Step backward.

My Facebook “memories” reminded me that I posted this on March 30, 2016: “Sometimes you make the wrong choice…”

That was it. I had to read the comments to remember what it was about.

My contract at Wells Fargo Advisors (WFA) had just ended. They had offered me a job, but it wasn’t in marketing. I loved the WFA environment and culture and I wanted to stay. I declined it after much deliberation because I had been offered a full-time role with an engineering firm that I had worked with before as a contractor. I don’t remember the firm or the scope, but I remember that it took less than a week for me to know that I made the wrong choice.

“I set clear expectations before I was hired and they told me what I wanted to hear.”

My gut had been saying that I should take that WFA role. But it was a project coordinator, and most of the work would be administrative. I declined it because it wasn’t a title on my “career path.” The title felt like stepping backwards.

“I made a very logical decision but I had a lot of concerns going into it. I should have listened to my gut.”

Some of my other comments on the post:

• “Best advice I ever got was to ‘never confuse having a career with having a life.’ But I constantly find myself struggling.”

• Everything happens for a reason. “Sometimes these experiences are meant to remind you to value what you have.”

• In the meantime, I said “I’m going to try to look at it as an opportunity to make a difference.”

A former coworker replied on the thread: “Let me give you some advice if I may. If it doesn’t benefit you or your son, don’t do it.”

My aunt: “All you can do is make the best decision you can with the information that you have at the time. When you know better, you do better. Cut your losses and make an exit plan. You’re too awesome to not be in a good fit where you can shine.”

One week later, I resigned and took that job at WFA. It was a project coordinator in the contact center. Employee communications and executive admin work. But I loved it. Within the contact center, I was promoted a few times over the years and later moved to a different corporate role with expanded responsibilities more aligned with my “career path.”

I had perceived that project coordinator role as a “step backward” but it ended up launching me forward.

I may not have liked the title, but more importantly: I was happy. I was on a good team, with good people, having a good time. Even on the worst days, it didn’t feel like work.

Another life motto: “It’s always okay to change your mind.”

I only accept Facebook connections from close friends and family. Let’s stay connected on LinkedIn.