wsilver via Flickr

My son’s preschool wraps up this week, so I’ve been on the hunt for a nanny to fill some hours over the summer.  (And maybe give my husband and I a much needed date-night here and there.)  It has actually been a fairly easy process, despite my initial reticence, and it has reminded me of an experience I had a number of years ago.

I was in a job funk – the work wasn’t engaging, the company culture was toxic and my boss was… well, let’s just say “eccentric”.  I was beat down and ready to go.

At one point during my endless job board browsing, I found a posting for a nanny position.  Get paid to hang out with two cute little girls?  Be a positive role model?  No commute, no stress, no power trips?  I was in.

Luckily, as I was getting ready to put in my notice, my then boyfriend (now husband) looked at me and said “Honey, I know you’re unhappy, but let’s slow down. You have an MBA and a resume full of business experience. This is a BABYSITTING job.”

Um, yeah.  Reality check.

When you hate where you work, the temptation to do something – ANYTHING – different is strong.  You just want to be free.  And, yes, a “vacation” job outside your career path can be fun and maybe even a strategic way to gain perspective and refocus.  But it can also be a crutch that keeps you from finding your real path.

If you find yourself tempted to make a dramatic change, make sure it’s for the right reasons.  Remember that real freedom – the freedom to find engaging work that matters – doesn’t come from moving backwards.  It comes from pushing yourself, staying true to your vision and not giving up when things get tough.

(Photo by wsilver via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons)