I’m always amused by those people who claim to have no regrets. Seriously? No regrets?
I have regrets–a dozen a day: I regret I wore these itchy pants; I regret I ate that; I regret I didn’t call you back; I regret I took Meridian instead of 465; I regret that haircut; I regret letting my son cry it out; and I always regret a third glass of wine. Regrets? I got a million of them.
And so when my employer of 10 years was approaching its third round of job cuts, and with images of a severance package dancing in my head, there were many sleepless nights. In this job market? With no firm leads?
I had a comfortable position at a high-profile Indianapolis company. I had a good paycheck, the ear of the CEO and health benefits for me and my children. I worked downtown, had a flexible schedule, and generally enjoyed the perks of corporate life. While I had been approached off and on through the years, I had never really considered leaving.
And yet…
Ten years in one spot, even with increasing responsibility, even in an exciting industry, was both rewarding and exhausting. Facing the same daily battles, knowing where the obstacles would be, knowing the answers before I asked the questions. The comfort of it all was sometimes itchier than those pants.
In the end, I took the severance. And while I’m extremely blessed to have some time to consider what’s next, I’m working harder than I ever have to figure out what that might be. It may be a full-time position in communications, or it may be staying out on my own to work with clients. For the first time in a long time, this well-scheduled life is unscheduled.
And you know what? I’ve got no regrets about it.
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Good for you, Kate! Wherever you land will be lucky to have you.
I agree with Liz. Good for you Kate! I faced a similar situation five years ago and, despite a fantastic offer from a reputable PR firm, I decided to hang my own shingle. The jump was scary and the challenges ever present and unexpected. But the rewards and personal growth have been great. Regardless of your final decision, enjoy the unscheduled time!
Making a decision like Kate’s, “to accept the severance,” is a bit like finding out you are pregnant. Not quite sure what the change is going to be, but you know it’s going to be life changing for better or worse.
Anyone who has had a decision like that to make or anyone who has discovered you’re pregnant, knows the excitement, the fear, the dreams and the nightmares such a change can bring. Once that bell is rung, you can’t unring it. No sense looking back. Forward is the only view worth pursuing.
Kate, best wishes as you jump headfirst into NEXT!
Good for you, Kate. If you had never taken the risk, then you might always wonder “what if.” Although it may not be easy at first, you’ll be fine. And you’re setting a wonderful example of courage and self-reliance for your kids. Congratulations!