Follow Yourself

Polly Brasher , Executive Director, River Discovery Museum, Paducah, Kentucky

The world in which we live and work is forever changing, and we must change too; yet change is scary for some. “Just do it” and “take the leap” are hardly helpful words. If you know you need a change, then take inventory. What exactly needs to change? Do you need a new project, a different position within your institution, a new challenge, a new city, a new position in a new place, or just a new attitude? I was a successful department director for a large museum. I had a great team, we offered award-winning programs, and my peers were supportive and helpful when needed. No one thought I would ever leave.

So why did I leave?

I was still taking on new challenges, but the new ones were parallel to the old ones. There was no upward motion anymore. I had been at the top of my department for 10 years. The only position above mine was the CEO. When that was open, I didn’t apply. That was too big a leap for me. I didn’t want to suddenly, and without any training, be the CEO of a large entity. I did like the idea of being in charge, just not of anything that major.

The search began. I was looking for a top-level position in a smaller setting. Even though I was only looking in one location, it soon appeared. I updated my resume and wrote a cover letter, highlighting my knowledge and skills pertinent to that opening. As I hit send on the email, I knew the job was mine. This may sound arrogant, but I was simply confident. I had the skills they needed as well as experience and inside knowledge about the topic. I began preparing. Accepting the position would mean big changes in my life — a new job, obviously, but also a new town, a new home, and a distance from my friends. I had great peace about the entire endeavor. It was the right move. I was interviewed by phone and then by the hiring committee. We negotiated, and I accepted. I’ll be super honest and admit that they couldn’t meet my salary request. Instead, the hiring committee matched all my perks.

I was on a new adventure toward a whole new life.

How does one up and leave a good job for a new adventure? My answer is, with much inward viewing — or following yourself. Questions such as — Who are you?

Who do you want to be? What is truly important? What do you want next? — will guide the way. I had to take a good look at myself: Who was I — a hard-working, faithful female. Who did I want to be — a leader making the buck-stops-here decisions. Where was I — too far from my family. Where did I want to be — in one particular small city, which is why my location search was incredibly limited. What did I want next out of life — less stress and fun with family. What was truly important — my faith; I didn’t want that compromised.

Has it all been lovely and rosy? No, it definitely has not. The market was totally wrong for house shopping; my mother became very ill, dying only four months after I moved; and I had COVID-19 twice in four months, creating heart complications. Adversity does not equal failure. Adversity will happen anywhere. I am determined to keep smiling and growing. I told my friends recently that I still trust God, appreciate them, and love my new town. My old friends are wonderful people; my new friends are, too.

I will admit that being single does simplify following yourself; but even couples need to look inward and determine their true desires, goals, and dreams — individually and together. In this age of social media where we follow others and have followers, take time to follow yourself once in a while. Check in with yourself and see how you are doing. What needs to change? How can you make that change happen?

I wish you the very best life you can dream. I have mine — new challenges, a great team with big ideas, plus time with family and friends.