Hi Foodie Friends!
Did you think I’d fallen off the face of the earth? No new posts in nearly three weeks! YIKES! I miss all of you and I miss my kitchen! Rest assured, you will be seeing more of me soon!
Unfortunately, the last several months (let’s be honest: the last few years) have been very rough professionally. Things started to go downhill in May when I was juggling personal and professional conflicts and I couldn’t get the time off to take care of my family. I used nearly all my vacation hours to be there for doctors appointments and help my parents. I spent days in tears worrying about how I could manage everything in my life. Friends were telling me I was under too much stress and needed a break…
In July, when I was hospitalized for three days, I knew it was time for a change. My family has a long history of heart problems, high blood pressure, cancers and diabetes. At what point do you say “Enough is enough!!” when it comes to your own mental and physical health?
It has taken four months of long conversations with my husband, dealing with more stress at work and juggling the guilt and “what-if’s” to finally make a decision.
What’s the decision? Well, I am taking a leap of faith. I put in my notice at work and I’m walking away. I don’t have another job lined up. I’m leaving good money, paid vacations, discounts, the ability to write my own schedule (kinda) and a team of people who are more like family than employees. This could be the worst decision I’ve ever made OR it could be the best thing I’ve ever done. Simply put, it came down to needing to be away from the management/leadership/stress in my current position. I am not good at taking care of me, but it’s time to be selfish and focus on my health and my family.
People have asked, “Are you leaving to go full-time in food?” The answer to that is no. This blog and food journey started as a way to do what I love and share with my family and friends. It will continue to be a fun, delicious and delightful part of my life, but I have no current plans to make this a career.
What’s next? I don’t know. I am excited and scared out of my mind all at the same time! This is my last full week at work. I have five days this week and one day next week. 48 work hours and then… we’ll see what happens. Like I said, it’s a leap of faith. Wish me luck!
With lots of love and cookies!
Sara~
Congratulations! Exciting, scary, awesome! I know the feeling. I spent 20+ years in a high stress marketing position and lost myself some place between the clients demands, my teams needs and a misplaced sense of responsibility (I carried the company for the last 15 years). I had benefits, a solid salary, paid vacation (4 months unused when I left. I was never able to use it all) My only regret now is that I didn’t make a move sooner.
I am so excited for you! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you in your new adventure.
“Once she set her intentions, miracles began to organize themselves all around her” ~ Shiloh McCloud
Thank you Carol!! It is exciting and very scary, depending on the moment! I am glad you got out too! XOXOX
I wish you nothing but great things, transitions are hard because they are worth it. Complacency never leads to true happiness, there are good things ahead.
Thank you Jackie!! XOXOX
Sweet girl… You are in my thoughts and prayers every single day. I know all too well what the worry, frustration, and fears of a life change can bring, but I also know that you’re strong and brave enough to admit that you needed to take care of YOU! If you’re not healthy physically, emotionally, AND spiritually, everything else in your life will crumble. You need that solid foundation to build your life on so that you can be well enough to help take care of the other people in your life.
Please know that I’m here for you… in any way, shape, or form you may need me. My love and prayers are with you…always.
Thanks Becca! It’s good to know I have such wonderful friends who are so supportive! XOXO