Why I left The Rat Race Behind
There I was, cruising to work, practically buzzing with excitement. I loved my job—the challenges, the energy, the sense of purpose. I LOVED my job. That day, I was especially fired up. I had been invited to a big Team Leader meeting to share ideas on improving efficiencies.
My presentation? A hit. Green light approved, collaboration humming, project finished ahead of schedule and under budget. The division director was so impressed he handed out awards—and I even snagged a bonus for my initiative. I was on cloud nine, dreaming about what was next.
And then, my annual review came. I looked forward to the conversation.
I eagerly scanned the document, proud of everything I’d accomplished. Then I saw it—the comment that transformed everything.
Dimming My Light...
"Terri comes to work prepared to tackle a challenge. She recently participated in the Team Leader Efficiency Initiative. Although her contribution was valuable, her enthusiasm was intimidating to others in the department. I recommend she tones it down so she doesn't make others feel less valuable.”
Wait, what? My enthusiasm? A liability? I was stunned. Devastated. All my passion and hard work boiled down to a polite suggestion: dim your light so others can feel better.
It was a gut punch that forced me to ask some hard questions: Was this really the environment where I wanted to spend my career? Where being bold and driven was a problem to fix?
Spoiler: It wasn’t.
Transformation
That moment marked the beginning of my journey out of corporate and into something better. A business where my enthusiasm wasn’t just welcome—it was my secret sauce.
If you’re feeling stifled by the same corporate constraints, maybe it’s time to ask yourself: What could happen if you stopped dimming your light?
Good news! Unlike me, you don't have to figure it out alone. Schedule a call with me today, and let’s map out how you can take your first steps toward building the career and life you love. Because your passion isn’t a problem—it’s your superpower.
Click the button below to schedule a free strategy session with me. Be the leader of your life. You deserve a career and life you love.
