time for a new chapter.

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Photo credit: urechioguguo

Quitting my last job was one of the bravest things I’ve ever done. It was nervewracking. Self-doubt permeated every decision. What ifs dominated my thoughtspace and it felt as though they were on a loudspeaker. To top it off, I was the only person in my age group (that I knew of) that was considering making such a big decision–most of my friends seemed content in their positions. That was isolating and made me feel as though I was weak or had a cap on what I could accomplish.

HA! What a joke.

The truth is, I wasn’t planting myself in the right soil.

The truth is, I wasn’t planting myself in the right soil. I had outgrown my position and wanted bigger, more focused responsibilities. It had nothing to do with my capabilities or skillset. I just wasn’t in the right place anymore and that’s OK. If you find yourself in a similar position now, I implore you to step away from it all for a moment and think to yourself, “Is this position serving the personal and professional vision I created for myself?” If it’s not, maybe you have some changes to make too.

Nine Months Well Spent

For nine months, I decided to choose me. I took time away from the corporate world and explored interests I hadn’t had the time for before. It’s been exhilirating, ego-boosting and, most importantly, just what the doctor ordered (literally, lol).

From September to May, I…

  • Discovered a talent for wardrobe styling and even got paid for it

  • Worked part-time at a boutique alongside kind, caring, and funny women

  • Spent more time with friends than I ever had during college

  • Started a podcast with dear friends of mine

  • Developed and invested in my mentorship council

  • Became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

  • Traveled, a lot

  • Set time aside to be mindful and spend time by myself, dating myself.

Old journal entries and voice memos from last year seem as though they were created by a different Alexa. It all sounds as though I’m reaching. Reaching, pleading, wanting something different for my life. Reading and listening to new entries, I don’t hear that anymore–at least not as profoundly.

A New Chapter

Those nine months were fun but, now, it’s time to embrace a new season.

I’ve landed a new position at a really cool company that I’m excited about. It feels like the right next step. This position is exactly what I’ve been searching for: bigger, more focused responsibilities with the right support and proper foundation. I’m being set up to win and that’s a good sign in my book.

I’m hyped about the opportunity this presents to invest tenfold into building upon what I created during my sabbatical. I’m excited that I’ll be able to travel even farther and learn even more.

I’m not going to lie, budgeting was rough. There was a lot I wanted to do but couldn’t because it didn’t fit into my financial plan. The only reason this sabbatical was successful for me was because I took the time to understand myself before embarking on it. I know I am not going to feel at peace if money becomes an issue–it’s just not in my nature. I know I will feel unsettled if I don’t build in time to spend with friends and family–quality time if my primary love language, I show myself love by respecting that. There’s more, but you get the picture.

The only reason this sabbatical was successful for me was because I took the time to understand myself before embarking on it.

Keeping My Vow

Years ago, I made a vow to myself to always work to forgive myself at past, love myself at present, and build myself at future. I’m proud to say I’ve honored that vow, even when the Universe made it hard. It’s been worth it every step of the way.

Here’s to a new season!