CareerTOOLBox #20: Change Your Career, Change Your Life (Part 2)

It’s Possible. Here’s How. (Part 2)

In this new year, we could all use some inspiration. Whether it’s the market surging, the hint of spring in the air or the knowledge that the best is yet to come, if we embrace the shift to possibilities, who knows what we’ll be experiencing and celebrating in the seasons ahead?

In my first CareerTOOLBox interview with Brad Fellows, we discussed his ten-year path from bar tender to his current role as Administrator with the Cleveland Clinic. While his journey is unique, there’s also a universal theme of hope that most of us can embrace.

Turning your life around is hard. You have to navigate, network and negotiate. You must sweat, study and sacrifice. And you do all this with no guarantee of the future. Mostly, you have to believe that with your hard work, you will eventually arrive at your desired destination.

Brad did all that. And more.

Alex Sukhoy: How has the professional shift also changed your life?

Brad Fellows: I’ve grown up. Not sure how to put that into words beyond that. I realized that people count on me in ways they never did before and put their trust in my leadership. I consider trust as almost sacred and it deserves the utmost attention and care. I love life. I work hard and play hard and have to know the difference between the two. I have realized that when it comes to careers, you need to open your eyes, more than your mind, and see a path that may not be clear or make sense. Trust that hard work pays off. Being confident in my abilities is critical. I’m a grown up now with grown up responsibilities that my colleagues and leadership believe I am capable of handling and trust me to do so.

I have come to realize life is simple, precious and delicate. We are given opportunities for a reason. We can choose to use what we have at our fingertips to help others. Working at the Cleveland Clinic, we are among the best caregivers in the world. When people come here they look to us for guidance and help at their most vulnerable state of being. It brings with it a lot of responsibility. Had I been asked 10 years ago if I saw myself working in Healthcare in this role at Cleveland Clinic, I would have said never in a million years. Ask me today what I am doing and would I be rather be anywhere else, and my answer is I am here for a reason and this is where I am supposed to be. I love my dream job.

Have people stuck by you or did your choices alienate some individuals in your original social circle?

People come and go for one reason or another. I know I would not be where I am today if not for everyone in my life. From past colleagues who pushed me to develop and grow to friends who still answered my call after long periods of time, everyone who matters stuck by me. My priorities have changed direction and it’s not the quantity of time that matters but the quality. Those close to me understand my philosophy and support me. I’ve realized in many ways surrounding myself with quality people recharges me and keeps me going.

Any advice for anyone who is considering a major professional change?

Follow your gut. Your intuition should be your guide. One thing I’ve learned is that critical to my success is to be in tune with myself. That is, to really understand what motivates me and to know what makes me tic. I know I am on my game when I am anxious and have butterflies about a project. The moment something feels routine or whenever I feel comfortable without an edge, it’s time to go in a different direction.

Create the path you want yet be open to the alternative paths that evolve. If by choice or by chance, you are where you are supposed to be. Embrace it.

Anything else?

No part of my career path or life has really been what I had planned or envisioned. I wouldn’t change any of it. The ups, the downs and everything in between have all contributed to where I stand today and where my feet will take me tomorrow.

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First written in February 2013.  

Reprinted with permission and gratitude from CoolCleveland.com.

Photo: Brad Fellows.

Next CareerTOOLBOX Column: Why Are These Executives Making Everyone So Nervous? The Influence of Marissa Mayer and Sheryl Sandberg