‘Sweet, so would I
Yet I should kill thee with much
cherishing.
Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow.’
(Act 2, Scene 2) Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
The above scene, from William Shakespeare’s
Romeo and Juliet, is arguably one of
the most famous in American literature.
Juliet uttered the most recognized line, ‘Parting is such sweet sorrow’ to
her star-crossed lover, Romeo as they said good night.
What makes that specific line so fascinating
is that ‘sweet sorrow’ is an oxymoron. How
can something be both sweet and sorrowful?
In the context of this scene, Juliet is expressing the feeling of sorrow
at their parting, but the anticipation of reuniting the next day is so joyful, it
is worth the pain of separation.
I think this feeling of ‘sweet
sorrow’ translates beautifully in many experiences we have throughout our personal
and professional lives. In our personal
lives it could be a time when you had to say goodbye to something or someone
important to you. Perhaps it was a loved
one who passed away or a child who left for college. The sorrow might be that a period of time (childhood)
or a relationship has ended (death), but the sweetness is the memories that
will forever be cherished and revisited.
Professionally, ‘sweet sorrow’
could represent moving to a new position within an organization—or even to a
new organization entirely. The sorrow is maybe leaving co-workers, a boss—and even the job itself. The sweetness could be the anticipation of
learning new skills, meeting new people and being exposed to new challenges and
experiences.
Change is movement. Change is evolution. Change is growth. Without change—and perhaps sorrow to some
degree—would the pleasure be as sweet?
‘Sweet sorrow,’ is the perfect term
to define how I am feeling after accepting an exciting opportunity at a new
employer and resigning from my position as Human Resources & Communications
Director for Proteus, Inc. after 26 years of service. There is sorrow in leaving my team, coworkers,
supervisor and the organization as a whole.
On the flip side, I am filled with excitement, curiosity, and
anticipation of learning new skills, sharing my knowledge and challenging my
inner voice that has previously held me back from trying new things.
I’m venturing into unknown
territory and with that comes fear and uncertainty. There is no guarantee that the reward will
be sweet, but without tying, how would one know? Change is scary. I’m the first to admit it. But if you are not growing, it’s time for a
change.
If you are experiencing either of
the two following career killers, it might be time for a change:
1. Exhibiting Complacency- If
you have become unmotivated or dread coming to work, it might be time for a
change. Change doesn’t mean leaving the
organization or job you love. It may
mean applying for a different position within the organization or asking your
supervisor for additional duties. Nothing
impresses a supervisor more than initiative!
It may mean volunteering on a committee or asking to support your team on a special project. If you are
complacent, not only are you failing yourself, you are failing the
organization. (Thee needeth to moveth)
2. Lacking Growth- It might
be time for a change if you are not growing professionally. That could mean that you have reached the
height of your opportunities within an organization. It may mean that you are not learning new
skills or being challenged based on your knowledge and expertise.
If you feel that you are not
growing, ask for additional training, research certifications or enhance your
knowledge through educational opportunities offered through your organization
or on your own. You may also join a professional
group or volunteer on a local board where you can make contacts and access resources
to better your career. Last, read, read, read! If you are not taking advantage of
the thousands of personal and professional books available, you are missing out
on broadening your imagination, improving your verbal and written communication,
and developing your emotional intelligence and ability to self-reflect. (Thee
needeth to groweth)
The great thing about both of
these career killers is that YOU have control over the outcome. YOU
write the story of your personal and professional journey. And YOU decide if it will read like a Shakespearian
tragedy.
‘Good night, good night! Parting
is such sweet sorrow.’ To my Proteus family, this is not good night
or good bye, but a joyful farewell.
Best of Luck continue learning, growing, and taking on the world!
ReplyDeleteAh, thank you so much!!!
DeleteWhat do you do when you want to grow in your position and a supervisor will not allow you too?
ReplyDeleteI would put in writing some of the areas you want to grow in and specific assignments, roles or job duties you are interested in doing and send to your supervisor. This helps show your initiative and seriousness about the growth and also gives your supervisor a blueprint on how to help you grow. If that doesn't work, you may have to consider moving on.
DeleteCongratulations, Jeana! This was so beautifully written. I am so proud of you and wish you all of the happiness and success life can offer you. Continue to grow and challenge yourself. I will always be in your corner and praying for you. Sending love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue!
DeleteBest of luck to you, I know you will be successful wherever you go. Thank you for your words of wisdom both professionally and personally. You have been an inspiration, I hope Workplace Wanda will continue to share as well ~
ReplyDeleteThank you Judy. Workplace Wonda will continue as long as she is in a workplace! Please subscribe for future articles. Thank you for the support.
DeleteOh my gosh! Contratulations girl! How exciting!
ReplyDelete