Today marks a new chapter in my professional career! I’m starting a new job in a new industry ????
Today is a BIG day for me! After a decade of working on Capitol Hill, I’m embarking on a new opportunity. I’ve made the leap to the private sector!
My 10 years on the Hill wrapped up at 11:59 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3. To be precise. There have been highs, lows, and everything in-between in those years. I still maintain my experience was far more Veep than House of Cards – as I flashback to a press conference where I prayed with my whole heart that a very rickety easel would keep it together and keep holding up a chart until the presser and live stream ended.
So Why Did I Decide To Leave?
When my boss announced his retirement nearly two years ago, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under my feet. When James and I were talking dates in our wedding planning, I said only days after my boss’ primary would work. For those outside of DC/Hill life, this is a totally normal conversation to have and the reason most Hill staffers get married during August recess!
I went home the day he told us he wasn’t seeking re-election and did a little meditation and self-reflection. I cried. I loved my boss, our team, and the work we did every day. Knowing that that would come to an end was really tough.
Sitting on my couch, I listened to what my inner voice thought I should do. My gut said it was time to leave the nonstop hustle and bustle of political communications.
I was sad this chapter was coming to an end but so thankful that it was a part of my story.
There are many tremendous members on the Hill with incredibly talented staff and it would have been an honor to join their teams. But, in my heart, I knew that it was my time to move on. Now, never say ever, because I could always return. However, in this moment, I felt it was the right moment to look beyond the Capitol dome.
With James’ military career, there will likely be moves in our future. I needed to look for a job that would have the flexibility to allow remote work and ideally support my reality as a military spouse.
Searching For A Job
In early fall, I started setting up coffees (chai lattes for me, please!) to chat with people and get a sense of what I was looking for in my next chapter.
It wasn’t all a cakewalk. Job hunting is really similar to dating, two activities I haven’t done in 5+ years. Let’s be real, job hunting is essentially professional dating. I sent quite a few emails after meeting people for informational interviews that felt like sending a text after a first date – “Thanks so much for taking the time to meet with me, I really enjoyed our conversation. I hope we can keep in touch and look forward to chatting soon.”
I am so grateful for all the people who met with me in recent months. The private sector is a big world with seemingly endless opportunities. These conversations were integral toward getting a sense of where I wanted to land, how I wanted my next chapter to feel, and where I could grow as a professional.
Starting A New Chapter
Today, when this post goes live at 6 a.m., I’ll be getting ready for my first day. The first week will be orientation and trainings and getting my sea legs.
I’m excited to join my new team, expand my skill set, and seize new opportunities. It will certainly be a change, my new job will mostly be WFH. After conversations with my new teammates, I’m excited to be in a role that is more 9-6 and returns more balance back to my life. So what do I think that will mean for me?
Well, for starters, I’m really happy about the prospects of having more time in my day for things that bring me joy. Adding activities into my daily routine that make me smile and give me the ability to be a better wife, daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, and all the other hats I wear as a person. During my time off between jobs, I focused on what is on that list.
This blog is #1.
I have big plans for this blog for 2023. A refresh of the site to be more reader-friendly and share more content. Maybe even a name change?!?!
2022 was certainly a year of transformations and shifts in multiple areas of my life. I’m excited for what 2023 has in store.
