I recently read this article by Nancy Solari at https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/why-embracing-change-is-the-best-catalyst-for-growth/450192?fbclid=IwAR0uZB1ibPJetL2AVo_lunf-40flDgVv3omJTipcbOWwiGrdnbw_q4JNjNU and it was such a powerful explanation of what I’ve been experiencing the last 5-6 years.

Over this time, there have been so many changes related to health, personal relationships, professional relationships, and education or learning in my life. At the same time, there have been myriad changes in our socioeconomic culture. While I can’t say I’ve gracefully embraced all those changes, the ones I have gracefully embraced have significantly enhanced my personal growth.

I didn’t expect to find myself divorced after more than 25 years in my mid-40s but I was and ultimately, ending that marriage was one of the best things I’ve done for myself, my well-being, and my self-care. Shortly thereafter, I decided to go back to school and finish the four-year degree my former spouse had never supported. After 13 months, I successfully completed a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management.

I didn’t expect to leave an organization whose mission resonated so fully with my belief system after nearly 18 years but it’s what happened when my position was eliminated. It hasn’t been easy but I made the intentional decision to take a step back and think about what would be the best next steps for me. I decided to return to school to complete a Master of Science in Management and Leadership while pursuing self-employment as a Human Resources Consultant. I completed my Master in March 2023 and enjoyed the course materials immensely. I’m looking forward to using some of things new skills with future clients.

While the jury is still out on whether self-employment is for me, returning to school was a wonderful experience and there are so many things I’m enjoying about self-employment, even if the uncertainties of ensuring a sufficient number of clients or projects in the pipeline are a bit anxiety-inducing.

The best part of having made these two decisions, returning to school and self-employment, is that they have freed me up to better support my aging mother as she’s dealing with some health concerns, without having to put my own well-being and self-care on the back-burner.

More will be revealed but for now, this is the season of life that makes sense for me. My genuine gratitude to Janice Jackson-Haley for all of her support during this transition in my life!

For more information about my service offerings, please go to www.amybolson.com and reach out if you’d like to schedule a no-cost 30-minute meeting to discuss how I can support your Human Resources or Management and Leadership needs.

Artwork by Chris Lawton