Life has a lot of challenging decisions that you have to make in order to grow, to learn, and to get to where you want to go. And one of those challenges is changing your job. I was fortunate enough to land where I was happy and knew as my life changed, my career needs changed. When I wave the banner for a brand, that is my brand, it is a part of my life and a commitment to do the best creatively to lead the charge to enhance and step up where and when possible.

  1. People Versus Pay
    When you are working in a company you have reasons and needs for taking that job. And whatever those are, two that are always a factor are people and pay. But from my experiences, people are always over pay. You can get a great pay check but if the people are difficult to deal with or you don’t connect, the mental fatigue alone can be more costly than the extra pay that you make. In the quick switch between jobs people and pay were both factors but the people are what made me feel more comfortable being on that team.
Stage Fright Not an Option

2. Experiences are Important
When I think about an important factor for any job is the experiences. As people experiences really open your mind, they can have lasting impressions that go along way in your development and your life. Getting the promotion and/or the raise is amazing but having those experiences are not financial valuable but they are personally valuable. Working for Zildjian and going to shows meeting the drummer for the bands, I was fortunate to have some experiences that have defined my career today. Even with National Geographic Learning, I have been lucky to fly to Mexico and see elementary schools and get a life changing look at education. As well as Chicago with US Adult education. The memories, the people, the moments. Those are the riches in your career and unfortunately currently are a lot more difficult to achieve.

Both Supporting Our Favorites

3. Settling is Regrettable

I had a tough time with leaving Zildjian after giving it 10 years and growing and learning that I wondered if I was settling and I was also burnt out. That change is extremely difficult but once you make that first change and get into something new, to then make another jump is extremely difficult and is worrying. I was trying to figure out if I was just expecting too much or if I was doing the right thing. The main problem is you are not sure until you make the decision and then it is too late. I landed at Citizens Bank and hit the ground running but quickly realized it was not for me. I gave 8 months and was really struggling to fit into the culture and also stand out where I came from a company that I was leading the creative and then being a part of a much larger team. So many factors to weigh in but I told myself not to settle and it is why I left Zildjian in the first place. That is why after another jump to National Geographic Learning, I was glad I made the decision and quickly felt I made the right decision.

Spent most of my career posing with people…

4. Needs Change

When I left Zildjian I was getting married, looking at kids, and buying a house. I felt that I needed to not work at a place that I was at work until 7:30PM and going to shows until 2AM and then getting up to work the next day. It was great when I was young, single, and in an apartment but that all changed and I needed a more reliable straight forward job and that is where Citizens Bank came in but I realized it didn’t feel right and I wasn’t able to get the experiences like I did at Zildjian. Then came National Geographic Learning where I was able to connect with teachers, students but also National Geographic explorers and TED Talk speakers. And be in bed at a decent time. It was exactly what I needed because my needs changed. Plain and simple but it may not be for you. Also think about the reasons for changing and make sure that is factored in.

I think A Day to Remember was the only band I shot?!