Some people have no idea what they want to be when they grow up—and they’re well into their twenties and thirties. That’s not the case for Georgia Reagan. She knows exactly what she wants to do; she just isn’t doing it…yet.
Georgia was born in Texas, grew up in Alabama, went to college in Louisiana, and now lives in Tennessee. Her love for the Spanish language, as well as a desire to help people succeed, reminds her that her career looks nothing like she’d hoped it would, but she’s not giving up until that happens.
We caught up with Georgia recently to hear more of her story:
How did you end up in the career you have presently?
Georgia: In summer of 2013 I found myself graduated with my Master’s degree, yet living in my parents’ house and recently heartbroken from a bad break-up. I had accomplished so much academically yet had become a hopeless, crying mess of an adult. I was desperate to get out of my parents house and out of my sleepy hometown. Searching for a job had become my full-time, yet unpaid, job. Suddenly an opportunity in a different city and state came up and I leapt at the chance. The job didn’t pay well and wasn’t really related to my academic fields but, truth is, I would have accepted anything. After a layoff scare, I moved onto another, more stable job, with a nonprofit in education. It’s a step up, and an admirable field but it’s still a far cry from what I went to school for, and am truly passionate about—Spanish.
What has led you to question your current career choice?
Georgia: My love for Spanish isn’t just a passion—it’s a way of life for me. My Mexican roots allow for some sort of Spanish or Hispanic culture to constantly be coursing through my veins and racing through my mind. I need it in my life. Currently in my job, I don’t use it at all. My job is an administrative, back office type, but I thrive being around people, communicating with them, learning and supporting them. I want a career where I can come home and feel fulfilled—as if my true skills and abilities are being employed, and I get to do what I truly love.
What job field would you like to change to? Why?
Georgia: I would love to be a Spanish college professor. I was a teaching assistant in grad school and I loved it. Being able to see students connect with the Spanish language and cultures was so exciting for me. On a daily basis I got to share something that I love with others. That job has given me hope that the idea of loving your job actually exists. (Don’t listen to what the others say—it is possible to love your job!) My mom was born in Mexico and struggled to adjust to American culture and the education system. She made many sacrifices for my sisters and I to have phenomenal educations. I feel that God has given me a tender heart, the ability to communicate with everyone, and an innate passion to help people succeed. While I am doing meaningful work for public education, I am still not able to make that direct connection to the students that struggled and succeeded, like my mom. I am confident that it’s God’s purpose for me to give back to those students and open their minds through learning a new language and cultures.
Do you think your singleness makes your career change more or less risky?
Georgia: Being single is a pro and a con when making this career change. On the one hand, I don’t have anyone keeping me at this job or even this city. If I wanted to, I could apply for a job teaching Spanish in another country—truly living the life abroad, taking in so many different cultures and experiences. On the other hand, I don’t have anyone keeping me here. I don’t have anyone inspiring me to put down roots in this city or in this profession. I don’t have anyone to help with rent if I were to move. I don’t have anyone in my corner supporting and rooting for me. Sure, I am single and free to travel the world searching for my dream career—but at the end of the day I am still experiencing it as a single person. It is a double-edged sword being single and seeking a career change. However, it does keep me focused on my end goal—finding my dream career.
What’s your greatest fear or the one thing that’s keeping you from changing careers tomorrow?
Georgia: I fear that I will move to another city for a new job that I think will make me feel fulfilled, only to still find myself lonely and unfulfilled. I fear that if I make another big move, it will set me back years from settling down with someone. If I can’t settle down myself, how can I expect someone else to settle down with me? I fear I will wake up in 10 years and still be alone and searching for that fulfilling career, and meaningful relationship. If I let my mind wander, I can allow it to go to some pretty dark places.
However, one thing I do not fear is my purpose in this world. I know I have been put here to show and share God’s love with others. I read a great article on SingleRoots about a woman who was waiting before purchasing nice dinner plates, because she was waiting to get married and purchase some together. She eventually realized she shouldn’t put life on hold while waiting for a husband. And neither should we. Although my career path is uncertain, I am quite certain that I will stop at nothing until I feel the love for a job that I know exists. Perhaps that’s a reason that I’m single right now…to help keep me focused until I find that dream job. While it would help to have that special someone rooting me on in this journey, I promise I won’t hold myself back from my dreams while I wait for him. Keep fighting the good fight, friends. You are not alone!
If you know someone who wants a career change but is struggling to make that happen, will you email them this post to encourage them?
