day job.

has it been eleven years since i stood here with my peers?
- gin blossoms, "day job"

seven weeks ago, i switched jobs at my firm. i have worked at the same place, except for while i was in law school, for over 20 years, which honestly might be the biggest piece of evidence that i am not a millennial. when i came back from law school i started doing tax consulting, because i am a tax attorney by training. but three years into that career path, i made a sudden switch from client service to our training department.

i did that for close to 10 years without a lot of drama, and i loved it. that career path was why i got to travel internationally by plane for the first time at age 35. i had close relationships with executives. i got to help hundreds and hundreds of people get better at their jobs and grow in their careers. but then, i got a new boss. and that... well. it was bad. my ex-boss was not good for me. i am sure there are things i did i could have done better or differently. but fundamentally, my ex-boss did not treat me well. thankfully, i kept a very good relationship with the team i used to work for, and when things got too heavy, i was able to call my old practice lead and say "if you have room for me, i am ready to come home." and sure enough, they did. so here i am. eleven years to the day, i rejoined my team.

and y'all, i have got to tell you: i have not been this happy to go to the job in quite some time. i saw a friend for the first time in a few weeks the other day and the first thing she said was "you look so much happier." i feel lighter. i feel more fulfilled and secure. my new role is a tiny little step down in pay and a title change that's less senior, but with a lot more potential to grow in both departments. plus? it's fun again. i get to do work that i find pleasing. you do not have to LOVE your work, sure, but it is a pretty good idea for your own general mental health to LIKE what you do during the day for money.

and when things are hard all over? making a change that takes something bad away from you is CRITICAL. when something as fundamental as your job - your source of health insurance and house money - is hurting you, it is VITAL to get out quick and make a change. and don't be afraid to make a little step "back" to get there if you need to. money does not buy happiness, but it keeps you secure enough to be able to find happiness.

and you deserve happiness. you do. sometimes it's scary to jump. but you will feel so much better when you land in that next new place. promise.