If you had told me a year ago that I’d be working a new job at a new employer come September, I’m not sure I would have believed you, but that seems to be the way life goes. So much can change within a year!

At the end of August, I officially left my second job at my first employer post-grad school and started a new career at a new employer. I was employed at the first place for a little over nine years, and I had my second job as a supervisor for just under four years. In that time, I hired two people to fill out my team and felt like our group was in a really good rhythm.

Below, I shared more about my new job/career and how this all came about, including why I felt like now was the right time for something new. I hope this is interesting/helpful if you’ve also been considering a change in your own professional life!

All About My Big Career Move (Even Though I Hate Change) | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

I Made A Big Career Move

For the past few months, before this new opportunity even came about, I had been thinking occasionally about what my next career move would be, if anything. I tossed around the idea of doing something different entirely. I used my degrees in atmospheric science at my current job, and I was proud of myself for actually working a job that used my degrees, so I felt like I could do something different if I wanted and not feel bad about it.

I’ll be honest: I was not actively looking for another job. I’m not a fan of change, and I was comfortable at my old job. I felt like I could handle pretty much any task someone asked of me, and my team was in a good place. I liked my work and who I worked with. Also, interviewing gives me anxiety, and I’m not about to apply for a bunch of jobs just to see what sticks.

Applying for the Job

My old manager (the one whose position I filled after he departed four years ago) informed me of an opening in his group at my now new employer. At first, I shrugged it off like I had done in the past. After giving it some thought, though, I decided that maybe it was time to think about something else. It felt like the right time. Even though I hate change, I felt ready for something new.

He referred me to the job, and I applied after casually chatting with him and some others in his group. Two days later, I heard from the recruiter. Two days after that, I talked to/interviewed with the recruiter, and the following day, I had a virtual panel interview. The following week, I had an offer. It was a whirlwind 10 days! (I also negotiated, which was terrifying, haha.)

OMG, It’s Happening

How often do the stars align in this way? I knew the manager, and I was fortunate to be offered this incredible opportunity, including a 40% pay raise and a path to advance my career further. It felt silly to not at least try something new.

Now, my old manager is my manager again. I knew this before, but now I really know that it honestly is who you know that matters most when job searching and making career moves.

My new role is tangentially related to my old jobs. The biggest change is that I will no longer be forecasting the weather, but I’m okay with that because I have Korri to keep me updated on weather things. I don’t share my employers publicly, but I will say that I switched from the public sector to the private sector. It is VERY different!

My First Day

Of course, I had Korri snap a photo of me on my first day at my new job. It was so early in the morning (earlier than when I usually wake up), but I was ready to go! It was also the first and likely only day I carried my trusty Madewell medium Transport tote, because we new hires were given backpacks at orientation and that has become my new work bag (which is nice because my new laptop is heavy, and I also have to walk a ways from my car to my desk).

I’m excited to see where this new role takes me! Fingers crossed I start getting the hang of things sooner rather than later. It’s so weird to be new again and not fully understand what’s going on! 😆

P.S. Looking for help with interview prep? I listened to the Interview Boss podcast! It helped me so much four years ago, and it was immensely helpful again this time around (with lots more content added since then!).

I Made A Big Career Move

I Made A Big Career Move

Applying for the Job

OMG, It’s Happening

My First Day

Read more about my academic and career journey so far!