People often talk about finding their lane.
I've learned that sometimes life asks us to change lanes.
When I wanted to leave direct care and move into office work, I knew I needed a new skill. So I started practicing on the computer keyboard I had at home.
I needed to learn ten-key.
Someone gave me advice I'll never forget:
"You're already good at dialing a telephone. Just turn the phone upside down and learn to type that way."
That simple perspective changed everything.
I wasn't starting from zero.
I was building on something I already knew.
Later, I wanted to work in the school system. I decided that if I was serious about becoming an educator, I should become one. So I went back to school.
When I interviewed, I shared that I was earning my education degree. Looking back, I think that commitment to learning helped set me apart.
Changing lanes opened another door.
Years later, I felt another pull.
This time, it wasn't toward another job.
It was toward entrepreneurship.
I wanted the opportunity to build something of my own and make the decisions I believed were best. So I left the security of the school system and stepped into business ownership.
That was another lane change.
Looking back, I realize none of those seasons were wasted.
Each one prepared me for the next.
The skills I learned in direct care helped me serve people.
The skills I learned in education helped me teach.
The skills I learned as an entrepreneur continue to shape everything I create today.
Sometimes we think changing directions means starting over.
I don't believe that anymore.
I think we're often carrying more with us than we realize.
So let me ask you...
Is there a new lane you've been thinking about?
Maybe it's a new career.
Maybe it's starting a business.
Maybe it's writing the book you've been putting off.
Whatever it is, don't assume you're starting from the beginning.
You may already have more of what you need than you think.
Until the next chapter…
There will be more.
— Katherine Waddell
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