When we are in a difficult situation, for example in a challenging and uncomfortable work scenario, it’s easy to get down on ourselves and feel stuck in an impossible situation. And if it’s bad enough, we can be moved to think of changing our situation, i.e.: work/job/career. Then we re-evaluate what is important to us, what we want, and possibly what we’ve always wanted to do but were too afraid to try.
The impossible situation we find ourselves in has pushed us to re-think the values we have put forth to shape our lives. Enough is enough; it’s now or never; life’s too short.... And we begin to consider the inconsiderable.
When our job is ok, not great but doable, half decent money, co-workers are not too bad, we can manage, it’s incredibly difficult to leave because it’s a somewhat secure situation. Trying something outside of the box seems like a huge gamble. What if it doesn’t work out and we’ve walked away from a job that wasn’t too awful. But isn’t that just what we need? Isn’t that just what our soul has been crying for?
Turns out that we needed an impossible situation to allow us to realistically consider a change. The awful situation is a gift, allowing us to consider leaving and follow a new path. And the more awful it is, the bigger the gift is, because we won’t chicken out! We won’t be able to justify staying in that situation.
Change is hard, uncomfortable, and sometimes scary. But look at what’s at risk. Never leaving a bad situation keeps us stuck, without growth. Till we find ourselves at the end of our lives to ask, “was that it? “
Sometimes it’s right to stay in a not ideal situation. But other times it’s necessary to leave so that we can spread our wings and grow into whoever we were always meant to become. The key is to know when to change (not so clear at times). This is when an impossibly difficult situation becomes a gift. By taking away the habitual process of reasoning our way to justify not making a difficult decision (“it’s not so bad...at least it’s secure...other people have it much worse...I’m not that stressed” ...), we are forced to find courage to leave security and explore a new path. So, the next time you can’t stand your job, or your boss is a huge arse and it’s unbearable, say “Thank you shit situation for reminding me that I don’t belong here. There is somewhere else for me to go”. And then wake up your imagination and soar!!!
