Friday, March 21, 2014

Goodbye, Nine to Five

This week, I had my last day of work. It was very bittersweet, as expected. What I didn't expect was for people to express how much they would miss me, which was really touching and made it a little difficult to keep it together all day. But I did - I didn't shed one single tear until I was alone in my car, driving home...and I totally bawled. 

It's been almost nine years that I've been at my job, and it was the only job I've had the entire time I've been in Los Angeles. It is inextricably linked to my LA experience, as are the people there. I will sincerely miss the people, the conversations, the support, and the feeling you get from being really good at your job (and appreciated and sometimes hated for it).

But, happily, I can say I will not miss the work! I will not miss customer service, the cheapo, elitist company owners who do all sorts of awful things just to avoid paying taxes or benefits for their employees, and I will not miss standing in front of my closet, trying to figure out an appropriate outfit for each day. 

There is both a sense of freedom and a sense of panic that comes from chucking convention out and doing what you want. These last two days, I've experienced both feelings, and often! But Mike and I keep encouraging each other and reminding ourselves that we are in the middle of a grand adventure. I think sometimes the important part is supporting yourself, and remembering to make choices that are right for YOU. Not everyone would leave an amazing, stable job where they were totally appreciated. But I did! And it feels good.