WHAT'S NEXT???

When I was selected to serve as a Command Chief Master Sergeant, I had already served 27 years in the United States Air Force. By taking on this role, I committed to serve for 3 more years.

During these 3 years, I was hustling and traveling here, there, and everywhere, the pandemic hit, social and racial riots were erupting, and the mission of the base significantly changed.

So, needless to say, I didn’t think too much about retirement (with the exception of the multiple retirement events I had🤣). I remember being in the mandatory TAP (Transition Assistance Program) course virtually at my house with my work laptop beside my home computer where I was creating and answering emails and I had both my work phone and my personal phone on so I could weigh in on issues😱I learned nothing in TAPS and out processing was fast and furious.

All throughout the last 5 years of my career, people were asking me what I was going to do after I retired and my typical response was “I’m not quite sure.”

But, there was this little voice in my head telling me that everything was going to be okay because I had a vision for what I wanted to do in my next chapter. Specifically, I wanted to help other women to navigate through a system that wasn’t originally designed for us to succeed, I wanted to write a book, and I wanted to travel to share my experiences and philosophies with key stakeholders to change the narrative and empower others to boldly pursue their dreams, goals, and aspirations. This is EXACTLY what I’m doing. I allowed that little voice to take center stage.

One thing I had to shift to get to where I’m at today is my mindset. For 30 years, I served and lead in many unique roles, so I had a certain mindset that was conducive to my career success. I was even offered several opportunities to work as a federal employee after I retired, but I didn’t want to do that, because my desire to live out my dream is far greater at this time. My mindset is the driving force to show up every day and work on courses, programs, speeches, videos, posts, website, marketing, etc.

Is it hard…YES!

Is it a lot of work…YES!

Is it a steep learning curve…YES!

Do I feel alone at times…YES!

Am I living joyously in my purpose…YES!

Do I have what it takes to be successful…YES!

Whatever it is that you want to do in your next chapter is POSSIBLE! If you want to start a business, get that dream job, get a degree, get in shape, write a book, travel all around the world, etc., YOU CAN DO IT! You just have to have the RIGHT mindset and be determined to live out your dreams🌈😁

Keep on SLAYin’ until you can’t SLAY no more🔥

#slay#mindsetmatters#inspiration#dream#makeanimpact#leaders#warriors#military#veteran

Rochelle “SLAY Queen” Hemingway

CEO, SLAY To Success, LLC

Transformational

Speaker | Author | Coach I USAF Veteran