Stream 1—New Career
Faced with changing my entire life, my first response was to panic! What next? How will I support my family? What about retirement? What about my abilities, are they gone too? I had my notebook in hand and went to a person I knew had changed his career after an illness. We talked and he shared some valuable experience with me. This helped me to go to the next step in my movement toward a Healthy Heart career search.
Even after the thourough self examination, and the visit with a friend that had gone through the same type ordeal, I was still a mess. The first thing after the visit with a friend was a visit with my doctor. My friend shared his lesson… that the most successful folks in the world are successful in part, because they know the abilities they have developed, the strengths they have grown into, and finally… the limitations they have and should recognize.
The visit with my cardiologist was for no other reason than to get his opinion of my physical abilities, and limitations in light of my congestive heart failure. His answer was very short and to the point, “You will know when you exceed your limits.” Well duh! He did give me some advice… that advice was for me in my situation, the important thing to remember is get the advice of your health care professional prior to a new venture. I know that one of my limitations is that I have always pushed the envelope .. too far at times… and in part that is what caused the enlarged heart.
After the visit with the doctor I moved to gain a place on a sales team. I have always been a sales professional, now I was to getback in the game. HOORAH!!!! Now I sell pest control, a brand new product. Thsi new activity stimulates my body with physical activity… and my mind as I learn about the wonderful world of pests.
This new start came four years ago, five next February, and has been a great move for me. I enjoy the business, the learning, and most of all the people I serve…my customers. Getting fresh air, controlled activity, and learning are just what the doctor ordered…no pun intended.
I had to realize that my new condition was not the end… could be the begining…I simply put one foot in front of the other and took some action toward a new and different “HealthyHeartCareer”
I hope this helps you find the direction you need, and motivation to get better heart health, and a more enjoyable life!