Journey of a Thousand Miles

Written by: Deb Sparrow

Published: May 2014

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao Tzu

Have you been on any long journeys lately? I just returned from a road trip of over a thousand miles. My youngest child had narrowed her college choices down to two, neither of which was close to home. Over school vacation we headed out to Connecticut and then traveled on to Ohio, missing a few exits, making fun of each other's clothes, and spending more than a few dollars along the way.

It was a great trip, and one that will stay with both of us as there won't be another one like it. There is great excitement in our family about this upcoming change, but more than a little bit of trepidation. She's wondering if she'll make the right choice for her future while her dad and I are wondering what a quiet, clean house will be like. There were some quiet moments on the trip, and possibly a tear or two, as the stress of deciding and the eventuality of taking that first step away from home grew a little closer and became a looming pathway to adulthood.

Change can be difficult, and yet it is essential for growth. We like what's comfortable, and often feel constrained by it at the same time. I distinctly remember being so 'over' my high school experience and anxious to move on. I was ready, and so is she, but the transition will not be without a bump or two in the road. I reminded her that her journey, and those of her friends who are going through the same thing, will be about transition and change, again and again. My hope is that they all value their experiences, embrace their challenges, and arrive at their destinations a little wiser, but happily having enjoyed the majority of the moments that lead them wherever they go.

The trip reminded me of the many roads and wrong turns that we've all experienced on our professional journeys. Security is good, but being happy and fulfilled in our work is better. I thought of my first step into credit unions, after having started my career in a bank, at a tiny parish credit union where all of the staff and nearly all of the members spoke French. When I became a part of the credit union staff, the president was a kind, intelligent man with a great wit who had been the leader of the credit union for about twenty years, and who would be forced into early retirement shortly thereafter due to Parkinson's disease.

The credit union's culture was a direct contrast to the bank that I was leaving without regret. It was no surprise to me that my new employer was looked down upon by my banking colleagues as a poor choice for my future. Someone at the bank told me that I'd never work in banking again, and it looks like he was probably right. Thankfully, as I look back over 26 years, I made the right decision.

I knew nothing about credit unions at the time, but I did know that the change felt right and it was time to move on. In my years at the tiny parish credit union, I was treated like family and met some life-long friends who really took me "under their wing" while we worked together to grow the business and serve our members.

Those early steps on my journey built a foundation in credit union work for which I am very grateful. I moved on to a much larger credit union almost nineteen years ago, but I wouldn't be where I am without the help of some really fantastic teachers and friends. That CEO who retired was replaced by a woman who was a very different type of leader. She was tough on all of us, and many didn't last. The retired CEO, with whom I had developed a fond relationship over a shared loved of sports and a similar sense of humor, encouraged me to stay and learn in that protected environment until I decided, and he agreed, that I was ready to go.

We've all had those moments in our careers, or will have them, when we know that it's time for a change if we are to keep making progress. Sometimes it's about personal fulfillment, or balance, or the need to grow. I've been fortunate to have people to encourage me and teach me along the way. Sometimes I knew it and paid attention. Other times I was resistant, got deservedly knocked around, and learned the hard way. Then I paid attention. I trusted some people that perhaps I shouldn't have, but more often, I recognized the character and willingness of those who knew more than I did, and saw more in me than I did. I have been the beneficiary of more than my share of kindness. Part of my journey now is to reciprocate. I can only hope that I've absorbed a fraction of the wisdom that has been shared with me, and that I will recognize my opportunities to give to those who could use an encouraging word and a hand up.

If you think of a career as a thousand miles, I'm more than halfway along the journey, but I've also added some extra miles by taking a detour here and there. As I explained to my daughter on our lengthy road trip, wrong turns are part of the travel plan, and some of us read maps better than others. The benefit is in being open to a different route, listening to your heart and mind, and being thankful for every lesson and experience that brings a new friend or makes you a better person.

Thank you for reading. Your feedback is welcome!

Deb Sparrow

Deb Sparrow worked in financial services senior leadership for over 25 years. She is a firm believer that "the universe always falls in love with a stubborn heart" as she explores the fork in the road and writes about it from time to time. She is a graduate of Bowdoin College and Priority Learning's inaugural Executive Leadership series. Follow her on LinkedIn at Deb Sparrow worked in financial services senior leadership for over 25 years. She is a firm believer that "the universe always falls in love with a stubborn heart" as she explores the fork in the road and writes about it from time to time. She is a graduate of Bowdoin College and Priority Learning's inaugural Executive Leadership series. Follow her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-sparrow/.