Rachel Piatczyc

When Rachel Piatczyc was 5 years old, like most of us, she wasn’t thinking what career she would one day have. She simply did what she liked. Her fondest childhood memories involve her playing in a stream for hours, building dams and making forts or miniature houses for gnomes in the woods. When I asked Rachel what words she’d use to describe herself as a kid she replied, “creative, nature lover, and explorer.” Perhaps, not ironically, these words also describe the life she’s created as an adult.

She boldly shares that during this past year she was “luckily” let go from a marketing job, shattering her belief “that only really negligent people get fired.” She learned a valuable career and life reality and lesson - that almost everyone at some point in their career gets fired. She adds, “sometimes being let go is the universe’s way of taking us out of a situation that is not in our best interest and putting us in a better place.” In Rachel’s case, she was taken out of an unhealthy work environment and put on a path to find a new relationship and make a move to a new home (and possibly a whole new life and career).

Where do you think the courage to try new things comes from?

I get extremely excited about new ideas. That’s why I’ve done really well in promotions and events, because every project is so exciting - especially in the beginning. If I’m not consistently learning new things, I get very bored and restless. I don’t think of it so much as I’m courageous, but rather a core part of my personality.

What’s something you’ve learned that made you listen to that inner voice? Is that something that you’ve always had?

It’s pretty new. Within the past two years, I’ve done a lot of spiritual work and have gotten into meditation. My teachers have encouraged me to listen to my inner voice a lot. I also believe that you’ve got to trust your gut and do what you love. It can be challenging in the real world, but it’s possible. And, I’m starting to see that more and more.

Of all of the things that you have done, has there been a common thread?

I’ve been doing so many diverse things but one theme is I really like to be moving (by myself and with others). Whether it’s doing events or working in real estate, I also find ways to get my clients and others to see changes around them to get them excited. There’s always energy in movement and change.

Do you view life and career choices as lessons? What is something you’ve learned in hindsight?

There are definitely a lot of choices that, knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t make again. I don’t regret working 14-hour days – but in my life right now and because of my many commitments to others – I wouldn’t take those opportunities. Those experiences helped me to grow as a person. Now that I know more about trusting my intuition and doing the right thing for myself, I hope to make different career choices. Since we can’t change that past, I don’t really dwell much on wrong choices. In fact, sometimes you learn the most from the choices that made you the most miserable.

How do you, someone who’s defined herself as a caregiver, seek to balance personal life with your career?

At this point, I’m taking on more and more part-time jobs because of the flexibility it affords me to both support myself financially but to also make my own schedule. It’s been pretty successful actually. In the beginning it was difficult because, there’s never a lot of money when you start doing something new. I have learned Reiki and other things that inspire me personally and found ways to make being a caregiver part of my life and my career.

Some people are scared to try new things because of the idea of failing, but some are scared of success and rising to meet the responsibilities of it. What do you think of this statement?

Someone shared with me a great quote about this. It’s, “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, our greatest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” I always think that because we trick ourselves into believing that we are the same people as we were yesterday, but we actually change and evolve a little every day. It’s our default to go back to things we’ve done (and have been) in the past, even if we don’t really like them, simply because it’s easier.

What’s your best unconventional or quiet wisdom that you have learned from someone else?

My music teacher in high school taught me an interesting lesson. I was having trouble with rhythm and counting and she was just so patient in showing me how to correct my mistakes. When you’re an adult, you often don’t have time to practice, practice, practice. But she taught me it’s important to have patience with yourself and to learn how to correct your mistakes. I’ve lost touch with this teacher but taken this helpful lesson with me throughout life – she basically taught me how to learn anything.

About Rachel Piatczyc

Rachel is currently working on her real estate photography portfolio; and plans to take additional classes and read more about this niche industry. Although she’s been interested in photography for the past decade, she says she is both “excited” and “terrified” to pursue it as a career. Her goal is to find a role where she can get paid to shoot and edit, while learning from experts in the field.

A “Jill of all trades” (event consultant, real estate agent, photographer and more) Rachel has done many different things throughout her career. Along the way, she’s learned that she’s is a creative, explorer, student (of life) and caregiver who does not thrive at job sitting behind a computer all day. Rachel seeks movement, change and thrives on both and doing what she enjoys.

As Rachel is figuring out what her work future holds, she focuses on her personal life by cooking healthy meals and exploring the museums and gardens of her new neighborhood in Brooklyn. Her spiritual practice of yoga and home HIIT workouts (she says she loves Kayla Itsines) are still a big part of her daily routine.

Rachel is living on purpose by pursuing her interests, creating opportunities, and letting her heart and head be her guide. She holds B.A. in English from Hartwick College. You can follow Rachel on LinkedIn at Rachel Piatczyc at http://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-piatczyc-546bb122