
Before you go, sign up for our email newsletter to get inspiring stories, expert advice, and more.
You are using an outdated browser.
For a better experience, please upgrade your browser here.
Isabel Smith
Wedding Planner
London, United Kingdom
Leaning in takes guts, but sometimes leaning back feels even riskier.
I remember arriving to my college accommodation for the first time: I unpacked my things, and then sat on the bed and burst into tears for no apparent reason at all.
This went on for a year. The lectures, exams, and nights out with friends were all peppered with indescribable sorrow. I had the sinking feeling that I must be doing it wrong since everyone else seemed to be having a ball.
It was my mum who finally gave me the courage to leave. I was home for the weekend and we were talking about how much pressure I was putting on myself. Finally she simply said, "How about you just don’t go back on Monday?"
At the time, I didn't think of this as leaning in. It felt a lot more like giving in -- like falling back into a deep deep hole without a ladder.
It was a long, hard climb out of that hole. It took a long time and a huge amount of support from friends, family and professionals for me to recognize that my depression was far more serious than anyone had ever thought. But I know now that my decision to leave school wasn't about giving up. It was about leaning back from the education that I thought I wanted but wasn't right for me. And it was about leaning in, by pushing past the stigma of depression and getting the help I needed.
Leaning in takes guts, but sometimes leaning back feels even riskier. As someone who loves to rush ahead, I can’t say enough about how valuable leaning back was for me.
After I left university, I was ready to lean in. I disregarded all the naysayers and the terrible economy to set up my own company. Almost 5 successful years have passed. Now I find myself with another choice: to expand or to stay small for another year and grow more slowly. Knowing me, I may lean back at first, but then I will lean -- or leap -- right in.
We make it easy to get started, and provide all of the materials you’ll need to run your Circle
Start your CircleWomen around the world are meeting regularly in small groups to support each other and learn new skills–join one today
Find a CircleUse our library of education resources to build new skills and support your career
Build your skills