JP, great article. Detachment is the worst. You are physically there, but emotionally you have checked out. You are at the ceiling of what the job can give you. It’s not loud, just insistent. You are finished. You now have to make the choice between delaying your life or taking a chance on yourself with something new.
JP I loved the nuance of making sure you are shipping something in your second act and not just "getting ready to get ready" as I call it.
As you know, I've been a big believer in having some work to fuel your creativity that you're passionate about on the side throughout your career for many reasons. Going into my latest job for practicality after my last layoff, I knew I would be underemployed, but it only spurred me to spend even more energy on my writing and coaching so the second act will be thriving by the time I finally do get to dive fully into it.
I think that’s the real shift, Melanie. The second act isn’t built after life calms down. It’s built in parallel with the life you already have. Most people stay stuck “preparing.” Meanwhile the people who quietly ship imperfect work start building momentum long before they feel ready.
I feel the same way which is why I now spend my free time writing and traveling and writing about travel. This is a way for me to balance competency/stagnation with growth.
That is the exact identity crisis I’m going through right now. I truly don’t mind that I’m a bit stagnant at work. The work competency gives me the time to explore personal areas where I want to grow.
This really resonated with me. Sometimes nothing is wrong on the outside, yet you still know something needs to change. That realization can be hard to ignore once you see it.
I know this feeling.. and walked away (after lining up something more fitting, working towards that for years). Not many people understood. But staying was scarier. Happy I did it. Hope you will too.
JP, great article. Detachment is the worst. You are physically there, but emotionally you have checked out. You are at the ceiling of what the job can give you. It’s not loud, just insistent. You are finished. You now have to make the choice between delaying your life or taking a chance on yourself with something new.
JP I loved the nuance of making sure you are shipping something in your second act and not just "getting ready to get ready" as I call it.
As you know, I've been a big believer in having some work to fuel your creativity that you're passionate about on the side throughout your career for many reasons. Going into my latest job for practicality after my last layoff, I knew I would be underemployed, but it only spurred me to spend even more energy on my writing and coaching so the second act will be thriving by the time I finally do get to dive fully into it.
I think that’s the real shift, Melanie. The second act isn’t built after life calms down. It’s built in parallel with the life you already have. Most people stay stuck “preparing.” Meanwhile the people who quietly ship imperfect work start building momentum long before they feel ready.
I feel the same way which is why I now spend my free time writing and traveling and writing about travel. This is a way for me to balance competency/stagnation with growth.
That’s probably healthier than the “burn it all down” version people romanticize online.
Writing and travel give you movement. Perspective. A reminder that competency at work doesn’t have to be the only identity left standing.
That is the exact identity crisis I’m going through right now. I truly don’t mind that I’m a bit stagnant at work. The work competency gives me the time to explore personal areas where I want to grow.
This really resonated with me. Sometimes nothing is wrong on the outside, yet you still know something needs to change. That realization can be hard to ignore once you see it.
I know this feeling.. and walked away (after lining up something more fitting, working towards that for years). Not many people understood. But staying was scarier. Happy I did it. Hope you will too.