Story of My Career Switch
When I chose to pursue my MBA at the University of Pittsburgh, I had just recently gotten married and therefore started the program part-time to be able to financially contribute to the household. Working and going to school quickly became difficult as my job was demanding with deadlines and travel. A few classes even mentioned that you could not take the class if you were to miss more than one class. This was a stressful weight on my shoulders. As the first semester progressed, I realized the wealth of opportunity and knowledge available to an MBA student.
For many years, I pursued the field of landscape architecture, a unique and interesting field, but ultimately small in terms of job opportunities and growth.
I suddenly realized that the same opportunities weren’t available at my current job and knew that it was holding me back from future potential to advance. My office was very small with only six employees, so I knew it would be a big deal if I left the team. I had the feeling that I needed to quit my very first job that I had out of undergrad to pursue a full-time course load in graduate school. This was very scary financially and professionally. Was I going to leave a profession that I went to school for five years, was the president of the local professional chapter, on the alumni board of my undergraduate program, and a registered professional in my field? This was a huge obstacle holding me back because of these sunk costs. I felt guilty essentially leaving this small and tight nit profession.
Ultimately, I had to decide to quit my job and start the spring semester full-time. It ended up being a wonderful decision, but I am still dealing with obstacles of departing from my previous profession. I am still holding the position as president of our local chapter and a member of our state chapter, but I am learning lessons about letting go of people that you professionally care about in pursuit of a better career and job opportunities for myself. As a member of the Penn State Alumni Board of Landscape Architecture, I explained to them my choice not to pursue a traditional career in landscape architecture after I graduate from Katz with my MBA but the marketing field that I have chosen greatly related to our great design and analysis education that PSU provided. They were supportive, but ultimately sad to lose someone in the small profession. I feel guilty as I continue this transition to a new career path from a professional that I was very involved with.
Ultimately, we all need to make hard decisions. Those decisions may disappoint others but hopefully they are only disappointed because you were a great employee and enjoyable to work with. Be sure to tell them how much you appreciated their help and time to enhance your career. At the end of the day, you need to do what is best for you!
