, but concluded that though my feelings are valid, I still need to go for it and give it all I've got.
Well, I've officially gone for it, and after two weeks on the job, I've concluded something else just as important: transitioning is HARD.
Sure, I was struggling with a lot when I got this position. I was grieving my uncle's passing, having trouble with my health, burning out at my job. So naturally, I thought this new job would solve a lot of my problems. I mean, in my mind, it had to. A lot of stress would be lifted from me and I'd be able to manage my life in a way that works best for me. And it's fine to think that, but I still went wrong.
I got so caught up on the change that I forgot to consider the transition.
To me, change and transition are two different things. In this case, change involves one act, situation, etc. that creates a shift in my lifestyle (i.e. - getting a new job). Transition, however, is the period of time at the beginning of a change where I am adapting, re-learning, and incorporating these changes into my daily life (i.e. - working from home, managing exercise, having an eating schedule, etc.) Though I thought it would take time to adjust to this big change in my life, I didn't really take time to think about what that would actually look like for me.
It's hard enough trying to get the hang of a new job. On top of that, I'm juggling trying to get a hold of work-from-home life (it's actually a lot harder than it sounds), figuring out how to keep my health at its best, managing the stress of the city and all that comes with it, and getting my mental health together while navigating these changes. It's just a lot. I knew it would be a challenge. It's just very overwhelming.
There have been a lot of ups and downs with this transition. Some days I wake up feeling like I can conquer the day, and other days I don't even want to be exposed to sunlight. It's easier to keep yourself going when you are obligated to be at a specific location 40 hours a week to earn your living. But when there's no longer a location or set schedule to motivate you to work, it becomes your own responsibility to set the parameters and push through.
I don't know if you've noticed a trend lately, but I'm not quite the best at staying motivated. Of course, I accomplish a lot and strive to do my best, but I often don't feel motivated to do so. That's just how things go for me, and I'm sure it's the same for you to some degree. Sometimes, you go to work out of obligation or need, not because you're super pumped about your weekly meeting with your boss or because you're super passionate about your company's mission statement. Sometimes, you just barely have enough in you to make things happen.
That's definitely how things were at my last job. I didn't mind the work, but it started to wear on me. But, no matter what, I was expected to be there the next morning at 9 a.m., or face the consequences. Now, the consequences practically aren't there, and I'm in control of everything, including my setbacks and the learning curve.
Look, I don't know how long this transition period is supposed to last, but it's safe to say I'm already over it. But that's not how life works. Things don't just work out for you overnight because you want them to, or because you're fed up with waiting for things to be better. Like it or not, things take time, and even though it's a pain, I know there's value in time spent when it comes to growth. I'll get there eventually, just not today.
In the meantime, I'm still doing my best. It's mainly been a trial-and-error thing. Some things work some days, and other things don't, but if I keep this up, keep trying to find what works and taking things one step at a time, I'll eventually get the hang of it. I have to. With that said, my prayer is that this transition is over much sooner than later, because ya girl is exhausted.
Check out this week's YouTube video where I catch y'all up on work-from-home life and get real about the struggle. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!
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