Seeking perspective and balance during the 'Great Reshuffle'
What place should work have in our lives? The pandemic that began in 2020 highlighted this question among workers worldwide. As we work through this period known as the “Great Resignation” or the “Great Reshuffle,” Founder Noelle K. McIntyre shares her approach for finding satisfaction in work and shares advice for workers seeking something more.
The past two years have changed the world as we know it. It’s challenged or changed everything we considered normal, like a 9-to-5 office job. As our communities banded together during uncertainty, we discovered that a large percentage of jobs could be done remotely and successfully from home. These subtle shifts—in ways of working, ways of living and ways of understanding these new ways—have made all the difference.
Let me share another pandemic-driven shift that’s served me well: Each year since 2020, I select a word that will set the tone for my year. It serves as a daily reminder of my priorities. It’s a mental metaphor, and it helps me find focus amidst chaos.
In 2020, our worlds went from “normal” life to “home” life—work from home, teach from home, everything from home. People were divided about everything, whether to stay indoors, stock up on goods, order takeout, vote for this or that. It was a messy, confusing year. It was the year where I consciously slowed down. I sought and found my word: Perspective.
When 2021 arrived, it was a repeat of 2020 but also more craziness: riots, vaccines and more business than any other year with extremely limited supply. It also brought an abrupt return to old practices, ways of working, beliefs and even expectations.
As I meditated on what my 2021 word should be, I thought, “Do I want to go back to the old normal?” A lot of the old normal wasn’t so great. But some of the new normal was, like spending time with our loved ones or bike-riding during what would-be lunchtime. Teaching my son about butterflies and metamorphosis, and caring for our baby and then grown caterpillars, before releasing our butterflies.
Anyway, as I reflected on this, I realized I sought Balance, so Balance became my 2021 word. And it helped. Not only did we have our best year—ever—I learned and practiced Balance in my life.
How?
My colleagues and clients are a priority and always will be. I strive for their success, and I view it as an extension of my own. But in 2021, I limited myself to serving five clients at a time. In the old days, I may have taken on 20.
I hired a selected few (4) new team members, who each earned at least $1M in sales. In the past, I may have hired 10. I chose Balance, and in doing so, I built stronger, deeper, richer and more fulfilling relationships. I had more time for them and more time for my family and me.
Time is one of the greatest gifts I experienced. Finding Balance allowed me to take a month off to travel with my son. Over my 20 years in business (10 in corporate America and 10 as a business owner), I had never before taken a whole month off.
It was truly the best year ever—personally and professionally. I carry Balance with me today, even though 2022 has a new word.
So, with all of this in mind, as I see and hear about people resigning for better opportunities, career shifts, or to pursue their dreams, I am proud of them for seeking their own Balance. I hope they will do whatever it is they set out to do. The life we want to make for ourselves is possible. If we work at it, it will work.
And if finding your Balance means working independently yet simultaneously with one of the most well-respected teams and supportive companies in South Florida in one of the hottest industries, we should talk!
