So after four months of unemployment, I have a new job.
It makes me so happy to type those words, I'm going to do it again:
So after four months of unemployment, I have a new job.
Starting Monday, May 13, I will assume the title of Director of Communications for Vitamix, a company of which I'm hoping you've heard. They make very high-end, high-quality blending equipment for home and commercial use, and they're growing by incredible leaps and bounds.
This extended period of unemployment was the first of my life, and it was at times a nerve-wracking experience.
Now that it's ending, I can see how it helped me. It was a great time to reassess, get healthier, refocus myself, bring back this little mess of a blog, etc.
But when you're in the middle of it, you have a hard time believing the people who tell you, "Oh, trust me, it will be the best thing that ever happened to you!"
It's difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you don't even know how long the tunnel is. And when you're the sole source of income for a family of seven.
But like I said, now that it's over, I have to say these four months were good for me. I'm ready for gainful employment.
My new job is one with a high level of responsibility. I have three people reporting to me (all of whom, fortunately, appear to be talented pros), and there are a lot of expectations for my team to transform the way Vitamix communicates to its internal and external audiences.
No small challenge, but one I welcome.
Anyway, with the return of full-time employment in my life comes the usual examination of one's priorities and schedules.
For example, I've determined that after 11 years of soccer coaching and administration, I have to step down from my beloved Wickliffe Soccer Club. It's an organization I hold near and dear to my heart, and I'm proud to have had the chance to serve it for more than a decade.
But it's time to hand the coaching and leadership reins to others. They don't need my old self hanging around messing things up anyway.
There's also the matter of this blog. I determined months ago that I would not give it up once I got a job, even if you people all went away and I was just writing for myself (a distinct possibility of which I'm keenly aware, believe me).
But writing every weekday isn't going to work, either. So what to do, what to do?
What I've decided is to promise three posts per week starting the week of May 13th. I'm guessing those would appear on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, though we'll see what schedule works best. And occasionally we'll try to throw in a Tuesday or Thursday post, as well.
I realize this is all far more important to me than it is to you. And I want you to know how intensely grateful I am to the 150-200 of you who regularly check in here daily to read my senseless raving. It's a very, very, very small corner of the Internet, but one I hope that brings you some pleasure and even makes you think from time to time.
So let's see how that works and go from there.
In the meantime, go out and buy yourself a Vitamix machine. You won't be disappointed.
Although I can't identify with being a father, I wanted to leave a comment to know that I absolutely enjoy your blog. I graduated from John Carroll University in 2011 - what was your experience like there?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new job at Vitamix! I heard that it's one of the best companies to work for in the area.
I work in Independence as an Email Marketing Specialist and have found it harder and harder to write in my blog (retailrobot.wordpress.com) the longer I have been out of school. At the end of the day, it's one of the only creative outlets that I have. So, now that you are employed, hopefully you will find the time and energy to continue to update us on all on your life. :)
Leslie: I'm so sorry for not replying until now! Once a blog post is a few days old, I generally don't check it for comments anymore. I really need to turn on the function that notifies me when a comment is posted...
ReplyDeleteAnyway, welcome, and thanks for checking in. So glad to hear you enjoy the blog, AND that you're a fellow Blue Streak! I loved it there and am considering going back in the next couple of years to work toward my MBA. Can't imagine being in school again, but the time is right for several reasons.
And yes, Vitamix is outstanding. They're consistently ranked on the Top Workplaces listed in the Plain Dealer, and it's easy to see why (in fact, the new list comes out this Sunday and I'm told we're on it).
Do whatever you can to clear out time in your schedule to blog. Like you said, it's an excellent creative outlet, and it stretches your brain. As I get older, I find that's always a good thing!
I will be sure to stop by your blog after I post this. Thanks again for writing!