My Recent Career Change: Going from Teacher Assistant to Personal Assistant

Life has a funny way of steering us into unexpected territories. Just three months ago, I traded storytime circles for writing time when I shifted from being a teacher assistant to a personal assistant. This unexpected career shift has been a rollercoaster, and I want to share what I’ve learned along the way.

Back in May, I worked as a teacher assistant at a daycare, feeling deeply unsatisfied with my career and trapped, believing that my job defined my identity. It certainly was not my definition of success. 

I was stressed out, frantically searching for a job where I could be what I always dreamed of—working with a publisher, writing for a magazine, or working on a children’s book. But by doing this, I limited myself because I thought I wasn't qualified or it didn't fit my ideal image of work. Reflecting on this, I realized my fear of not putting myself out there and showcasing my abilities was stronger than my fear of failing or being judged. I didn't want to let opportunities pass me by anymore.

And so much has changed since then.

Navigating Setbacks and Seeking New Beginnings

In June 2023, I decided to resign from my position as a teacher's aide in a special education setting. I enjoyed working with the preschoolers and forming bonds with them during the one-and-a-half years that I was there. However, after moving out of my parents' house and into my own place with some roommates, I found that there was no convenient or affordable commute to my job. As a result, I chose to leave and focus on spending the summer working on my blog and seeking employment opportunities that would allow me to utilize my writing skills, considering that I had graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English. 

Initially, living off savings while building my portfolio and seeking writing opportunities felt liberating. I embraced healthy habits like early morning walks, yoga, and exploring my passions, even indulging in beach trips. After four challenging years at university, I felt I deserved this break. However, the excitement faded as my savings dwindled and financial reality set in. 

By August, I was running out of time and money for rent, and I hadn't found a job. I was frustrated because I didn't have much experience in professional writing, having completed only one internship during my junior year of college. I felt discouraged and thought, "I'm just not a good writer." I often found myself thinking that college was a scam.

Reluctantly, I applied for a daycare position near my new place. It felt like a step backward, but I needed the paycheck, and sometimes survival takes precedence over pride. I got the job, but it felt disheartening because my impressive resume wasn't enough for writing positions. My hopes were dashed, and I felt discouraged. 

Confronting Reality and Rediscovering My Aspirations

When I started this job, I hoped it would fulfill my desire to work with kids. However, I was quickly reminded of why I left that life behind. The environment was unpleasant, the staff untrustworthy, and the children extremely challenging. Even the preschoolers with disabilities at my previous job were better behaved. The long hours drained me, and the constantly changing schedule was frustrating. Despite all this, I stuck it out because I needed the money and they were paying sixteen dollars an hour. I continued to work hard because that's who I am. 

I'm so grateful for the chance to work with this amazing teacher. She was great with the kids and was always there to help out. Having her around made the whole place feel more secure. Not only was she good at her job, but she also had a great sense of humor and was smart, which made her fun to be around. My workdays were so much better because of her. Plus, she inspired me to go after new opportunities and gave me some really valuable advice. I value her friendship now. 

Although I didn’t enjoy my job much, I formed wonderful bonds with the children in my class. They have grown so much during my time there, and it will always comfort me that I was one of the people who helped them develop. Sometimes I get so caught up in my misery that I don’t see the beauty of life happening right before me. Deep down, I will always have room to connect and work with children. That part of me will never go away. But there are also other parts of me that I have always wanted to explore but never did out of fear of the unknown, fear of change, and fear of wasting time on things I assumed wouldn't work out. There came a point where I couldn't bear living below my potential, not achieving my dreams, or reaching my higher self. That feeling pained me.

I never want to feel that way again.

A Serendipitous Connection: Transitioning into Real Estate

In December 2023, an unexpected opportunity came my way. I had been babysitting for a wonderful mother of two boys as a side hustle for two years. This connection became a pivotal moment in my career journey. One of the boys was my student at the special education school, and we clicked right away. The mother and I became close friends. She is a smart, humble, and fashionable real estate salesperson. One day, she called and offered me a job as her personal assistant, and to watch her boys more when I wasn't working in real estate.

I was very excited when she laid out all the details of the job and told me I would be working from home most of the time. She even asked me what I would like to do if I worked for her. (Of course, I said writing!) She told me she would research to see how hiring me would go and would get back to me. By June, I was able to say goodbye to the world of early childhood education and stepped into a new world of real estate. 

Finding Clarity Through Reflection and Resilience

Looking back on my journey, I've come to realize the importance of being present. My constant worries about the future— “Am I good enough?” “Will people like my writing?” “Will my life be like this for the rest of my life?”—kept me trapped in anxiety. Now, I see that my path, with all its challenges and detours, is valuable and meaningful. Finding my way back to myself has taught me that growth often comes from embracing uncertainty. Talking to close friends has given me new perspectives and hope for better days. I've learned that it's not our careers or mistakes that define us, but how we grow and adapt from our experiences. Each step, whether forward or backward, shapes who we are becoming. I am a culmination of everything around and within me. I've learned to work hard for what I want, but also to relax and appreciate the moments and the people who care for me. Only then will my life balance out, and what is meant for me will come to me. 

So, if you're on a journey of self-discovery, embrace each twist and turn. Trust that every experience, even the challenging ones, shapes the person you're meant to become. And remember, sometimes the detours lead us to the most fulfilling destinations.