I’ve been keeping a big secret: This week is my last at my full-time job. For the past decade+, I’ve been working at Jewish non-profits. All of the organizations I worked for were mission-driven, guided by Jewish values. This work has been meaningful and rewarding, but I realized over the last six months that it’s time for me to take a career pause.
Most recently, I’ve been working in community and alumni relations for the seminary/grad school of the Reform Movement of Judaism. My dad went there, as did a couple of other family members, and quite a few good friends. It’s a place that means a lot to me, and I have a great relationship with my boss. But the work has been draining, and honestly not the best use of my skills. It got to the point where I was pouring from an empty cup by the time I got home/finished working and it was family time. We decided that it wasn’t worth it for me to continue, even though I’m not sure what I want to do next.
I want to be very clear that I am INCREDIBLY fortunate that making this decision is financially possible. Rob works very hard with long hours, and I am so grateful for how he provides for our family. A little while ago, we had a conversation about what we each contribute. While he’s the primary breadwinner, I do a lot of the caregiving, cooking, planning/scheduling and keeping track of our lives. Rob reminded me that my role is incredibly valuable in many (non-monetary) ways, which made me feel better about pausing full-time work.
That said, Seth will still be going to daycare. There is so much that they teach him and do with him that I’m not trained to do. He’s also socializing and making friends, which is so important. But, I will definitely be picking him up earlier and spending more quality time with him during the week.
I’m also planning to take advantage of summer in the city. I have a “Summer Fun List” where I’m keeping track of places I want to go, eat and drink, and experience. I’m going to spend more time on content too, so make sure you’re following me everywhere, especially here and on Instagram.
Even though I knew this was the right decision for me, I really wavered. I care a lot about the organization I work for and I didn’t want to let anyone down. But, I realized that I didn’t want to let myself down either. (If you’re in a similar place, I highly recommend following Mother Untitled.)
I can’t say that I won’t ever go back to full-time work, that’s why it’s a career pause, not the end. But, for now, I’m going to take the time to figure out what I want to do longer term, and enjoy some much-needed introvert alone time, so I can be the best version of me. Stay tuned for the next chapter!
