The title of your post reminds me of that old sci-fi movie, “When Worlds Collide.” That has nothing to do with your comments or mine, but I can’t help thinking about it.

First I commend you. The story you shared in the written part of your post is remarkable. What a TOUGH situation. Many teens would have made a different decision than you did. You acted with adult wisdom.

For the audio portion of your post: Thanks so much for sharing that too! I agree that it was a powerful example of leadership.

During about the last 5 years of my Navy career, I found myself advising Junior Officers (strictly speaking, the 3 lowest officer ranks), more than once about leaving the service. Because I had been through a career change myself (I worked in the private sector 6 years and then joined the Navy), I knew both sides of the fence. And I also knew what it was to change careers; factors to consider; and so on.

At the time, the Navy was losing Junior Officers faster than desired. So leadership was supposed to do all it could to convince them to stay. I didn’t exactly do that.

I talked with them; asked questions; gave them a few ideas on what to research further; and did whatever I could to make their decision easier. My tactics weren’t popular with many of those above me, but I believe it was the right thing to do for my people.

They (i.e., the Junior Officers) told me how much they appreciated being able to talk freely to someone more senior about their decision. That made me feel great and I’m very glad I handled the way I did.

Thanks again for your posts and opinions!
Karen