I’m not quite sure what to write about this, but I wanted to make sure I had it captured on our blog given the significance to me and our family.
I decided to quit my career with Deloitte in April after 12 years. I’d known in my heart for a while that I was fighting a losing battle. I have to say that Deloitte was always extremely supportive of me – I was actually on track for promotion to Director this year – but when it came right down to it, my heart wasn’t in it. I tried everything there… maternity leave, working full time, part time, dialed up, dialed down… you name it. But something always had to give and in the end, I just couldn’t keep all the balls in the air. And quite frankly, I just didn’t see myself as serious as work wanted (and needed) me to be all the time. Isn’t that a funny thing? But it’s the honest truth. I realized part of the decision I needed to make was deciding what kind of person I wanted to be everyday. When I really thought about it, I wanted to be the one to clean off a skinned knee, sing songs at nap time, meet the teachers at school, make meals, dance in the kitchen for no reason at all, organize our family calendar, and sing songs at the top of my lungs at lunchtime in the car with my boys. Some of these things I was already doing, but it was on the weekend or while I was muted on a conference call. I just wanted to be more present all the time.
It’s such a taboo topic – should you work or stay home? What’s better for you? For your kids? Will you sentence them to a life of misery if you make the wrong choice? My two cents is that there is no wrong choice, and every person and every family is different. Kids are resilient and all they need to know is that you’re there for them and that they are loved. I think you can do that if you’re working or staying at home. But what works for you today might not work for you tomorrow – be open to change. I’m certain that you always know in your heart what the right choice is for you and your family. You just have to trust it and who cares what other people think. Just be resolved in your decision and make peace with it.
I now have this hanging in our house. I think if the boys could have bought it for me, they would have.
Here’s the farewell email I sent on my last day. I was sad and a little scared to leave what had been my life since I was fresh out of college… I met my husband at Deloitte and had two babies while I was working there. But I’m learning that change is good. The hardest part is just making the first leap.
Friends,
As most of you know, tomorrow will be my last day with the firm. Thank you for a wonderful 12 years. The friends, experiences, and lessons learned have shaped me into who I am today and I will be forever grateful. I sincerely hope to keep in touch with all of you. Thank you for your time, wisdom, smiles, support and encouragement. You’re awesome.
Best wishes,
Corinne
No comments:
Post a Comment