So maybe the concept of taking time off from work to discern what I really want to do next is not all that radical. I loved the concept of it when reading How to find Fulfilling Work by Roman Krznarik. Now I find there are blogs, TED talks, another best selling book that’s being turned into a movie! Lots of people are doing it, but for me it is a totally radical thing to do! Being free-spirited and spontaneous is not exactly what I am known for.
Level-headed, practical, dedicated and loyal to a fault. That’s more like me, but it is wearing me into the ground. 25 years in IT as a Business Analyst, Project Manager, Development Lead, SCRUM Master, Applications Manager, Help Desk Supervisor… you get the picture. Long hours, late night conference calls, missing family dinners and kids’ events, all for what? So the fortune 500 company I work for can make more money for shareholders?
Don’t get me wrong, I like what I do and I am really good at it, but lately I feel stagnated. It’s time for a new challenge, but what is it? I don’t know! I just gave notice that I am leaving work in six weeks and I plan to take the Summer off (maybe more) to relax, spend time with the people I love and think about what the future holds.
My Homework for the next 6 weeks (in addition to my work transition plan)
- Read – any suggestions?
- Schedule lunches with friends and friends of friends and talk about what’s possible – again, any suggestions?
- Write – will try this blog and maybe a more professional blog – I’m new to this so constructive feedback is welcome
- Plan the summer – beach, college tours with the boys, NYC, New England – my radical sabbatical!
-M
You are an inspiration! Go girl Go!
You are amazing! Congratulations! You deserve to feel happy and fulfilled, even if you don’t know how to do it yet. The path is scary and sometimes really hard, but we all know that the good stuff never comes without a fight. (The hard is what makes it great, right?)
Read: go back to some favorite books from your younger days. Then read a book you’ve always meant to read, but never did. And give yourself permission to ditch it after 100 pages if you want. (I did that with Anna Karenina. Always wanted to read it, finally did — then couldn’t stand the main character!)
Schedule: time to talk to people who inspire or intrigue you. And time to volunteer with one cause you think is important, even if it’s just an hour or two a month.
Write: whatever kind of blog you want to! Don’t hold yourself to too many “shoulds.” Do what works for you.
Plan: time alone in a place you know makes you happy — beach, mountain, lake, big city, whatever.
I can’t wait to follow you (and be with you) on your new adventure!
xoxoxoxoxo
Thanks Christi!
Ha! I never finished Anna Karenina either 🙂 still on my Kindle. So I need to schedule time with YOU! I think this blog might be my red lipstick. Let’s see where it leads.
You GO girl! This is going to be a grand adventure, and I am excited about following your journey. Post often, please!
Thanks for the support!
What kind of reading would you like to do? I have lots of fiction favorites if that’s what you’re looking for!
I have been reading lots of non-fiction books lately, but would love your suggestions for some beach/poolside reading!