Last September while driving around town I saw a double rainbow twice in the same day. I posted the images I snapped on my iPhone onto Instagram and asked the question to my followers and friends, “Does this mean there’s good luck ahead for me?” I had been looking for a good omen. The rainbow came just a few weeks before I quit my steady, good-paying, flexible remote job of almost a decade.
Later the same week, I was on the phone with my sister-in-law. I mentioned the exciting news that I had finalized my exit “strategy” with my job; I was putting in my resignation on October 1. The first thing she said was, “Congratulations!” That surprised me and I’m not sure why. But it was a good surprise and gave me the confidence boost I so desperately needed.
Then the fateful day came on October 15: my last day. It wasn’t easy to say goodbye to everyone, especially having to say goodbye over the phone since I work 100% remote. It was also anti-climatic as there was no “farewell party” or drinks after work. I am grateful though for the thank you card, the basketful of goodies and the succulent plant that was sent to me by my team.
Through two company acquisitions and four promotions along the way, it was a challenging, fun and life-changing journey. I grew immensely as a professional. I count myself as lucky for the opportunities that I had over the years—growing from working for a start-up learning technology company based in small town Oregon to one of the largest and most prestigious technology companies in the world.
Today, I’ve been officially done working for three months. It has gone by quickly and it’s been wonderful having time to write and enjoy life. But of course as life happens… as one difficulty ends another one starts. So, I’m grateful over the past few months I’ve had the mental space and time for lots of self-care!
So, what’s next for me professionally? That’s undetermined right now. I’ve recently applied for a few different technology positions, but have not heard back yet. I’m okay with this for now, enjoying the quiet time and slower pace of life. We will be moving into our new house next month so life will get busier in other ways. Finally, I’m grateful to have the financial flexibility to not be working full-time and be living off of one income. In fact, after all, I count myself very lucky to have seen that double rainbow.
