I Found My 'Why' and It All Fell Into Place

In this series of posts, professionals reveal their best antidotes to work stress. Read the posts here, and then write your own (use #OutsideWork in the piece).

I've been a striver for as long as I can remember: eyes focused far forward on the next milepost, the next step in the journey, the next success. I've always had purpose and drive, but I didn't always know what I was driving toward. Somewhere around the turn of the calendar into 2012, I realized that I was tired. I'd spent so many years pushing myself, compelling myself toward "success" that I had lost track of what was truly important in my life.

So I took a deep breath, looked inward, and really took stock of what makes me happy. How did I want to spend my time? Was there a way for my work to be part of that happiness as well? It was a painful exercise to realize that the career path I had chosen was pulling me away from my family: my hugely supportive husband and the four children of whose lives I don't want to miss a moment. The distance was as much physical as it was emotional: commuting three hours a day sapped both quality time and my energy; and work travel sent me to different time zones at best a few days per month. 

My exhaustion wasn't enough to get me to change. The ticking clock, however, was my wakeup call. My oldest children, my twins, were moving into the last years of high school, and it was time for Mom to come home. Fortunately for me, Century 21 Redwood was ready for me to 'come home' too. My new role meant that I could be an integral part of an exciting, growing company — and be close to home to be the wife and mom that I badly wanted to be.

Erika signs to play softball for George Mason University

There have been moments where I am tangibly aware of 'walking away' from where my career might have lead me — job opportunities that I decline interviewing for, speaking opportunities passed over, lists I don't make. But the 'old me' would never have shared goofy rollercoaster pics with my kids. Even if I would look back to ask "Did I make the right call?" the year we had together as a family in 2015 shouts to the rooftops that it was the right decision.

When I look at my photos from the last year, the joy emanating from each little peek into my life makes my heart sing. My children are happy and thriving. I have the time to devote to them, to my husband, and to myself. (Getting the three hours back from the commute meant I could return to the gym!) Celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary in the same year was truly the icing on the cake.

And my career? The happiness I've regained in my personal life has given me energy and enthusiasm for my work. I realized that I'm at my best when working with our team of amazing managing brokers, and I love meeting with agents looking to make a difference in this industry. While I don't work directly with my husband, he is a C21 Redwood agent, so having lunch together or working from the same office is not a rare occurrence. 

I know that every day I have in this world is a gift, so I'm going to squeeze the juice out of each one as best I can. Taking a leap of faith with my career for the sake of my "outside-work" happiness was the best decision I ever made.