Growing up exploring the woods, Janet Herrick always felt at home in nature. She turned that lifelong love into a career as an environmental consultant, protecting the places she’s always cherished. Her life shows how passion can lead to a fulfilling professional life.
How did you choose your career?
“I chose my current career because I wanted to make a living being in the woods. I grew up as a West Virginia farm girl so becoming an environmental consultant was ideal. In 2004 I started my own environmental consulting firm that I sold seventeen years later to a national firm that I continue to work for today. While I specialize in wildlife biology, I lead a diverse team of biologists, archaeologists, and other environmental professionals in a wide variety of market sectors. It’s great. I love my job. But, at age 60, I am itching for more. My next step is public speaking. I’m currently working on a Ted Talk on issues of leadership and communication and how nature can be both a tool and path for success in both realms. I am also returning to my first love: writing. This allows me to combine all my passions to share on pages.”
What advice would you give someone about living their best life?
“My best advice is to stalwartly own your ‘no’ as much as you own your ‘yes.’ A fellow writer recently observed, “Self-care is such a radical notion to us in the United States. It’s sad.” But it’s true. I’ve realized that mental, physical, and emotional self-care will only happen if I set my boundaries thoughtfully and deliberately. It can be a small ‘no’ that brings great benefi t. My current big life goal is getting optimal sleep. So, I choose to pass on dinner and drinks because I want to go to sleep by 9:00 pm. That is a good ‘no’ but an alternative ‘yes’ is meeting for coff ee and breakfast instead. A win-win. To everyone I say, make those adjustments to optimize your best life. It makes all the difference.”
