Wow – what a ride! On April 30th, after giving a 90-day notice, I left my career of 16 years and am starting an entirely new chapter in my life. I’d like to refer to this as my Part Two…Leveling Up, Tiffany 2.0 – you want me to continue? Ha!
I loved my job and the people I worked with and I was equally as good to them as they were to me – it was just time. I will always be cheering for those awesome humans and that company on from the sidelines. I’m proud of what I’ve left behind, I gave 16 years of complete dedication and incredible hard work. I was allowed the opportunity to grow, expand my roll, learn new things and leave on a major high.
I’ve learned so much in 16 years AND in these final weeks at my employer. They had a going away happy hour for me – above are just a few of the incredible people I’ve had the pleasure of working with (wish I would have snapped a group photo too). I was also reminded that you should tell people how you feel. I felt compelled to write each co-worker a card and leave them with a little something. I truly feel some sort of a connection to each one of them – I was blessed in the boss and co-worker department.
I made two lifelong friendships in my 16 years…not that I won’t keep in touch with others, but these two humans taught me how to simply show up for others. These two woman always showed up for me, and I will always do the same for them. I will miss them madly…at least we got in one last lunch date.
When you go through a life changing moment in your life, the wave of emotions is real. In evaluating this huge decision (after all, I gave a 90-day notice), you have some time to do some real reflecting. I had a huge realization that this beaufiul place of employment held space for me when I needed it the most in my life. In the last 16 years, I have truly had the biggest struggles in my life. I had multiple surgeries, the roughest parts of my marriage, death of loved ones, dredging through my much-needed divorce…I mean, isn’t that enough? In hindsight, Wow – just Wow! I had some amazingly beautiful moments here too – my children had SO many highlights in those 16 years, as well. My work and the people around me supported me through it ALL! I am profoundly grateful. I was showered with some very thoughtful gifts on my way out and still can’t get through the big card they all signed – still get a tad emotional. Yes, that is homemade brownies and frozen cookie dough – the brownies have already been gobbled up and were delicious…of course, I asked for the recipe!
Is it the end of an era – you betcha…a crazy beautiful one. I had some major professional wins. I had ‘become a Vice President’ on my vision board…and when I became a VP, the following year was ‘become a Senior Vice President’…mission accomplished! I contributed in a big way to a fantastic organization and wish them nothing but success! I have some amazing projects on the horizon that I can’t wait to share.
Am I crazy for leaving such a fantastic company and the magical people I work with – nope. I’m starting my new era – one filled with peace, unlimited opportunity, an extreme amount of bravery…and with an exceptional man that I’m excited to continue to grow with. Life is unexpected and never promised. As I’ve recently stated on Monday mornings (Monday Morning Coffee Talk on social media) – I would like to encourage you to do brave things. It’s my turn…my turn to continue to live unapologetically and spread love, kindness and healing to all that I come into contact with. Not only is is the end of an era…but the beginning of something magical!
I took last week off to disconnect and have a little vacation. I’m back and ready to truly live every minute and do epic things! Go buy yourself some flowers and as always, thank you for being on this journey with me – together we can make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. Cheers!
