Remember me? I launched a blog and then fell off the face. Where'd I go? Let's take it from the top.
Last August, I left a long-term job when an opportunity to work with a startup came my way. The role was an exciting challenge which included the establishment of the company's entire marketing infrastructure. There were no set rules, no set schedule, no red tape - just empowerment to get the job done. The sugar on top was the ability to spend quality time with my son. The previous months were filled with stress, unsustainable hours and a preoccupied, anxious mind. I was rarely present during our limited hours together. I was too busy checking emails, monitoring social media, tracking hashtags, sweating over the next day's to-do list, oy. I was missing his milestones and those sweet, simple moments you're supposed to soak up because that little baby will soon become a big boy. For so long, I loved my job, but I craved a change. I wanted the challenge of starting something from the ground up combined with the flexibility to take a mid-day park stroll. I took the job - and crushed it.
The decision to work for a startup was, hands down, the best career decision I ever made. I gained invaluable experience that's impossible to obtain in a large, established organization. I was on the front line to so much - funding, grassroots, public relations, blogging, talent acquisition, website design, social media, mobile technology - you name it. I embraced the new and enjoyed the journey.
In February, I launched Lattes + Latitude, a personal goal of mine for nearly a year. I was so proud and rode a wave of momentum. But, God has a funny way of shaking things up on ya.
Around the time Lattes + Latitude launched, my contract with the startup was coming to an end. I fulfilled my duties and was ready to embark on a new challenge. The hours I allocated to my blog were used for resume updating, LinkedIn scouring and networking. A short time later, I interviewed for an amazing opportunity that was perfectly aligned with my personal career goals and interests. Days later, I was offered the role as a Brand Manager for a new brand launching this Spring! When the time is right, I'll share more. In the meantime, I'm ramping up and adjusting to my new schedule (which includes an easy ATL commute where I listen to podcasts and pick-up a mobile Starbucks order).
During my job hunt, I connected with a former colleague over the phone. After downloading her on my recent career highlights, she paused and said, "I think it's really courageous that you took matters into your own hands and made such a big change." That single sentence made me feel like a million bucks. I wanted to shake the shoulders of everyone who silently judged my transition and yell, "See?!"
What is the lesson in all of this?
YOU are in charge of YOUR career and overall happiness.
As cheeseball as this sounds, have faith and don't be afraid of failure. Take an unknown path and make the most of it. Even if the path is short, it can lead you to an amazing destination.
To my friends and family, the ones who let me vent, stress, laugh and spazz during the last seven months (you know who you are), thank you for the never-ending support. This gal loves you to the moon and back.
