When life throws a curveball...
So here’s a confession: I didn’t plan on landing here, in this space between what I dreamed of and what life handed me. I studied and trained to be a civil engineer, with blueprints and big projects in my future. I imagined designing sky-scrapers and seeing the construction through on a daily...But life—always the plot twist enthusiast—had other plans, and I found myself letting go of that career path in 2022. Or it, let go of me. Dropped me like a Hot potato.
And just like that, I was no longer on a building site or inspecting structures. Instead, I was in a classroom, teaching the next generation of engineers, while wondering how I’d landed here in this… in-between. Because that’s what this phase feels like, doesn’t it? Not quite what I’d set my sights on, but somewhere I needed to be, if only to keep things going.
If you’re in an “in-between” phase of your own—whether it’s after a job loss, just got married, a life change, or maybe just the feeling that you’re somewhere between where you are and where you’re meant to be—I want to remind you (and maybe remind myself too) that this place isn’t a dead end. It’s just a pause, a plot twist, a chapter that makes for a more interesting story.
Embracing the “In-Betweens”
Now, don’t get me wrong—I didn’t arrive at this perspective right away. The first few months of this “in-between” felt uncomfortable. I was miserable! I’d lost the identity I’d worked so hard for, and I felt like I was drifting. But what I’ve come to realize is that the “in-between” is its own kind of place. It’s a space that’s still part of your journey, even if it feels like a detour.
Sometimes, life holds us in the “in-between” because we need to slow down and see something we’d otherwise miss. Maybe it’s a lesson, maybe it’s a skill we never would’ve picked up if we’d kept charging full-speed toward that next milestone. For me, I found a surprising joy in lecturing —sharing my passion for engineering with students who have their whole careers ahead of them. And while it wasn’t my original plan, I’ve learned so much from it. I've also found a deep-rooted sense of YES in being a homemaker!
Finding Growth in Unexpected Places
When I first started lecturing, I thought, "Well, this is temporary. It's an extra income. A side-hustle." But then, something surprising happened: I started to grow here. Not just as a lecturer, but as a person. My students would come to me with questions, ideas, and a passion for the field that reignited my own. And I realized that I still have a role to play, even if it’s not the one I initially envisioned.
The in-between is also a great teacher. It teaches you to work with what you have, to find gratitude in what you’ve got, and to remind yourself that you’re still on the right path, even if it looks a little different. You’re building resilience, adaptability, and maybe even a sense of humor about life’s curveballs (because let’s face it, laughter is sometimes the only option left).
Rediscovering Your Purpose, One Step at a Time
If you’re feeling like you’re between Point A and Point B with no map, take a breath. You’re still moving, and forward doesn’t have to be a straight line. In fact, I think some of the most meaningful progress happens in the zigzags, where we have to find creative ways to keep going.
This in-between space is actually an invitation to get a little curious. Ask yourself:
"What’s something I always wanted to try?"
"What skills could I build here that might help me in the long run?"
Maybe it’s learning a new software, maybe it’s networking with people in your industry, or maybe it’s just rediscovering a passion you thought you didn’t have time for.
Keeping Your Aspirations Alive
Being in the in-between doesn’t mean giving up on your goals. I still dream of big projects and the chance to get back to engineering someday, but I’m also learning to trust this process, even when it doesn’t make sense. I’m keeping my aspirations alive, and in this phase, I’m doing what I can to stay connected to them.
Maybe that means writing, researching, or even just chatting with industry friends to keep myself inspired. Because just because you’re in the “in-between” doesn’t mean you’re finished—it just means you’re gathering everything you need to make that next step count.
Celebrating the Small Wins
Sometimes, we’re so focused on the end goal that we forget to appreciate the little milestones along the way. So if you’re in the in-between, remember to celebrate those small wins. Maybe you learned something new, connected with someone who lifted your spirits, or made it through a challenging week with your head held high. That’s progress.
And progress, no matter how small, is still moving forward. One day, this in-between will just be another chapter in the story, and you’ll look back on it and realize it shaped you in ways you didn’t expect.
Remember, You’re Not Alone
So here’s to everyone living life in the in-betweens. Whether you’re between jobs, between passions, or just figuring out what’s next, know that you’re not alone in the pause. And maybe, just maybe, this phase is building you up for something even better than you imagined.
Share your story in the comments—what does your in-between look like, and what have you learned along the way? Let’s remind each other that this part of the journey, as unpredictable as it might be, still matters. And who knows? We might even learn to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Bucketfuls of Love,
Your BIGGEST Cheerleader from The In-Betweens 💕
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