Changing careers is an adventure filled with excitement, challenges, and unexpected discoveries. One aspect I hadn’t anticipated was the process of letting go of old subscriptions and memberships. As I transition from higher education into the field of counseling, I am finding that this step is more than just a financial decision. It reflects my evolving professional identity.
For years, I have been part of various organizations, associations, and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that catered to my role in higher education. They provided me with resources, connections, and a sense of community. Now, as renewal reminders flood my inbox, I am faced with the choice to let these memberships expire. As I do so, I am acknowledging that these groups have fulfilled their purpose in my life.
In their place, I am embracing new organizations that align with my journey into counseling. I am actively engaging with the American Counseling Association (ACA) and immersing myself in materials from my current program. Instead of skimming through newsletters that no longer resonate, I am reading every word from sources that support my new path.
This shift changes what I pay for. It also changes what I pay attention to. It is a subtle part of the transition. The emails and updates that once sparked my interest now feel like echoes from a past chapter. Meanwhile, the communications from counseling organizations feel fresh and invigorating, fueling my passion for this new field.
There is a bittersweet element to this process. Letting go of longstanding affiliations comes with a touch of sadness, especially since attending an event hosted by one of these organizations led me to secure my first job in higher education. These groups were part of my professional life for so long that saying goodbye feels like closing a door on a piece of myself. Yet, there is also joy in opening new doors and stepping into a world that excites and inspires me.
Navigating this aspect of career change has been a multilayered experience. Growth often requires us to release the familiar to make space for the new. As we honor where we have been, we wholeheartedly embrace where we are going.
If you are considering a career change, know that it is okay to feel a mix of emotions as you realign your professional world. Letting go of old memberships is a meaningful step toward your future. Embrace it and allow yourself to fully invest in the path ahead.
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I will see you next week!
Roque Neto 