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| Photo by JASELabs on Flickr |
It was emotionally harder than I thought, considering I haven't actually been AT work since mid-September. I've been in limbo for so long with my job - maternity leave, my extended vacation/internal job search, and before that, the never-ending reorganization in my group.
But now it seems real and final, and the checks will stop coming. That's the scary part for me right now, even though I have some good leads on part-time consulting work. I've been earning at least spending money since I was 15. I've been supporting myself since grad school in 1996 (with a few noteworthy exceptions when I got into some crazy credit card debt in college).
My identity is not tied up in my job. But I do love saying I work for Microsoft. It's instantly recognizable (good or bad, you decide). It's got prestige. People dig Bill Gates.
I quit because I want more space in my life to do things - work a little, spend lots of unstructured time with the kids, craft a little (ok, a lot), keep our household running, exercise again.
So now I've got to work on my elevator/cocktail party speech. What is it that I do, exactly? How do I avoid saying "I used to be..." or dismissing what I do - "I'm home with the kids, for now".
Stay tuned.
Congratulations!!! What a big change!! Very exciting! :) Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! :)
DeleteI think "home with the kids" is a way harder and more impressive job. I am usually amazed at what Moms do.
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to link our identity with our work since the first question when you meet someone is often "What do you do?" I find that such a boring conversation starter because honestly, no one's job is that interesting and I rather find out other things about a person.
ReplyDeleteI think you can mention p/t consulting of course when you meet someone new since you never know when you could get leads.
Anyway, good luck!
What a big change! It sounds like the right thing for you and I wish you so much luck in the new chapter!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I know this transition is not that easy, but you will get used to it. If it makes you feel any better I am not a huge fan of Bill Gates right now.
ReplyDeleteHooray! You could go for, "I'm into freelance living." :)
ReplyDeleteI really, really, like this. I also like "whatever the hell I want to do." :)
DeleteI hate the "what do you do?" question. I do so much more than can be wrapped up in a couple of words, but if I give details, eyes glaze over.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could answer with something like "I am currently focusing on my family and working when I need to."
What a great change for you! So much exciting possibility ahead of you!
ReplyDeleteHi, long time reader de-lurking...I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI am a SAHM (for now) who previously worked in finance. I usually find the following phrases are helpful. "My field is [finance]. My experience is in [corporate finance] (can add specific company names or types of work)." Since you're going to be doing some work, you could also add something along the lines of "My skills are []" or "I'm a project manager currently looking for x type of project."
This is good. I also like the idea of "casually" mentioning that I'm looking for work :)
DeleteWow, so exciting...and scary...and exciting!
ReplyDeleteHere's to a new, fulfilling chapter!!
Agree with the above anonymous that if you're still on the hunt for consulting work, then "what do you do?" is a good opportunity to mention your field and that you're looking.
ReplyDeleteI once saw a SAHD blog with a picture of his business card. It said "Gentleman of leisure." Not so much leisure, I imagine, with the little ones, but funny nonetheless.