Hello Community,

Jaime Chatfield

October 4,2021 at 9:27AM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

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Hello Community,

I recently chose to leave a job in higher ed that hadn't been giving me satisfaction for a while - I have a pattern of finding myself in assistant positions and spend a lot of time managing up and being shown no opportunity for growth. Much of this is due to having chosen to live my life abroad and the complexities this brings (preference for more international companies, for example) as well as mental patterns that need breaking.

I'm not sure where I'm headed at the moment, but I'm a very natural networker with a good group of contacts that I seem to be able to use for everyone but myself! I've connected a number of people who've gone on to work together or do projects.

I'm hoping to find a job that I can do from home (or very locally but that's an issue in rural France), as my last required a long commute and I am no longer willing to spend my days in trains. I care about diversity and inclusion and I know too much about systemic oppression in most large organizations to compromise there, either.

I have a side passion-hustle doing astrology and tarot readings, which has helped me a lot on my own personal journey, as well as shadow work - so I'm grounding now, and hoping that I can create or find a career that I feel good about in the future. I've considered Nutrition (with a focus on systemic/educational issues around food), as well as a few other ideas that give me more autonomy.

Very glad to be part of this community and hope to connect with some of you soon!

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AnonymousOctober 5,2021 at 3:44PM UTC
Welcome to FGB! Good for you for prioritizing yourself and your own happiness. Best of luck in your search for a new role!
Jaime ChatfieldOctober 7,2021 at 7:36AM UTC
Thank you so much for the warm welcome and good wishes. It means a lot!
Jill L. FergusonOctober 6,2021 at 5:31PM UTC
Hi, Jaime. A pleasure to electronically meet you. I, too, left a higher ed job, but way back in 2012. It is good to follow your interests and passions and what you are meant to do will reveal itself. Trust your instincts.
Jaime ChatfieldOctober 7,2021 at 7:36AM UTC
Hi Jill, that is so kind - nice to meet another academic refugee! I'm very much working on exactly what you've said; following my instincts! They've been rusty haha
KelliOctober 7,2021 at 1:07PM UTC
Hi Jaime - higher ed can be gruling...I've been in that space before and I can tell you it IS better on the other side. Congrats on making a great choice for yourself. It sounds like you're working on that self-discovery piece which is so important. Next, you'll want to create a plan (get your job search assets together) and then TAKE ACTION (oftentimes the hardest part). Let me know what questions you have about the process and I'll see if I can help!
Jaime ChatfieldOctober 8,2021 at 8:57AM UTC
Hi Kelli, what a kind message and I thank you so much for your insight and encouragement. I'm excited to make an impact elsewhere. Plan time indeed!
Chre M. Davis, M.S.Ed.October 10,2021 at 2:18AM UTC
Another higher ed expat here! I was tired of trying to climb that ladder, and the higher I reached the less fulfilled I was. After teaching abroad and working as a freelancer/nomad, I found my way into a great startup with a vision for shaking up higher education, and couldn't be happier to be starting from the "bottom rung" with them. I don't know what you're looking for, but I will say, enjoy the journey and follow your heart. It knows. Love hearing these journeys, and connecting with the like minded!
Jaime ChatfieldOctober 15,2021 at 12:21PM UTC
Thank you for this! So you definitely know where I'm coming from. I think that shaking up higher education is great place to be!! Very glad that this has worked out for you, and good to meet you :)
Ashley DelBello, Transformational Life+Career+ Purpose CoachOctober 11,2021 at 4:39PM UTC
I'm so excited for you + what's to come! And so courageous of you to listen to your heart and leave a career that was no longer serving you.
While I wasn't in higher ed, I was in corporate for 15 years and it was grueling and I found myself no longer really living, so I left in 2019. Hands down the best decision I ever made. Not always easy, but being 2 years on the other side of it, I can absolutely say it was so worth it. Always happy to connect with others who are like-minded and going through similar situations!
Jaime ChatfieldOctober 15,2021 at 12:22PM UTC
Thank you Ashley. Yes, when you get to "no longer really living", it gets quite dark! So glad and inspired to hear you are successfully on the other side! :)