I did it. I turned in my two weeks notice today, and it went as well as it could have. I know that at many firms and companies these type things are rather impersonal and routine, but my firm is relatively small (about 25 attorneys) and close-knit with monthly dinners for the attorneys and whatnot. I chose the firm because I like a sense of community, but a personal investment of sorts also makes it more daunting to leave.
For quite some time, I've felt like we were trying to fit a square peg (me) in a round hole (the firm), but I could not figure out what my next step should be. After much prayer and thought, I realized that I do not have to know what the next perfect, permanent step is to know that it's time to move on. So I told my mentor today as well as my former mentor, and I wrote a letter and am putting a copy in each attorneys' chair (in an envelope marked "personal and confidential" per suggestion) very early in the morning.
I am moving all of my things out of my apartment this Friday and to my father's house in my hometown. I'll stay with friends here in Macon next week and possibly the week after while I work out the remainder of my notice. On May 15 I'll leave for Geneva, Switzerland and meet up with my friend Sam a few days later in Zurich. We'll travel to Malta and then on to Rhodes and Athens. After he returns to the states, I'll head to Santorini. Then I'll fly to Spain and explore southern Spain until I return on June 18. When I return I plan to spend a lot of time with my nieces and friends and family, read, relax, rest, exercise, and basically chill out for a while (just in case my time on the coast of Spain isn't enough:)
I've also completed my application for mission opportunities through One Door. There are a variety of positions, but I am most interested in Young Adult Volunteer (the cut off age is 30, so I'm getting in right in time:) opportunities, especially the position in Nashville. These are eleven months in duration and include working with groups such as at-risk youth, homeless, Hispanic refugees, etc. I imagine I'll have a phone interview in the next few weeks, and see what happens from there. Regardless the program doesn't start until September, so I have plenty of time to just be. For now, I'm just being prayerful about it and thanking God for an answered prayer and the peace I feel about all of these decisions.
26 comments:
Congratulations on taking action. Seems like you're both lost and found at the same time. Good luck on everything and have fun travelling!
Congratulations! I have a friend who did something similar. She quit her job and did an 11 month stint in college ministry at a university in Washington State. It was supposed to be just 11 months but she loved it so much that she ended up starting a college ministry at another university and has been there since.
Wow, brave move! I'm glad God's given you some peace in this decision-making process. Good luck.
Snake: Thanks!
GLB: Several people have asked me what I want to do after the 11 months, but I suspect (that like your friend) that I can't really predict how I'll feel then.
PT-Lawmom: I have such peace about it that it doesn't even feel brave. Thanks.
Congratulations. I knew something was up and that you would share on your own time. That is a tremendous step one that takes courage and confidance. It is very impressive. And of course enjoy the time off!!!
Yay Ally! You must feel so relieved!
And yes, I am incredibly jealous!
AM: I am. All of the hard stuff is over now!
e.b.: Thank you. To say that I'm thrilled about the MONTHS off is probably an understatement.
Yes, congratulations and good for you. Sometimes doing the hard thing is the best. I once read this in a book and I think of it often and love it:
"to get to the fruit of the tree, you have to go out on a limb."
Enjoy it out on your limb! I think the rewards will be well worth it.
Ryane
Ally- so glad to hear about all of the great things you have coming up in the future. Your trip, time off, and possible volunteer plans sound amazing. Wishing you the best of luck in what's to come! :)
I am so glad everything went so smoothly. And I am proud of you for applying for the missions opportunity. I just signed up for the Venezuela trip myself yesterday! I know it will be a life changing experience.
Sounds like an exciting adventure! Congratulations on taking this leap of faith. I am looking forward to hearing about the journey :)
Did you ever know that you're my hero! You rock Ally Cat!
wow i'm so damn impressed by you. that's so fabulous. have fun and good luck.
I can't wait to hear where One Door puts you... I looked into that before going to Fuller. Still think about it sometimes... very cool.
Good for you! That's so exciting! I backpacked Europe and southern Spain was one of my favourite spots. Congratulations!
Nashville *blink, blink* WOW!!! Come see us!!!!! You know I'll show you all the best places to eat in town!!
This is a great move. I am sure it will be what your soul needs. Good luck!
OMG! I have to stop taking these breaks from the blogosphere.
Good for you!
congratulations to you ally for doing what you feel is right for you.
the volunteer opportunities will be an amazing life learning experience. :)
the next few months sound exciting!
Trixie: You're right--all of my long term volunteering has been life changing.
cdp: See what all you miss!?
clearlykels: I think so.
FC&F: I'll let you know if Nashville works out. I found a good bakery when I visited it last year.
Brandy: I can't wait for southern Spain.
Desiree: I'm excited to see where I end up....you never know!
Kate: Thank you very much.
Ozzy: The wind beneath your wings too? Thanks!
Kimberly: I'm sure I'll be gushing about trip for many posts, so you definitely will.
Ella: Thanks-I'm soooo relieved the hard part is over. Venezulea is going to be awesome.
Brookem: Muchas gracias.
Ryane: I love that quote. I kept putting off a decision until I finally realized I didn't have to know exactly which limb the fruit is on (to continue your analogy)--sometime you just have to start climbing.
Congratulations and enjoy your much deserved trip!
Wow! This is impressive...and uh...tempting...I'm surrounded by flat-personalitied paralegals and ego-driven lawyers so your post is making me itch to place letters on everyone's chairs and say see ya....Good luck!
Wow, I go on vacation a week and check out what happens. I knew you'd make the right decision! (I wanted to let you know that I have 48 blogs to catch up on, but I came here first! :D)
Aaron: Thanks for reading mine first:)
Leiselb: It's nice to put all of this law stuff aside for at least a while.
Princess: I know I will. Thanks.
Have a great trip! Santorini is gorgeous!
i'm happy for you. nice job. hear anything from one door yet? (i'm still catching up on posts, so you may have already answered that question.)
also, i forgot to mention in my last email--i collect postcards from different places. you mind sending me a postcard from the different cities you're going to visit? :)
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