Friday, June 18, 2010

Pursuit of Happiness

So, today was the big scary meeting at work, and now that it's finally over
[big yoga exhale]
I can finally breathe a little bit.

And it went much better than I expected it to.
Most of you probably know the situation, but for my lovely readers who do not, I will elaborate.

Today, I quit my job.
[that doesn't sound so exciting.]
Today, I quit my job that I got right out of college -in my career field-
[journalism people, keep breathing.]
Today, I quit my job that I got right out of college-in my career field-to move back home to Memphis and be with the people that I love.
[phew. now that feels better]

It sounds crazy, but, as my boss told me today when I was giving him my two weeks notice, I made a very mature decision. The past few months have been by far the most stressful, unpredictable, and chaotic months of life as I know it. In the span of three weeks, I googled how to write a good cover letter, and what to include in a resignation letter. I'd say that's a little more than par for the course at 22, but that's not the point I'm trying to make here.

I had to decide between staying at a job that paid a decent salary for a recent graduate, even though my heart wasn't in it, or going against what almost anyone else in my college (or in this economy for that matter) would have done, throwing caution (and financial sense) to the wind, and going where my heart has been all along.

The meeting itself was pretty short and sweet (after I nearly pulled my hair out waiting 5 hours beforehand). I gave them my little spiel, and they were surprisingly cool about it. They said that they understood where I was coming from, that you can't help wanting to be with your family, and that I had done well making such a tough decision. That was about it. Six months of ridiculousness all summed up in a ten minute meeting.

Maybe I'm young and stupid. I could see where you might think that. Who gives up a shot at a salary, especially when there's nothing concrete waiting to pay me cash money back in Memphis. But maybe, I've got it right. Maybe the most important thing is being happy and being with the ones you love, and everything else will fall into place.
Here's hoping! 

In all seriousness, I know I made the right decision for me right now. I see absolutely no point in doing something if your heart isn't in it. Why let yourself be unhappy, even just for a year, when we aren't promised tomorrow? If it was your very last year, would you take the $25,000? Or would you go hang out with the most important people in your life? I mean it sounds kind of morbid to think of it that way, but what it all boils down to is 
the pursuit of happiness.

So, two weeks from today, I will no longer be working at the NBC affiliate here in Knoxville, Tennessee. I will be packing my bags and going to spend the fourth of July with my family, the way it's supposed to be.
How am I feeling, now that I've officially made my decision? I'm scared as hell haha! I have to find a new job and get my bills paid just like everybody else. But it's a good scared. It's a happy scared. 
And I feel very brave :)

Yours, truly

1 comment:

  1. a wonderful decision!! and we will both find amazing jobs in Memphis and love every minute of life! haha! YAY!

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