Wednesday, December 12, 2012

A Professional Change

I don't often blog about my professional life, my career if you will. A lot has changed for me at work in the past year.

I have always worked at a public relations agency. I love what I do, it's fun, different and something is always blowing up - literally and figuratively. A long-time fear I think of many new moms is that their career will suffer or change after you have kids.

Usually it does change, but it's not all that bad. You get a new perspective on life when you have a baby. I know I did.

My perspective changed even more when Will was 15 months old and we were told to start therapy and to figure out what was medically wrong with him. Luckily, I had worked with the same team for many many years and they worked with me on a lot of it. Then, we found out what was going on with Will and while I was falling apart, my team helped me hold it together at least professionally.

Sometimes going to the office was a welcome relief to my day. I could put aside all my fears, worries and sadness and just focus on doing good work. Then, it just got to be too much. My manager helped me to work out a new work schedule where I reduced my hours and started working 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

That was a huge live saving change for us.

Fast forward a few months and out of the blue I had an old client email me to see if I knew of any freelance pr consultants, or would I possibly be interested in the job? It was something I knew I had to consider, plus I really like the people and the client. It's very rare to have a client fall from the sky. So, we ran the numbers and I resigned in September.

This wasn't a typical resignation I suppose. I cried, I wasn't unhappy with my job or the people I worked with. These people have been a huge support system and part of my life for nearly nine years, but it was the right thing for me and for my employer.

So, since October 1, I have been self employed, working from home, working at my new clients office and actually, working for my old employer! They hired me as a consultant for a few projects. It's been so busy that I haven't even had time to really tell anyone. Just in passing or as I email/talk with someone I haven't talked to in a while.

The first two weeks were really hard. I was still carrying 10+ years worth of "panic" that I was going to miss something. Then the panic changed to "I can't screw this up" and now I have what I would call, appropriate panic to do a good job for everyone.

It's changed the way I think about life, work/life balance and what I can do for Will and our family. I wouldn't have been able to do this without Neil's support. I don't have to count up my vacation days and pray that we won't end up in the hospital eating up days and days of time that I should be able to use to do stuff like take Will to have breakfast with Santa or go on an actual vacation!

One day, I even got a mani/pedi during my self-appointed lunch hour. I felt guilty about it, but then I realized that doing that every once in a while is actually healthy for me. (or so I told myself). :-)

My logo, thanks to the very talented Jimmy Egeland.


9 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your new business and life decision. Having had a similar experience, I can say that it is something you won't regret. People are the most important, and coming to that conclusion makes you a better counselor in public relations as well.
    Paula Ruth, APR

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  2. Congratulations Lori. I always marvel at your spirit and your ability to adapt your life to handle what comes your way. I always wish you peace and joy and hope this career move helps you find these.
    Happy holidays to you and your family.

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  3. I am so happy for you Lori! You're wonderful at everything you do, and this will be a very successful venture!! Very exciting to hear how you're taking charge and moving forward. All the best to you and your family! Sarah Schimmer

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  4. Congratulations Lori! I know that a lot of Moms out there would love to have this opportunity. You and your family deserve this. I'm so happy for you.

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  5. I love this Lori and I am so happy for you! You deserve to do this and I am so glad you are able to do just that. Nothing wrong with treating yourself. Prayers to you and your family for a Merry Christmas and blessed new year! Love ya! Gina Covell

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  6. So glad this has fallen into place for you. And no, you should never feel guilty for treating yourself- you need it!

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  7. Fantastic news! Congrats on taking this job. It sounds perfect. The logo is awesome sauce. And because you mentioned treating yourself, I had to go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsABTmT1_M0 Please sing this song in your head and enjoy those mani pedis, mama!
    XOXO
    B

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  8. Wow, what an amazing tale! Good for you for taking the plunge. So happy to know that your professional life took such an awesome turn.

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  9. Congratulations Lori!! That sounds like God made that happen at the perfect time in your life! Good luck!! Love you!

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