Congratulations to new beginnings! I love all the creative intentions you’ve drawn up. In my 30s I quit my job to reset myself but I’ve never regret it—I would have found it harder to do the same now; more fearful perhaps of what I would have to give up. Having done that once I realise I can live with uncertainty and outside of the big organisations and systems that will never love us back :)
I am so glad you got out of that toxic work situation! The older I get, the more it becomes clear that no amount of money or perceived stability is worth being treated poorly.
Thank you! It was hard to accept that things weren’t going to get better and that it wasn’t my responsibility (as an employee) to fix the structural problems.
Congratulations on being brave enough to leave and I hope you enjoy this wonderful gift you’ve given yourself! Wishing you all the best for your future moves!
I’ve returned a day later; can I confess that this beautiful newsletter woke a beast in me with green green eyes? “I know this story, this is my story!” Only I never wrote it! Started to, and then stopped—I guess I’m still not ready to write about giving up a career and finding myself, and honestly finding myself so very content. Your creative energy is inspiring! Wishing you nothing but the best in this endeavor, however long it may last.
I remember a quote from the film Tracks (which I don't remember much else from) that went something like; "I believe when you've been stuck too long in one spot, it's best to throw a grenade and jump." It's so interesting how many of us have ended up at very similar crossroads. I'm really looking forward to following this new journey and the projects you have lined up! Congratulations on the new start!
Big congratulations on taking the leap. When the suffering of staying outweighs the fear of leaving you know you made the right decision. When I lived in the US I had a similar experience, it truly is brutal out there. I am so excited to get to hear about what you do and discover next! Following through on creative ideas is my aspiration for the coming year, so reading this my body was tingling from the voice inside telling me to get going and make stuff! Also - your substack is one my of my absolute favorites <3
Congrats on leaving a toxic work situation! Your creative pursuits will flourish without the mental load of sucky work stuff dogging you. I'd love to read more about them so do share if you feel inclined. And as someone who was on a 3 year sabbatical from work (and I returned to full time work only a few months ago, albeit fully remote), I think every break is meaningful and yes, being a mother does bring some urgency to accomplishing goals that are more personal and life-oriented.
Wow, I’d love to hear more about your sabbatical! I’ve only been off for a week and feel like I’m still in a somewhat frazzled state, where I’m trying to let go of the trauma from the toxic situation, tackle all the cleaning and household admin I’ve been putting off, while slowly trying to make progress on my creative goals. But I’m so glad I’ve given myself this time—however long it turns out to be—to reset my compass.
Massive massive congratulations on this new chapter! I'm tip toeing back into corporate employment but suspect it won't be for long - in anticipation, I am putting together a list I can't wait to get stuck into. This season is going to be soooo wonderful for you! Do find time for rest!
Thanks, Usha. Yes, I’m trying to make room for rest and stillness—despite my urge to do everything I’ve been wanting to do, right now. Wishing you the best in your career endeavours!
Gorgeously written. Excited for you and for the things to come! I took a 6-month sabbatical to switch fields some years ago. One piece of unsolicited 😅 advice: let yourself chase the whims of the day. You must be feeling hungry to tackle all the great projects listed here but sometimes the day will bring unexpected new rabbit holes and it’s okay to deviate from even your self-set agenda to explore them. The freedom of just seeing where the energy goes feels really, really nice :)
Congratulations to new beginnings! I love all the creative intentions you’ve drawn up. In my 30s I quit my job to reset myself but I’ve never regret it—I would have found it harder to do the same now; more fearful perhaps of what I would have to give up. Having done that once I realise I can live with uncertainty and outside of the big organisations and systems that will never love us back :)
Thank you! A year ago I wouldn't have thought I’d ever have the guts to leave a stable, decent-paying job—but I’m glad I took the plunge!
I loved reading this departure. You have a lovely way of articulating and your voice shines in your writing. Excited for you!
Thanks, Hollie! I’m excited for this chapter, too!
I am so glad you got out of that toxic work situation! The older I get, the more it becomes clear that no amount of money or perceived stability is worth being treated poorly.
Thank you! It was hard to accept that things weren’t going to get better and that it wasn’t my responsibility (as an employee) to fix the structural problems.
Congratulations on being brave enough to leave and I hope you enjoy this wonderful gift you’ve given yourself! Wishing you all the best for your future moves!
Thanks so much, Abby!
I’ve returned a day later; can I confess that this beautiful newsletter woke a beast in me with green green eyes? “I know this story, this is my story!” Only I never wrote it! Started to, and then stopped—I guess I’m still not ready to write about giving up a career and finding myself, and honestly finding myself so very content. Your creative energy is inspiring! Wishing you nothing but the best in this endeavor, however long it may last.
Aw thanks, Angela. I’d love to hear your story sometime and have been so inspired byyourcreativity, likewise. :)
I remember a quote from the film Tracks (which I don't remember much else from) that went something like; "I believe when you've been stuck too long in one spot, it's best to throw a grenade and jump." It's so interesting how many of us have ended up at very similar crossroads. I'm really looking forward to following this new journey and the projects you have lined up! Congratulations on the new start!
Big congratulations on taking the leap. When the suffering of staying outweighs the fear of leaving you know you made the right decision. When I lived in the US I had a similar experience, it truly is brutal out there. I am so excited to get to hear about what you do and discover next! Following through on creative ideas is my aspiration for the coming year, so reading this my body was tingling from the voice inside telling me to get going and make stuff! Also - your substack is one my of my absolute favorites <3
Aw thank you, Marit! That means so much. And I hope you listen to that voice!!
Congrats on leaving a toxic work situation! Your creative pursuits will flourish without the mental load of sucky work stuff dogging you. I'd love to read more about them so do share if you feel inclined. And as someone who was on a 3 year sabbatical from work (and I returned to full time work only a few months ago, albeit fully remote), I think every break is meaningful and yes, being a mother does bring some urgency to accomplishing goals that are more personal and life-oriented.
Wow, I’d love to hear more about your sabbatical! I’ve only been off for a week and feel like I’m still in a somewhat frazzled state, where I’m trying to let go of the trauma from the toxic situation, tackle all the cleaning and household admin I’ve been putting off, while slowly trying to make progress on my creative goals. But I’m so glad I’ve given myself this time—however long it turns out to be—to reset my compass.
Massive massive congratulations on this new chapter! I'm tip toeing back into corporate employment but suspect it won't be for long - in anticipation, I am putting together a list I can't wait to get stuck into. This season is going to be soooo wonderful for you! Do find time for rest!
Thanks, Usha. Yes, I’m trying to make room for rest and stillness—despite my urge to do everything I’ve been wanting to do, right now. Wishing you the best in your career endeavours!
Gorgeously written. Excited for you and for the things to come! I took a 6-month sabbatical to switch fields some years ago. One piece of unsolicited 😅 advice: let yourself chase the whims of the day. You must be feeling hungry to tackle all the great projects listed here but sometimes the day will bring unexpected new rabbit holes and it’s okay to deviate from even your self-set agenda to explore them. The freedom of just seeing where the energy goes feels really, really nice :)
I love that advice! I’m definitely trying to balance my type A, work plan-centred mode with giving myself the freedom to explore—or even just rest.
Well done on getting out of an untenable situation, and how wonderful to get this chance to let your creativity flourish!
Thanks for the words of encouragement, Louise! ❤️