Missed my Maven workshop on personal branding last week? Watch it here!
I also have two 1:1 coaching spots available for April. If you’re feeling a bit stuck or unfulfilled, let’s set up some time to chat where I’ll share my thoughts on how you can design your portfolio career.
Back in 2022, I had reached my low point. I felt like each day was a new quarter life crisis, and I didn’t know how it would unfold.
I had no idea what I wanted to do next after a 10 year career in consulting and product marketing. I was burned out but not from the work itself. It was from convincing everyone, including myself, that I belonged.
But when I really listened to what I needed, more money or a new job didn’t feel like it was going to fix that.
So, I got to work. Instead of searching for validation through promotions, I paused and thought about what would help me lead a fulfilling life.
And just two years later, I built up the courage to leave my 6-figure tech job.
During this “messy middle”, I felt stuck between an old version of myself and the new version I couldn’t quite visualize yet.
What people think the messy middle looks like
And while I thought the messy middle part of my life was over, I’m going through another phase right now.
But here’s the good news: since I’ve been here before, I know how to get through it, and I thought I’d share a few ways that you can, too.
What the messy middle really looks like (aka messy middles and middles)
My “messy middle” phase of life today
If two years ago, I was questioning my career choices then right now I’m questioning my life choices.
I’m 32, and I’ve never lived outside of the US for longer than a month long trip.
When I was in my 20s, I always envied the backpackers that had just quit their job and were staying in South America for a minimum of 3 months, but I never did it myself. And in college, I chose not to study abroad because I convinced myself it was too expensive. 🫠
But now after a decade of work and almost exactly 5 years in New York at the time of writing this, I want to take the plunge and experience what it’s like moving abroad.
So, I’m diving into the world of gathering documents to apply for a UK visa, while navigating fractional work, launching a new 1-day workshop on Maven, and working out/eating healthy/socializing.
It feels like I’m in the messy middle again, waiting for my US life to end and (hopefully) my UK life to begin.