A Time to Give Thanks

The past several months have been a time of uncertainty in my professional life. In April it was announced that my company was to be acquired. Since then I have been watching and waiting to see what will change at the company and how this will affect me. Throughout this time I have experienced stress, relief, frustration, and sadness. I have watched colleagues leave and still I wait. I have worried and waited. It has given me time to think and to read and learn. And as the days go by, I have to continue to work in the face of a wavering future.

In addition, I have had time to re-evaluate where my career is today and where I want to steer it tomorrow. Self evaluation and contemplation has always been a learning experience. As a child I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up, but as I have gotten older my goals and aspirations have changed – at times drastically. In 2006, I decided to leave a successful career as a commercial airline pilot to return to graduate school and study business. This time of self reflection has not led me to such a drastic change, but helped me refine my goals and ambitions.

In addition, less than a month ago my husband got a new job in Washington DC. This has added a new element of change – and excitement – to our lives. And it has also provided me with some much needed distraction from the uncertainty of my current company's position. A cross-country move in less than a month is a tiring prospect! But, I am excited about moving to a new place and living in the nation's capital!

With this move comes new and increased professional opportunities for me. I have been focusing on gathering information and networking to be ready when we arrive in DC.

This brings me to the reason I am sharing this with you. Thanksgiving. Since April stress and worry have often been at the forefront of my attention. I have often emphasized the uncertainty of the future over the good fortune I have had throughout my career and currently still experience. So, this Thanksgiving comes at a perfect time to remind me to be thankful for what I have achieved, my continued good fortune, and my future opportunities. In addition, I am thankful for the people in my life – both personal friends and professional connections. And lastly, I am thankful for my family.

Thank you. And happy Thanksgiving!