Do What You Love. And Love What You Do.

It's been FIVE YEARS since I walked out of my office at the after dealing with horrible bullying for six months (out of the 12 months that I was in that job). You can read all about my experiences here, here, and in this post where I post my "eff you" resignation letter.

The day I quit my job five year ago my Facebook status was: 'FREEDOM!!!'

To say that my time spent in that office was a nightmare would be an understatement. What happened to me should never happen to anyone in the workplace (or in school or well, ANYWHERE). The bullying nearly broke me and made me question everything about my professional life and friendships.

It took me more than a year to recover from the bullying (even though you never really "recover" from it but you are able to eventually put in in your past). For a long time I questioned my ability to find a job, my abilities as a writer, and what I really wanted to do with my professional life.

And then, 3 1/2 years ago I started this job that I love. By the end of this year I'll have worked at this job longer than I've worked at any other job. EVER.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

People often say "do what you love and love what you do" and let me tell ya something - they're right.

I am doing what I love and loving what I do.
And I work with the most amazing, talented, incredible, kick-ass, and supportive group of women.

But you know what else?

I still stop and question my abilities from time to time. I find myself thinking "You can't do that."... or "That's a dumb idea." ... and then I remember that the voice telling me that is the one that took up residence in my brain when I worked for the Girl Scouts and even though she's quiet most of the time, she's still hanging out and being a real bitch every now and then.

But now, five years later, I know that voice is wrong. Very wrong. I am good at what I do (honesty, not arrogance, people). And I can do anything I put my mind to.

As much as those bullies tried to break me five years ago, they failed. And they failed in spectacular fashion.

Monday Musings and Whatnot - February 8

Oh hey. Look at that.
I was able to spell February on the first try.

Yeah, it's a daily struggle.
Whatever.

I'm in a mood today.
Not gonna lie.
At this point in my afternoon I'd like to eat a lot of chocolate.
Problem is - there is NO CHOCOLATE IN MY HOUSE.

Seriously.

So we'll just talk about what I'm thinking about (other than chocolate).

1. I have a real job. No really, I do. I actually had someone say to me today at my kid's school "Oh we haven't seen you in a while." To which I said "I've been really busy with work and family stuff." And she said "Oh, you mean you have a real job?" Um. Yeah. I have a real job. Yes, I work from home and I can wear yoga pants every day and I don't have to wear makeup or do my hair. But I HAVE A REAL FREAKING JOB. I do real work (writing, social media, etc). I get a real paycheck. I get a real 1099 tax form every year. I have real coworkers.

2. I love politics. OK. I love MOST politics (I can't stomach listening to ANY of the Republican candidates). I stayed up too late last week watching the Iowa Caucus results. And I'll probably stay up late tomorrow night to watch the New Hampshire Primary results. Thank goodness the kids have a late start on Wednesday. Oh, I also had a dream Friday night that I was sharing a plate of pancakes with Bernie Sanders. Totally random.

3. My birthday is Friday. My husband keeps asking me what I want. And I keep saying "nothing." And it's true. I can't think of one thing that I want for my birthday - or at least nothing that we can afford. ;) Maybe I should tell him I want chocolate. HA!

OK. I need to find something chocolate to eat. Happy Monday. 

Four Years

This was in my Time Hop today:

Four years ago today I quit my job with the Trolls. I sent my resignation via email to the corporate office in Cincinnati, told the regional manager I was quitting, packed up my office, and walked out of the WORST. JOB. IN. THE. HISTORY. OF. EVER.

That Facebook post seen above was exactly how I felt on July 18, 2011.

FREEDOM..
Four year ago.

It's crazy that it's been FOUR YEARS. A lot has happened since then.

Professionally, I've been working from home since 2012 and I love it.

The job I've been in for the past 2 1/2 years is the BEST JOB EVER and I thank my lucky stars every day for this job. I love what I'm doing. I work for someone who respects me and respects my work. I adore my co-workers - we're a TEAM even though we are scattered throughout the country.

So it seems that four years is the point in time where that old job is just a distant memory that can't have a negative effect on my anymore. In the 12 months after I quit I was still dealing with the damage that months of bullying did to me.

But now?

Now I trust my ability to do a good job.
I trust my ability as a writer.
I feel confident in my work.

And did I mention that I love my job?

Yeah. You know you're in the right job when you wake up every single morning and think "I can't wait to get to work." Two and a half years into this job and it still excites me. THAT is key to job happiness.