After nearly a decade of working in higher education, I made the decision to walk away from the only professional world I had ever known — to pursue an MBA, join a company that’s only a few years old, and completely restructure how I live and work.
It wasn’t a decision I made lightly. But looking back now, it was exactly what I needed.
A Career Built in Higher Ed
Higher education has given me so much: stability, strong relationships, and purpose-driven work. I spent years supporting the development of students and faculty, improving processes, and helping drive initiatives that mattered. But over time, something shifted.
I started to feel boxed in. My days were full, but not always fulfilling. The structure that once brought comfort began to feel rigid. I realized I was spending more energy managing systems than growing within them. And like so many people in mission-driven roles, I often felt guilty even thinking about leaving.
But deep down, I knew I needed change.
The Turning Point
I wanted more flexibility. I wanted to explore new industries. I wanted to continue learning and stretch my skills in new directions — not just laterally, but upward and outward.
And so I made a choice: I enrolled in an MBA program and started looking for work environments that valued innovation, agility, and growth just as much as experience.
That’s how I landed in my current role — working at a company that’s still growing, still building, and still learning. It’s a different pace. A different mindset. A different culture. And for the first time in a long time, I feel like I have room — to breathe, to think, to pursue my education, and to build a career that reflects who I am now, not just who I was 10 years ago.
What I’ve Learned from Making the Shift
- It’s okay to outgrow your environment. Loyalty is admirable, but staying somewhere that no longer supports your goals isn’t a badge of honor.
- You don’t have to choose between school and work. Finding a company that values flexibility has allowed me to thrive in my MBA program and show up fully in my job.
- New doesn’t always mean risky. Working at a younger company has introduced me to new ways of thinking, faster feedback loops, and more collaborative decision-making.
- You can rewrite your narrative. Being a “career changer” used to scare me. Now, I see it as one of my greatest assets.
To Anyone Feeling Stuck
If you’re feeling torn between comfort and curiosity — I see you. It’s okay to want more. It’s okay to step away from what used to be the right fit. And it’s okay to build a life that aligns with the season you’re in now.
Career paths aren’t straight lines. They’re winding, evolving, and deeply personal. And sometimes, the biggest leaps of faith take us exactly where we were meant to be.