Hello, I'm Calla and I'm 34, still not knowing what my future looks like but I know gaining more certifications such as CAP, will help me gain insight to this new career field I have landed. My drive is my young son; he's 16 months old. I want to give him the very best I can. About 3 years ago, I had a major shift in my career. I had gained my bachelor's in environmental Geology and quickly hired as an Environmental Scientist involved in environmental protection of water resources and regulations. I had a great career, but it came with extreme stress. It affected my health in many ways both physically and mentally. It was draining and not quite what I anticipated from the title of the job. I can look back now and miss some aspects but I'm relieved to have removed myself and merely gained experience from that window of my life. I jumped ship landing a job with TN State Parks as an Event Sales Planner, as quickly as I left and I realized I did not know anything about the job I had taken. I adapted quickly in a very fast paced position, nearly 200 emails a day, short response time expectations, contracts, and a variety of many other job duties. Somehow, I had just as much stress but in an entirely different domain. Different kind of stress. Yet it was more exciting and fulfilling, so worth it. A few hiccups arose as my job fell into the hands of 3 different supervisors in a matter of one year, resulting in many different leadership models, organization methods and expectations. It was more than just three individuals because there had to be interim periods of management (or lack thereof) as a new supervisor was hired. Chaos that brought adaptability to manage the job without leadership. Organizational strategies and planning became strengths, knowing to take on tasks autonomously. However, the unpredictability drained me as I yearned for consistency. I was newly married, wanting a family, things to be predictable like coming home at the same time every day. Stressors still affecting my health, doctors delivering news that the possibility to grow a family and become pregnant could be a low possibility. About a year ago, I was offered the job and that same day I found out I was pregnant. It was a marvelous day. I settled into a new job and as a new mom. The job is peacefully and quiet. There is a lot to learn and as part of a much smaller team, these administrative duties fall all on my shoulders. Sometimes I miss the quick paced unpredictable days. As time has passed, I've reflected on where I am at now, I crave more. I want to be the best I can at this position and to be opened to other job opportunities. This position can keep me busy and content, but I want to feel fulfilled and more knowledgeable in a field I did not attend school for. A direction I never saw coming in the first place. I want to break the paygrade I feel I may be locked in for many years to come, keeping an open mind that something better may be out there if I apply myself. I'm happy but I can be more than this. All I can do is try.

Thanks for sharing your story.  Best of luck in your certification endeavors.

Best wishes on your CAP certification journey!

That is a lot of change in a relatively short period of time. Having this time with your son is clearly your priority and there are some distinct advantages to having a low stress job while raising a young child. But I am glad you are also recognizing what you will need long term so you can lay the groundwork for that. Spending a little time thinking about what you truly want from life and tweaking those small elements needed to achieve that ideal life are such worthwhile steps to take. Plus you are teaching your son the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning.