Summer career change soundtrack: why “Break My Soul” is playing on repeat

Summer career change soundtrack: why “Break My Soul” is playing on repeat

Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul” release earlier this summer has proven to be the perfect soundtrack blasting in the background of The Great Resignation. With millions of workers quitting their jobs citing dissatisfaction and seeking inspiration in the scope, culture, and balance their work provides – many are turning up the soundtrack as they boldly start again. 

Social media rejoiced when former President Barack Obama recently released his summer playlist and included the hit on the list. (FYI Beyoncé has released new instrumental and a capella versions of the Renaissance single for those who need to refresh the summer soundtrack that’s been playing on repeat for the last few weeks).

It’s easy to understand why the lyrics resonate with everyone from recent graduates to C-Suite executives. The raw, emotional ballad speaks to worker burnout and the refreshing prospects of a new beginning:

“Now, I just fell in love

And I just quit my job

I’m gonna find new drive

Damn, they work me so damn hard

Work by nine, then off past five

And they work my nerves

That’s why I cannot sleep at night

I’m lookin’ for motivation

I’m lookin’ for a new foundation, yeah

And I’m on that new vibration

I’m buildin’ my own foundation, yeah”

Even Amazon Senior Vice President Alicia Boler Davis made a reference to the song when she recently shared her thoughts on her upcoming transition from Amazon to join Alto Pharmacy as their next CEO. Previously, Boler Davis spent 24 years at General Motors and joined Amazon in 2019, where she led several e-commerce teams including Worldwide Fulfillment, Global Customer Service, and Global Robotics.

As she makes the transition (she starts her new role in September) she shared her thoughts on her LinkedIn:

The gist? She says she is ready to start a new journey, and wants to leverage her full capabilities and lead on a broader level. 

“Women in business are often less willing to admit their ambitions, so I want to set an example to the future women leaders out there and simply say I am ready and I am deserving,” said Boler Davis. “Change is a constant and I’m very excited for this next chapter.”

She hopes her decision represents a reminder that it’s never too late to start again. 

MBAchic wanted to hear from our community about their own decisions to make career changes. What helped solidify their decisions to say goodbye to their companies to start new opportunities? 

Taylor Greeley (@taygreeleyblog) who shared a day in the life with us for her #MBAchicTakeover back in 2019 got her MBA at Fitchburg State, while working and maintaining her blog at TayGreeley.blog. Years later, she reflects with MBAchic on when she knew a previous role wasn’t right for her. The main red flags? She describes feeling a personality shift from an employee who was extremely reliable, knowledgeable and always willing to help to someone who dreaded thinking about work.

“I was more discouraged than passionate about what I was doing and I still loved essentially the overall function of my job – I am in an identical role now,” says Greeley. “ but I wasn’t hitting the minimum benchmark of how I needed to perform. I went from being a Type-A, top performer to literally viewing myself as a failure and bad at my job. I wasn’t. I didn’t have type of corporate environment I personally needed to be successful, it just wasn’t the right fit. I started to see that through interviewing.”

An MBAchic poll revealed a lot of the reasons people are shifting roles are aligned with national stats that delve into why employees are making moves. We’ve opted to include some responses anonymously to protect privacy as respondents begin new career chapters. 

“I wasn’t happy in my previous job. I knew my work and I wasn’t respected hence moved.”

“A micromanaging boss who couldn’t accept I knew more than him.”

“Employer told me it was cute I decided to get an MBA because I’m not very smart. I think at the time it was draining and made me upset. But now, when I think about it, it makes me differentiate between healthy and unhealthy work environments. It’s a learning experience for sure.”

“Not paid enough and continuous interruptions on my vacation.”

“I knew I recently graduated, and don’t have growth opportunities at my current job.”

Want to share a personal experience to add to this list? Students and MBA graduate professionals alike who want to join a supportive community of MBA women are welcome to apply to join the free MBAchic community, which includes courses, forums, and exclusive content on navigating the MBA and careers in business.

Photo by Emily Bauman