"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."
Change comes easier to some people more than others. Some people fear change, preferring the comfort of what is known. Even if it's unpleasant, at least there are rarely any unexpected surprises to disrupt the homeostasis of their individual lives. Some people thrive on change, always looking to improve their lot in life, even at the expense of setbacks and sacrifices along the way. What makes some people more open to change, while others resist change, especially if it can help improve their quality of life?
I consider myself to be open to change. In fact, I prefer change. I do not like the routine of doing the same thing day in and day out. If I ever catch myself in a Groundhogs Day scenario, I reassess the situation to see what I can do to switch up the monotony. When I was a career advisor at University of Illinois Chicago, I fell into a Groundhogs Day scenario amd was able to switch roles by doing content management and design for the College of Engineering's websites.
After less than two years in my new role I realized it was not the role as much as it was showing up to the same building every day. I was interacting with the same people and dealing with the same bureaucratic red tape that I imagine happens at most large public universities. Unable to complete my work to the standards I set for myself, I struggled with limiting my potential. When the dean of the college said I was "doing enough," that's when I knew I had to leave before I got too comfortable doing just enough work to please my superiors, but having no real satisfaction on my end. Going above and beyond was not an option, so I left.
Now, every day for me is different. I do not have a salaried position with benefits and paid time off. I make enough to get by and have the flexibility to take enough time off from my responsibilities when I choose. I had to make sacrifices along the way and still do. There were setbacks, but I do not regret leaving the comfort of a salaried position. I took a leap of faith and believed in myself enough to know I always land on my feet. The change I was seeking did not come easy, but it was worth the risk, and my quality of life has increased vastly because of it. I'm done with comfort if it means sacrificing my potential and happiness. I guess that's why 'they' say, "Change is good."
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