Maybe some of you were able to tell from my posts that I’ve been feeling a little unsure of where I’m going lately. My previous position was a great opportunity and the pay trajectory was steep, but I realized that it wasn’t the right fit for me. I am happy to report that I have accepted a new job.
Alot of getting the new job was due to luck, but I’m proud of myself for taking action to make such a change in my life. I prayed alot. Things beyond my control aligned for me, but I also sought out the opportunity, and made sure that I was ready when it appeared.
On some level, it was dificult for me to say to myself, “this job is not for me”. I was wary of being looked at as someone who is not serious about her career or someone who is unwilling to work hard (I assure you, I am. Very much so). I’ve realized: my work is a very important part of my life. But it doesn’t have to be my life.
So I will start 2008 with a new job and a new lifestyle – for one, I won’t be at the office eating expensed meals every night of the week, which means… I will get to grocery shop and cook! (that’s one of the things I’m most looking forward to).
The new position, as with my old job, isn’t a 40-hours-a-week deal (I want something more engaging than a regular 9-5 job, but I also wouldn’t want to work from 9 AM to 5 AM frequently). I expect to work some weekends and have late nights at the office at the new job. No problem!
The new position, however, offers a much better opportunity at work-life balance. I can work 50 or 60 hours a week (even do the occasional 70+) and still have time for the things I enjoy, instead of being in the office for 80, 90, 100+ hours a week (which includes sneaking off to my car for a catnap between 7AM, when the updates are finally completed, and 8AM, when the day starts all over again). Which means, quality of life.
I have so many things that I want to do with this gift of time that I’ve given myself: I want to volunteer, read more often, take advantage of all the wonderful museums that are around me, buy fresh produce at farmers markets, poke around thrift stores, see friends, hang out with CB, visit Mom & Dad, go watch movies, start exercising regularly, and just take better care of my body and my mind in general. I feel very lucky and blessed right now.
Hey-Congratulations!!
Your old job sounded like a disaster from the get-go, so I’m glad you sought out a new and hopefully better opportunity. Don’t ever think you’re trapped in a job you don’t like. You’re smart and have a lot going for yourself.
I can’t wait to read the update after the first of the year. Congrats again!
Congratulations! And good luck – I look forward to reading about your new job!
Congratulations! I’m so happy and glad you’ll have more work/life balance.
Congratulations! I’m glad to hear that things are going your way! Good luck with your new position!
Congratulations on the new job and knowing when to quit. I know how hard it can be to change your work situation.
I think the first comment I ever left you was how I hadn’t seen my finance friends since they took their jobs…heh.
Anyway, as everyone else has said, congratulations! It takes chutzpah to walk away from that kind of money, but I’m sure you’ll savor your time now that you’ve had it returned to you, and something tells me you won’t be starving in the streets, either.
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you, and so relieved for you as well! I was tired just reading your posts
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I’ve been reading your blog for about six months now and wanted to say congratulations! Balance in your life is much more important than the number of zeros at the end of your salary!
Congratulations! Good luck and enjoy the new year!
Congrats on the new job, I have always adviced against 100+ hour jobs. The pay off never seems to be worth it (and usually isn’t on an hourly basis).
Oh hey, that is wonderful news. Good luck with your new job and the work/life balance.
That’s great that you got the nerve to leave your old job. I used to work with I-Bankers and I didn’t understand how they could do it. I remember the day the first year analysts were awaiting to find out what their bonuses were going to be. That was the day they found out exactly what their annual pay was going to be and if all the extra hours were going to be worth it.
I hope your new job is more in line with your life goals and congrats on being able to walk away from the big money with lots of hours!