Today was the last day at the EDJ. I am elated, I am excited, and yeah there's some fear mixed in there too. Cutting the tie to the EDJ means cutting a tie to what I went to school for, what I'm licensed for, what I've been doing for the past nine years, a very large part of my identity. NO I'm not having regret, just reflection on what I've done and what I will do. But as the wise and wonderful Dana pointed out to me today, "You're moving forward. All of that education, experience, and life changes will determine who you become in the next chapter of your career. No sadness, just be grateful for all you get to take with you." Yes, that is a verbatim quote. Doesn't she rock? I'm thinking about printing that out and framing it, myself.
We won't go into how much COBRA will cost us, that little factoid was just casually sprung on me during the exit interview. Suffice to say, we're looking at other options.
Today as I was listening to my "Bubblegum Oldies" station on Pandora, "5 O'Clock World" by The Vogues came on, and for some bizarre reason the lyrics really struck me as Prophetic and Appropriate ("But its a five oclock world when the whistle blows/No one owns a piece of my time/And theres a five oclock me inside my clothes/Thinkin that the world looks fine, yeah") so I ended up singing/howling it very loudly. My belated apologies to my (former) coworkers.
Finally, for those of you who've been around since then, remember this? (Oh, and I had to check my archives to get the exact post, which reminded me that I've been blogging since August '05! Damn!) Well, let me just say this. Screw me, you will face my wrath. Screw someone I love, and I will quite seriously cut your balls off whilst smiling and singing Bubblegum Oldies. And although I may not have more "free time" after today, I do have a more "flexible schedule." Consider yourself forewarned, I still have many many pointy needles.
Congrats, hon!! You do learn from all you've done, and you'll be surprised at how your experience will help you moving forward in your "new life" - even if it's just an approach to something about your business, or things you DON'T want to do. You'll see.
Looking forward to hearing more about this big adventure as you settle into it.
COBRA is AWFUL, just awful. For the time we weren't under a group plan, we ended up getting a plan through BCBS - you may want to check their prices. It was 6 years ago, but they were the most affordable at the time with the most reasonable coverage... (so, yeah, one downside, I guess....)
Posted by: amanda | June 17, 2009 at 09:34 PM
COBRA is ridiculous. Good luck on finding something else. Congrats on your last day. I am so happy for you and wish you the best luck in your new endeavors!
Posted by: Kristyn | June 17, 2009 at 09:53 PM
COBRA is more than just a deadly snake. It can suck the financial life out of you as well. Fortis...I think that's what my brother went with when he was between jobs. He's got a hypocondriac wife...so I know it was affordable and covered a decent amount.
Damnit, now I have that song stuck in my head!
Posted by: bezzie | June 17, 2009 at 10:05 PM
CONGRATS!!! And best of luck in the future. Sounds like you're definitely on the right track :)
Posted by: Jenn | June 18, 2009 at 10:31 AM
I know what you mean. I went to college to be a teacher, the Master's and everything, teaching certificate and whatnot... used it for 10 years and now not at all. Sometimes I feel like "what a waste", but on the other hand I'm sure all that helps me now in my new career in ways I don't realize. BEST OF LUCK to you-- working for yourself is a little scary sometimes, but oh-so-wonderful.
Posted by: Amy | June 18, 2009 at 01:17 PM
Sometimes I get it right. I'm very proud of your accomplishments and admire your tenacity, when others tell you you'll be back (psycho-boss?).
Posted by: Dana | June 22, 2009 at 01:02 PM
Yay for you, Amby! I am delighted that you finally get to do your "thang". Please let me know when you and JP want to come over for a celebratory cocktail or two. Bourbon's waiting for you!
Posted by: Jenn | June 22, 2009 at 06:21 PM