Why Career Advancement Wasn't Right for Me

Just because an opportunity presents itself, doesn't necessarily mean you always have to jump on it. I still remember as a director of finance in the hotel business, our assistant general manager telling me that my next promotional step would be to his spot. I also remember thinking to myself, yes, that's true, but I don't WANT your spot.

It was the realization I needed to determine the next step in my career advancement -- or lack thereof -- and the jolt that took me from one career into which I'd settled nicely, to one that I've never explored, never dreamed I'd had the opportunity to explore, one in which I had no idea whether I'd be successful, and one that offered little in the way of monetary enticement or opportunity for career advancement.

What Lay Ahead

Had I stayed in the hotel business, my next likely move would have been to an assistant general manager position at a mid-sized hotel (300-500 rooms) or continuing with my finance endeavors as an assistant director of finance at a major hotel (500 rooms +).

The thought of such a move left me feeling numb though, and even though the money was reasonably good, even that lure didn't hold much appeal. This in itself was enough to tell me that it was time to go. Pairing it however, with the fact that I was coming home from work each night and often toiling an extra hour or two upon my writing, and it was a clear indication that it was time to consider a career move.

My True Desires

I had already been writing for a while when the realization regarding my hotel career future hit me. And even though writing was work, it was work that I looked forward to and enjoyed doing. I loved the thought of being able to explore a variety of ideas and topics I'd had mulling around in my brain for years, and liked the idea of being my own boss and free to work how, when, and where I chose. This didn't however mean that I was completely prepared for or aware of all that venturing out on my own entailed.

A Treacherous Step

While I was confident in my abilities to move into the world of self-employment, I really had no true idea of what a writing career would bring or whether I would even be successful at it. I really had no idea of how to get started, how to succeed, and knew no one in the business but myself and my grandfather who had already passed away.

I was on my own, but willing to take a chance in order to break away from the typical career advancement opportunities and try something new, even if it meant lower income and a less than stable career path.

Pay Versus Happiness

Sometimes happiness trumps how much money a job offers. I know it did in my case at least. Doing a job you love and leaving the ulcers and frustration of previous work may make taking a pay cut almost seem inconsequential.

I was making much more money in the hotel business, and the benefits and perks were quite good, but I found that the non-monetary aspects such as family, happiness, location, and self-worth were much more valuable to me in my new career than the better pay of my previous work, and therefore made my move away from career advancement well worthwhile.

More From This Contributor:

5 Websites that Could Save You Money

Valuable Financial Lessons From Mom and Dad

How One Page Simplified My Financial Life

Disclaimer:

The author is not a licensed financial professional. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Any action taken by the reader due to the information provided in this article is solely at the reader's discretion.