What now?

This past Saturday was my last day of work as Director of Operations at Woodley & Bunny. After nearly 3 years of what has certainly been my most challenging job so far, I decided it was time to move on. Normally for me, a change of this magnitude would have been executed with a well thought out, calculated plan of what now - my next job lined up, how long it would take me to get promoted and a financial plan in place - but that was not the case this time around. My resignation was decided on a whim. Though I had toyed around with the idea for months - after realizing I hadn't taken a vacation or even had a single weekend that I hadn't worked through since I started my job - I was so attached to what I did, I never thought I'd leave. And then, one magical morning, I rolled out of bed with just the right amount of aplomb needed to march into Jenny's room, wake her up and confidently declare "I'm quitting my job today...so can you braid my hair?" With my braid (but little else) in place, I went to work that day and handed in my resignation.

In true fashion, I had interviews scheduled right away and even a job offer with a salary comparable to a bench rookie NHL player's to manage a life insurance company. It seemed like an easy decision but even to my own shock, I declined the offer. I quit my job because I was looking for something more fulfilling, more collaborative, more creative - there was no way my efforts toward a more emotionally fulfilling career was going to lead me to manage a life insurance company (despite the 6 figure offer).

After turning down the job, I had some major "what the fuck am I going to do" moments. After sending a hysterical (and menstrual fueled) text to John last week that went something like this regarding my future, he got home with a hobo pack in tow (ignoring the fact that I was curled up on the Lazy Boy, watching Law and Order : SVU, feeling sorry for myself). He leaned over, gave me a kiss and handed me the hobo pack - it contained a mug filled with some coins, a harmonica and an apple all bundled inside a handkerchief and tied to a tree branch. He said it was the starter pack to my next career. It made me realize, I can do anything.

After much deliberation (some solid time with a Magic 8 Ball and taking a few cues from the planets and stars), I decided that I'm going to be unemployed for a while but not in the lazy, Netflix is my best friend sort of way. I'm taking a break from being the boss that I've spent the last three years striving to be and I'm going to focus on collaborating with people, learning new things and attempting to be a better person in general. I'm hoping for part time gigs, support groups, hobbies, volunteering efforts, unpaid internships, exercise groups, self-help books and maybe even a hands-on apprenticeship. I'm taking off the bossy pants, putting the thinking cap on and I'm going to do what all unemployed people do - blog about it.