It has been a year since I submitted my three week notice at a good paying job, with good benefits, that I truly loved. If it was so great, why did feel the need to leave?
Not all of it was great. There were constant battles that left me exasperated. When I realized that I had disengaged from doing the best job I could, I knew it was time to go. It’s not been an easy year. There are things I would have done differently.
- I would have gone to a counselor. Leaving that job was as hard as getting a divorce. A large part of who I was,+ was wrapped up in being the cafeteria lady. While that may not sound important, I took great pride in being the bright moment in someone’s hard day. My identity was being the cheerleader for a team that was constantly battling wins and loses in real life situations. I should have gotten help getting through letting that go.
- I should have spent more time with my retirement account advisors. Not having a clear idea of what would happen with that money and what it would take to get access to it when I need it left me with a big learning curve. I am fortunate to have a management company that I can trust, but it is my responsibility and I didn’t make it a high enough priority.
- I should have gotten more medical and dental things done while I was on the company plan.
- I should have submitted more documentation about why I left. Just wanting to get out of there set me up to make mistakes in how I left. It contributes to the slowness in moving forward. My side of the story never got adequately told.
Knowing that I had a place to go with our business, and that I could always find work helped me to leave. I didn’t jump blindly, but it is only hind sight that has made me see what could have been done better. The hope is my lessons will help others who find themselves ready to move on with their lives, do so in a better position than I did.
As I approach my 1 year anniversary, I am looking at a bright future and planning how I want it to go. I am excited to be writing again and building our e-store, DotsDigs.
So, shall I have an anniversary party? How does one mark divorcing their job of 16 years? I’ll let you know. Check back in to find out!
