In the Same Role & Happier Than I Could’ve Imagined (Melissa’s Story)

Ep: 209

Do you feel unfulfilled in your job but wonder how big of a change you’d need to actually feel happy & fulfilled again by the work you do?

We often assume that a huge shift is necessary…but the truth is that even small shifts can have a HUGE impact.

When Melissa’s friends and family started telling her she wasn’t herself, Melissa knew that her dissatisfaction at work was a big part of the problem. She knew something needed to change, so when she joined The Bridge to Fulfillment® program, she came in fully expecting to quit her job and emerge in a completely new role by the end…

But then something unexpected happened.

Today on The Bridge to Fulfillment Ⓡ, Blake welcomes Melissa to share her journey. Her experience in the program completely changed her perspective about the work she does and has helped her achieve personal and professional balance in her life.

In this episode, you’ll learn how career coaching brought about tangible changes in her life that traditional therapy could not. She shares the important daily habits that have shifted her mindset and helped her carve out a more satisfying work-life that doesn’t impose on her personal time.

The program showed her a path to fulfillment without having to change roles to be happy.

“Being happy where I am now is exactly where I want to be.”

If something needs to change, but you’re not sure if your current job is really the culprit, then this is the episode for you.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How Melissa knew it was the right time to take action (2:54)
  • The biggest ways her life has changed since starting the program (10:21)
  • What Blake did to help her recognize her secret sauce transferrable skills™ (15:11)
  • The big shift in her approach to finding the right job  (22:12)
  • How she got comfortable and confident with networking  (24:56)


Favorite Quotes:

  1. I was starting to look at new jobs, new companies, and everything just felt the same. I knew my skills, I knew I was good at what I was doing. But, I didn’t feel good about it. And that’s when I got introduced to this program. –Melissa
  2. Before this program, I would never meet a friend for dinner, I’d say ‘work’s crazy work’s busy’. Life’s too short for that. I regret not doing that sooner and missing opportunities the past 10 years. –Melissa
  3. My work recognizes that I’m bringing a better Melissa to work and being better in my deliverables. –Melissa
  4. When you have the right boundaries and foundation and you get some of the mental blocks out of your way, you perform better in your current job. And you have more space and time for yourself to create the life that you want. –Blake
  5. We don’t realize that we’re all our own worst enemy. But in this program, the lessons you need to learn will show up. –Blake
  6. I’ve worked with therapists in the past and everything, and nothing has been as tangible as what I’ve seen here, in mindset shifts and daily habits and beliefs. And that is greater than any type of job that’s waiting for me out there. –Melissa

Additional Resources: 

Rather than hoping the grass will be greener, identify what the RIGHT next step is. 
We can help you do just that.

Get clarity on where you are on your journey to career fulfillment, where you’re headed, optional paths to get there, and the right next step to take.

Start your complimentary, Personalized Career Fulfillment Plan by going to www.thebridgetofulfillment.com/plan

Want free resources to set your job search up for success? You can get them by going to: https://thebridgetofulfillment.com/mistakes

For other programs and opportunities to work with Blake, go to www.BlakeSchofield.com

Transcript

Melissa 0:03
I have noticed growth professionally and personally and I’ve worked with therapists in the past and everything. And nothing has been as tangible as what I’ve seen here and mindset shifts and daily habits and beliefs for people who have historically been in more structured jobs or in accounting and finance, and it is very structured, you know, trust the process, and don’t worry about the how of the program because you will get there and results are gonna like exceed expectations. Whether it is you end with a new job, or like me, I’m still in the same job, and I’m happier than I could have imagined.

Blake Schofield 0:47
Hi, I’m Blake Schofield, founder and CEO of The Bridge to Fulfillment®, mom to three, USA Today top 10 professional coach, and former corporate executive who got tired of sacrificing my life for a comfortable paycheck. My mission is to expand women’s perspectives and empower them to achieve greater impact at home and work without sacrifice. This is The Bridge to Fulfillment®. Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Bridge to Fulfillment® today, I’m super excited to welcome my client Melissa to really be able to share her story and her journey with you. And for those of you who’ve been with me for a while you know that when we bring on clients, I’m always looking for women who either have different circumstances or backgrounds that we’ve talked about, and have also had some really instrumental learnings or personal growth or results that really can help expand your perspective about what’s truly possible when you are in a place that you’re unfulfilled in your career, and how positively your life can shift within just a matter of months. So with that, it’s so wonderful to have you here. Melissa, thank you so much for joining me today.

Melissa 2:06
Thank you for having me. I’m excited.

Blake Schofield 2:09
I am, too. I am, too. So why don’t we get started, I would love for you to share a little bit about your background and what was going on in your life in your career when we connected?

Melissa 2:20
Yeah, awesome. So my background is in public accounting, I was at a consulting firm, you know, tied to external reporting calendars very what I would historically consider black and white, right or wrong, accounting, finance, etc. And I was working for the past 10 or so years, and I got my CPA, checked the box, that was an accomplishment, got promotion, check the box and other accomplishment. And then you know, something. In the back of my mind, I’ve always wondered if this path was right for me. And then you know, in the past year or so before starting this program, I just started to feel extremely unhappy, unfulfilled. Not sure. You know, I was starting to look at new jobs, new companies, and everything just felt the same. I knew my skills. I knew I was good at what I was doing. But I didn’t feel good about it. And that’s when I got introduced to this program through a friend that went through it as well. I was out in a dark spot, friends and family are starting to comment that I wasn’t myself, which was extremely upsetting. I knew it was mostly due to work, right? We spend most of our time working 80 plus hours a week, and I just felt consumed by work I felt it was taking over my life. And I just knew I had to change and take a first step in that direction.

Blake Schofield 3:40
And so we first connected and talked about the program, I know that there were some, you know, there’s that oh, my gosh, this looks so amazing. Is it really possible for me? And then there are all the questions that come when you look at making a shift, especially if you’ve never worked with a coach before, which most of my clients haven’t. Or it’s the first time you’re really kind of stepping out to invest in yourself. What were some of those things that you went through? or questions that you had about taking this step forward?

Melissa 4:08
For me, it was this seems too good to be true. Like how am I going to get there? How is that end result going? It happened to me. It was also about to be year end. And for me in my role like that is an extremely busy time where I didn’t even have time to work out, let alone work on this program be able to put in the time to this program. So I was definitely a deterrent as well. And I think one of the first times I connected with Blake I said both of those things. I said, you know, I thought I was all alone here saying you know, I don’t know if you know how accounting works. The year end it’s going to be busy. Everything going on and she kind of assured me like now’s the time. Like what are you waiting for? I would say the time and also it just seemed to me unrealistic that I was going to be able to get out of this what I was seeing with other success stories and what I was seeing online.

Blake Schofield 4:58
Yeah, now that you’ve been through In this process, what do you wish you had known when you were dealing with those doubts?

Melissa 5:04
To tell myself just stop thinking that way. I mean, I think just thinking back, I wish I told myself to do this sooner. And to trust myself trust the process. I already talked about how I said, I didn’t have time, but this program proves it. I did have time, I was just consumed by work.

Blake Schofield 5:22
And we’ll get into it in a little bit. But some of the massive shifts that you had in the program actually changed the dynamic of what happened for you for the year end. And some really impactful ways, actually said that, I think we should talk about it now. Because we may not loop back to it. I often tell women that come to me, the majority of women who come to me are time starved, lacking balance, either in burnout or near burnout. So time is always one of the biggest questions that I get. And I often say that’s one of the why it’s one of the first things we work on in the program. And then on average, three to four weeks in the program, you’ll feel like a different person, even though you’re in the same job. How did that come to fruition for you, knowing that you were, you know, at the most stressful time or coming up to the most stressful time at your job? How did you see that come to fruition? And did it change what your year end look like versus would have looked like if you hadn’t joined the program?

Melissa 6:13
Absolutely, I started the program. And when I wake up, I just keep snoozing because I was exhausted. And then when I finally opened my eyes, I would open my email, see what I missed overnight with the global teams and everything, respond to what I could get to open my laptop and start working. And then I’d work for the next 10 hours starting the program, step one, get control. And I was like, There’s no way I could do this. And then through encouragement, I think I had my own mental blocks. There it was baby steps. For me it was first implementing the calendar and sticking to it. And that was huge. And not just outside of working hours. But also during working hours setting aside time for meetings versus focus time. And that was huge for me, I think starting the day, not touching my work email, even if it was for, you know, an hour and having that hour in the morning for me for my morning magic. That was huge. I started working out again, I really let myself slip there. And it wasn’t body image aside, like working out just makes me feel better. Mentally my mental health making time for social events during the week, I think before this program, I would never meet a friend for dinner, I’d say you know, works crazy works busy. And life’s too short for that. And that was another thing. And I think going back a couple months, I’m regret not doing that sooner and missing opportunities the past 10 years.

Blake Schofield 7:41
And I think one of the biggest fears we often have, especially those of us that come from the mentality of putting work first, which is definitely who I was and how I was raised is we worry that if we actually build in the social time or the time to take care of ourselves that our performance will slip at work or our boss will be unhappy. Or maybe people will see that. Maybe we’re not as good as they think that we are all of these limiting beliefs often come up, can you share what’s happened for us, since you’ve been able to gain this better balance during the most busy time of the year? And give back to yourself? How has that impacted the quality of work and what you’ve been doing in your job?

Melissa 8:20
For my job, I recently had my year end performance review. And it exceeded expectations. My boss commented how she’s even noticed a difference in movies I did, you know I gave her and you know, my team a heads up like I’m gonna have these box on my calendar. And like, Please respect them. And through I think just how I carry myself at work. I’m not drained, I let myself recharge. And yet we got through the craziest time of year. And you know, on days where I fell into my old habits and started to then stress or frustration creep up, I would take a step back and recognize Oh, it’s because I didn’t start my day, right? Or it’s because I didn’t do my morning magic or Nope, I hit snooze. I didn’t do my morning walk something like that. So I think work recognize that I’m bringing a better, Melissa to work and being better in my deliverables and everything.

Blake Schofield 9:17
I love that so much. Again, women come to us often to transition into something else and are always often surprised that we make her life so much better. And I think it’s a beautiful example of how you can be so stressed in your job and belief that you don’t have the time or belief that you actually if you did take care of yourself at something negative would happen. But consistently over and over again for the last five years I’ve seen exactly what you’re saying, which is when you have the right boundaries and foundation and you get some of the mental blocks out of your way. You perform better in your current job and you have more space and time for yourself and more space and time to create the life that you want. And at the end of the day that’s why so many of us are looking to make changes is because we don’t feel like we have that so my goal is all wants to get that as quickly as possible. So then you have the tools to be able to enjoy your life while you’re figuring out what’s next and how you want to continue to grow. So that’s awesome. Thank you for sharing. Yeah, absolutely. So at that said, you kind of shared because that tends to be one of the first big wins when you come into the journey. What were some things that you learned in the journey or have really shifted or changed your life?

Melissa 10:21
I think my biggest takeaway is my mindset shift. I think I came in here. You know, I was very much type a perfectionist, I had my to do list and I would check it off, it was on to the next thing, what didn’t take a second to reflect back how I got there, how I accomplish it, it was just Yes, it was done. That was a huge thing for me. For me, it was being perfect all the time. I think the mindset of it’s okay not to be perfect progress is better than perfection, was the biggest takeaway mindset shift. I think it just changed everything for me how I think about work, and also how I think about some personal reflections and personal events. I think that mindset shifts also the lessons from the success and empowerment calls and listening to other women’s stories, these at the end of the day, this community like we are all so similar, we do have similar backgrounds have that perfectionism, you know, thinking we’re all alone, thinking, we have to be the ones to take it on, carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. And that is not the case, we need to celebrate the small wins. And that was another huge I think mindset shift for me. And overall, just like shifting the beliefs of it has to be perfect.

Blake Schofield 11:34
That was probably one of the biggest stressful things in my life. But I didn’t realize that perfectionism was number one, not just to I was often I think people don’t understand perfectionism is a result of how we dealt with some form of trauma in our life, and feeling out of control. And it’s not something that is actually the reason why we’re successful. It actually creates tremendous stress and anxiety. And so when you say for you, Melissa, that it was a huge unlock. How did that change either how you feel, or what’s happening in your life on a day to day basis for women who don’t understand because they are perfectionist, and they are living that life?

Melissa 12:14
Yeah, it all came down to and this came up in a success and empowerment column. And it also was in our book that I started by by nightside. And I heard nightstand and I revisited it almost every night, it’s the idea of Is it a factor isn’t an opinion? Like what is the idea of being perfect? And most of it is the opinion that we hold ourselves to Oh, it’s not fact. And I think when I you know going back to being perfect, what is that? It’s an opinion. And a lot of times we hold ourselves to a higher standard than we do others. And I think that I have that on a post it right on my laptop, my work laptop, I have it on my mirror of is it factor? Is it an opinion. And when I start to get stressed or on those days where I’m starting to feel some sort of way with anxiety, and it’s taking a setback, and it’s asking myself that question, how has that impacted you?

Blake Schofield 13:05
So in the past, if you would have felt that stress or anxiety has to be done a certain way? What would you have done? And now what do you do when you stop and you look at that post it note and you remind yourself it’s just an opinion.

Melissa 13:18
In the past, I would have let it bubble and fester. And I would have gotten to the point of breaking, whether that was crying whether it was staying online really late to work and figure it out on my own and make it perfect that way. It caused me to be anxious, depressed, compulsive, and it was just like it took over. Like I wasn’t able to focus on anything else. And I think now I take a deep breath, walk away from my computer, I might go on a walk, I might just step outside for a minute. And it’s gonna be okay. Is it factoring opinion. And I haven’t had the time yet where it was that there were times where I thought it was fact, but it was indeed opinion. So I still work on that. And it is balancing, it’s still a work in progress with all the techniques and everything. And but on days where I forget, or I might slip my mind, like I do recognize a difference.

Blake Schofield 14:19
That’s one of my favorites, because now you’ve gained back hours or days. Or in some cases, if it’s a big one weeks that you would have spent in that emotional cycle of beating yourself up or reworking the same thing over and over and over again or worrying about how your boss would feel about this. And is it good enough and all of those things that we do to ourselves when we’ve been taught or we’ve been in those pattern spots, and now you can stop, you can walk away 10 minutes later, you can solve that problem and you can just move on. And there’s freedom in that in such a big way.

Melissa 14:51
Exactly. And being able to let it go.

Blake Schofield 14:55
You mentioned to me when we were talking before we got started that you came in with very specific perspective about what success would look like for you, in your future and in this program, and that’s changed over the last several months. Can you share a little bit about that?

Melissa 15:11
Yeah. So I came in thinking, I need a new job right now, I was actually almost about to quit my job and just think, you know, thought to myself, I’ll work through this program, and I’m going to figure out the perfect next job. It’ll be waiting for me at the end of this program, this is going to solve every single answer, I will get the answers given to me, I won’t have to, you know, I’m just going to go down the program, check the box, do the activities, and a perfect job will be at the end of this. And boy, was I wrong? The mindset shift the work in the first like, month or so was definitely the most rewarding. And I will say right now I’m in the same job, but I am so much happier. Even the work I’m doing, I was able to speak of what kind of fills my cup at work and without taking on all these extra responsibilities, but just vocalizing and now I have a project in the pipeline that I’m excited about. I think I also felt very pigeon holed being a CPA in public accounting in at a large consulting firm. And I thought, okay, no, I’m good at this. But I’m not passionate about it. And where does that leave me? You know, my skills? How does that transfer to something completely new? I think now, through this program, I was amazed at Blake being able to pick out what I liked at each of my jobs in each of my roles and say, Wait a second, it’s not what’s the expression like throwing the baby out with the bathtub, it’s taking, like, I still can’t believe what I have been doing could translate into a job that’s similar, but also different enough to give me that value add that I was looking for, and that spin on it and to find my secret sauce?

Blake Schofield 17:04
And how was that process of actually being able to connect the dots? Because that’s, I think, to your point, when you’re like, How is this possible? seems too good to be true? I think women often believe that when it’s with regard to the secret sauce, like is it really possible that my skills and you can actually help me get clarity and doing that? I think that’s the biggest piece I hear all the time, like, how are you going to help me figure that out? What was that experience like for you? And we actually uncovered your secret sauce skills, and all of a sudden you went, Oh, my gosh, that’s exactly it. That’s exactly me. And wow, I can see all of these different roles in different industries, where I’d be really successful and happy.

Melissa 17:39
Yeah. So I remember old Melissa being like, Okay, I did this in the program, check the box, I did this, I did this, check the box. I’m attending, you know, this meeting. And I still felt like I wasn’t getting there. And I know, Blake, we had you supported me, you were like, very clearly it’s not check the box, step away from it and come back. And I think we had a lot of back and forth on that aspect of the program. And I was, admittedly my own worst enemy. Because I was like, No, I did it, though. I put in these three, it says three bullets. I put in my three bullets. And you and I went back and forth. And I think it came down to taking a step away, coming back and being like, okay, it’s not, it’s this experience. It’s not I’m so fortunate and lucky that I get to do this, I don’t have to do this. And like in the other ladies on the calls, and the programs, like the community was just so supportive women, you know, chatting and the Zoom links, like I’ve been there, you got this, like, we’re all in it together type of thing. And I’m trying to think of that exact aha moment. And I think it was on a call, and I pretty sure I got emotional, because you’re like you’re picking out all these instances where it was that value add where it wasn’t your day job, it was your plus one role, and what was it and then we realized through there, what really drives me and motivates me.

Blake Schofield 19:04
Yeah, I remember that exact call. And it was amazing. And listen, we’re all our own worst enemy. Often, we don’t realize that. And I often say in this program, the lessons you need to learn will show up. And it’s such a beautiful thing, because you have been in such a linear check the box job, but there are pieces of that linear approach that actually aren’t how you work best. And so part of your journey, which I loved watching, and I think is important for people to understand is that push pull, if I’m doing this thing, because I’ve been conditioned to do it, and it feels quote unquote, safe. But the reality is, that’s not who I am. And once we had that discussion, and you really saw it, and it was like oh, I actually am really good at coming into nuisance situations and figuring them out. And actually that’s been all of my plus one jobs. And when you really saw that and embrace it, it was such a beautiful shift for you and I think that’s really Where it unlocked things. And so, to your point, I think many times when we’re perfectionist and feel we have to solve things on our own, it is a very check the box kind of thing. And you’re right, this is an experience. And it’s a partnership. And it’s that back and forth for us to remove that things that are in the way from actually uncovering the truth as it is. And that’s all I see the secret sauce is just like, I’m just able to see who you really are and what you’re truly gifted at, and allow you the opportunity to see that as well. And I couldn’t be more excited for you because you have such amazing skills and talents that can be applied in so many ways. And you now have the confidence, knowledge and ability to easily articulate that to other people. And I love how you’re doing that in your current job too. Because again, this is a place where you’re not unusual or different in saying I have to quit, I’m exactly miserable, and there’s no way this is going to get better. And I have to leave to actually go wait a second, these can be a whole lot better in my job, things can be a whole lot better in my life within a really short period of time. And in the interim, I can drive more things in my current day to day work, that feel more aligned with me, that’s a beautiful thing, because it’s just continuing to develop your skills, it’s adding value to the company that you’re at. And it’s letting you move in the right direction of where you want to go. So I just give you a lot of kudos for that. But I also share that you’re not alone in that. And it’s beautiful that you’ve been able to see and build that journey in these last few months.

Melissa 21:28
Yeah, no, I couldn’t agree more. And I think my team here sees it. And to your point, like I’m happier at work, I’m being able to use those secret sauce skills that we pulled out and thinking in different projects that I’m working on and different, you know, items that I’m working on, and looking ahead for this year to say, Oh, I could use this. And you know, it’s not just the check the box anymore. It’s bringing my passions to work every day now.

Blake Schofield 21:58
So we haven’t talked too much about the job search process yet. And kind of what that journey has been like for you how that process has changed since before you came side left and open that up? What did you learn? How do you how are you approaching it differently than how you have in the past?

Melissa 22:12
I mean, so many ways. I think now I’m not settling, I think the biggest pivot and how I was looking is looking at companies first and not roles. And also the biggest thing is, or one of the bigger things is Google’s only going to tell you so much. You need to talk to people and really network and have those discussions. And even if you don’t see a role right now, or not even sure how you would fit into that company, start those conversations and see what doors could be open. Or you could see something on paper that looks so great about a company and then have your first conversation and realize, oh, maybe it’s not a good fit. So I think that’s probably the biggest thing is looking at companies versus the roles because I always thought in the detail the day to day, what is that going to look like? What’s the schedule like there, but I would say it’s really that shift of find a company that you care about that you’re passionate about the culture was a non negotiable for me. So I think that’s definitely the biggest pivot.

Blake Schofield 23:10
That’s awesome. And I often say we go six layers deeper in terms of actually understanding criteria and non negotiables. What’s your perspective on that versus how you would have because everyone says, Yeah, you want to find the right company culture. But the way we do that, without giving away anything from a proprietary standpoint, the way we do that is very different than I think what people see or understand that to be mostly honestly, because of what I learned in my own personal journey. But how was that different for you? Because I think people might listen, and they go, Well, yeah, of course, culture is important to me. But you understand this process? And how to vet companies? And how does that the right fit in a very different way than most people? How did that change or shift your perspective?

Melissa 23:50
I think a couple of ways. I think, historically, when I was looking at companies, I knew what I didn’t want, and not what I did want, and it’s a lot easier to say, Oh, I don’t want that versus looking at something that maybe you’ve never had before whether it’s I don’t know, bring your pet to work day. And you’re like, oh, that could be fun. But it’s, you know, the criteria that I discovered through this similar to my secret sauce, I was like, Oh, well, I liked this part of it. And that was an overlap between, you know, the previous companies I worked and you pulled that out. And I was like, Why did I never think that each of these, it was my, you know, direct supervisor that had the biggest impact on me and then realizing that that, you know, it’s gonna be the people that drive it. And that was the biggest thing for me and I, again, you were able to pull out those pieces from all these questions that get to the root of it, that criteria, those non negotiables that you’re looking for in a company, let alone a role. But that was the biggest, biggest thing I would say.

Blake Schofield 24:43
So you mentioned networking being a piece of this process. I find usually my clients end up saying that was one of the favorite parts of the program, but they don’t start out that way. What was your perspective about and how did you feel about networking before you joined the program? And how do you feel about it now? I hated it.

Melissa 25:04
I was scared of networking, what am I going to say? How am I going to connect with these people? I’m going to be so awkward. And I think I remember being on a call and another, I was just starting that step of the process of networking. I was like, Okay, I just, you know, why am I not doing because I’m nervous about how I’m gonna come across. And I remember another woman being like, just do it, just do it. And I still remember the way she said it. And she’s like, why am I hesitating? And that really resonated with me. I was like, Why? Why? Why do I feel this way? Why am I hesitating? Like, I have the email drafted, just send it like, what’s the worst that’s gonna happen. And I think it was a little uncomfortable for me at the beginning. But now it’s, you know, people want to help people, I think, and that’s a big thing that I’m learning through this, whether it’s the woman in the program, or just reaching out to somebody on LinkedIn is that there are good people in the world, and they want to help. And also they wanted to, like, share their experience.

Blake Schofield 26:01
And through that process, I watched and I’ve seen several key insights or a expansion of what you thought was possible. So to your point, sometimes you go most of the women that come in are uncomfortable with networking, and through the process, first couple are always the most uncomfortable. And then, to your point come to be like, Oh, I love this. This is so great. Can you remember sort of that moment when you had a networking conversation that expanded and open that for you? And what was that experience? Like? Because for so many people listening, they may have never had it before? So could you explain what’s possible on the other side, when you actually understand the art and science of authentic networking?

Melissa 26:40
When we were on the call, and I, we finally we pulled out this one piece, and it was like, oh, have you explored this type of role before, and then the two women on the call, were like, Oh, check this out. And then another woman was like, Oh, my, you know, I have a connection for you, as well. And through that I connected with a leader, that is awesome. And it really excites me. And you know, I’m actually still having those conversations, and just learning more about the company that way. And these two women on the call is just, oh, wait, I might have someone for you. And I think that also speaks to the community that you don’t like, and you know, the women that are on this is, it really is we’re all in it together, you share your experiences, and you know, it’s Women Helping Women.

Blake Schofield 27:26
Awesome, lady. Well, this has been such a wonderful conversation. And I feel like we could probably go on forever, but our time is almost up. So with that said, let me ask you, Melissa, is there anything that I didn’t ask you that I should have, or anything else that’s on your heart that you really want to share?

Melissa 27:45
Just thinking back of the past couple months, and I think I’ve already said this, so maybe it is repetitive of I’ve noticed growth professionally and personally, and I’ve worked with therapists in the past and everything, and nothing has been as tangible as what I’ve seen here, and mindset shifts and daily habits and beliefs. And that I think, is greater than any type of job that’s waiting for me out there. And it’s, you know, for people who have historically been in more structured jobs, or in accounting and finance, and it is very structured, you know, trust the process, and don’t worry about the how of the program, because you will get there. And results are gonna like exceed expectations. Whether it is you end with a new job, or like me, I’m still in the same job. And I’m happier than I could have imagined. I thought successful people in this program will end with a new job. And for me, it’s I got out much more than a new job and being happy where I am now is exactly where I want to be. Like, I think about that, because our I can’t remember if it was like the intake or the first official call. And I told you, I said, I talked to my BP, I’m quitting. And you were like, whoa, whoa, whoa. And I was like, No, now I am out. And now that’s at this point, what would it have been four months of lost wages, not my year end bonus. And it’s crazy.

Blake Schofield 29:13
Thank you for sharing that. Because I think that’s always the hardest part for me. Because when you came in, you are in a situation that is so you know, it’s a common, I’m super stressed out, I’m at the end of my rope, I feel like I have to quit. And you probably were I think I should quit my job before I do this program so that I have the time and energy to do it. I don’t have exactly. And I often tell women, I’m like, Just give me give me three to four weeks and your entire life could be drastically different. And if and I often say 85% of the time those women end up staying in their job much happier, much safer, right? Bringing in income while building that path 15% of the time, and it’s like no, it is right for you to quit, but then you’re doing it with a strategy and a plan and you’re clear on it. And so I look at where you’re at and it’s Such a beautiful thing. Because if you hadn’t taken this path, and you had done what you always did, and you didn’t step forward and faith in yourself, not only would you have missed all of that income, you wouldn’t have had the learnings that you’ve had, you’ve been able to create so much more balance all these wonderful things in your personal life. And now you’re in a great position in your job where you’re like, I don’t need to leave. I’m continuing to grow. And I’m continuing to explore what’s right and next for me. So it gives you all of the power.

Melissa 30:28
Absolutely. I feel it. That’s it– like I have the power now.

Blake Schofield 30:33
Yeah, awesome. Well, thank you so much for joining me. And for those of you guys listening, always appreciate you and until next time, sending you all of the best. Thanks for joining me today. Rather than hope the grass will be greener, identify what the right next step is. We can help you do just that. Get clarity on where you are in your journey to career fulfillment, where you’re headed, optimal paths to get there, and the right next step to take. Start your complimentary personalized career fulfillment plan at www.thebridgetofulfillment.com/plan Again, you can get your personalized career fulfillment plan at www.thebridgetofulfillment.com/plan Thanks again for joining and have a great week ahead!