It has been a few weeks since I have written a post. I have been meaning to… but things have been a little bit crazy – you know… getting married. But I don’t want to write about that, yet.
Two weeks ago today, I cleaned my work desk, had my exit interview, and said goodbye to some incredible people. I left the working world, to pursue my dream of traveling the world. For most, this “early retirement” (as some of my family calls it) is a dream, but for me, it is terrifying. Let me give you a brief background on my work history – I have been working since I was 16. I turned 16, and got a job the following spring. In college, I worked summer jobs, holiday jobs, and jobs in between. I remember in college, working Jamba Juice from 5:30-10:00AM, going to school immediately after, followed by working evenings at Great America. My life in college was consumed with work and school. After college, my focus was again – work. It is hard to remember life before work. Sure, I would take vacations here and there – a cruise, a 30th birthday trip to Europe, Disneyland trips galore – but vacations could also be stressful – knowing you had 100+ work emails you were returning to.
I know I am not the only one burned out, tired and ready to do something selfish, but I don’t want to sit on the sidelines and have regrets later in life. I feel motivated by friends who have done similar trips, Stephanie, Ted, Sara, and Nina to name a few.
What do I hope to get from this trip? I am still figuring that out (and will keep you posted). I do know, that I am not “retired”, I have a lot of working years ahead of me. I do hope to come back rejuvenated, refreshed and feeling more creative. I want to thank Sara for reminding me of this video I had watched years ago:
With that said, for now, I have to give a shout out to my favorite people at Zynga! I have been at Zynga for 4.5+ years – and it was incredible! When I put my notice in three months ago – they were super supportive and encouraging. I wish them all the best – and let’s be real – I will be seeing them soon for lunch or happy hour.
So for now, I say goodbye to the working world, and try to enjoy living in the moment, enjoy the quiet, the chaotic, Steve and Sparky, enjoy living for myself and pursuing my dreams, enjoy the scene, and the adventure.
I’m so happy for you guys. Leaping into an unknown like this is hard, but I hope you quickly find the reward on the other side. I know how you feel about work, but remember you are an extremely capable, qualified individual that companies would love to have, so allow this time to be yet another thing you can speak to that sets you apart. 🙂
We can’t wait to see your adventures and we’ll be supporting you from however many miles away .
Love you both!
Andi, I am so excited for you, and, if i’m perfectly honest, extremely jealous that you are able to do something like this. I know you guys will have an amazing time and will come back changed in ways that few people will be able to understand. Enjoy your time off and soak up as much as you can from wherever you end up…you deserve it! I cannot wait to see the photos and hear the stories about your adventures. Safe travels!