Friday, May 7, 2010

Sometimes it's ok to be a quitter

Well, good news, folks: yesterday, I quit my job.

I'm serious, it is good news--you see, I have a plan. Without getting into details, the place I've been working for the last two years is a disaster. On the one hand, it's sad, because I care about the mission of the place. On the other hand, every woman for herself. So, over the last few months, I've been building up a little side business. And now, I'm ready to break free and make it my full-time work.

It's doing the same thing that I've been doing for 10 years, but now I'll be doing it on my own. I am my own boss! This idea is incredible to me. The idea that I answer to no one except my clients sends ripples of excitement up my spine.

Of course, some of those ripples are fear. What if I can't make this work? What if my current buzz of business fades away and no one wants to hire me anymore? These concerns have kept me up a bit these last few nights.

But in the mornings, things have seemed clear. Something about that broad sweeping sunlight you get this time of year makes you feel like the world is embracing you. And somehow, I mustered the courage to take the leap. Kind of a big deal for a play-it-safe hungry dog like me.

Thanks to the husband, my mom, my sister, and the good friends I'm so lucky to have, all of whom have been so supportive about my new venture. And thanks to all of you who have encouraged me! It's a great thing to be buoyed by people you have never met, who truly seem to want the best for you. No, not just great: amazing.

I should wrap this around to talk about food, right? Here's a pasta I made the other night amidst all this change. It's tagliatelle with smashed peas, ricotta, basil, and sausage. It's bright, creamy, and delicious. It will make your mouth happy and your stomach purr. Make it. (Note: I used sweet instead of hot sausage: your choice.)


Happy weekend to you all!

31 comments:

  1. Wishing you lots of luck and happiness in this new chapter of your life. You know what they say, you close one door and another one opens. I totally believe that.
    *kisses* HH

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  2. Good luck with your business! That must be wicked exciting. It's great that you're surrounded by supportive people, that can make all the difference.

    Oh, the pasta looks awesome too. ;)

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  3. Wow, congratulations on making a courageous leap! I'm so excited for you and your new venture. Also, that pasta sounds fantastic. Craving noodles for some reason...

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  4. You are my plucky girl -- smart as a whip and chock full of Finnish "sisu"! Brave and wise, I applaud your decision to cut free and be mistress of your own destiny! I couldn't ask for a lovelier Mother's Day gift! Love and Good Luck! MOM

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  5. Congratulations on your exciting new endeavor! I think it's a great thing to do and I'm sure you will be a terrific success! - Pete

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  6. How awesome and brave! I wish you the very best of luck in your new venture!

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  7. How exciting. I'm sure it feels freeing. :) Good luck with everything!

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  8. HH: oh, thank you!

    Bob: Totally--having good family/friends makes taking risks much easier...

    camille: thank you! And, give the pasta a try!

    Mom: Thank you--you've been so great throughout this ordeal...couldn't have done it without you!

    Pete: Thank you! And, I'll email you soon about lunch. Now I have a much more flexible schedule...

    oneordinaryday: thank you so much!

    Hoodscope: thanks! Good to see you here!

    Tiny: Thank you. yep, freeing, scary, but mostly freeing.

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  9. First, let me congratulate you for taking such an amazing leap into your own business world. That is awesome!!! I wish you the best of luck and I hope that you will put a few hints in your future blogs about your progress, and what you are doing.

    By the way, your pasta dish looks amazing. I hope you enjoyed a couple of glasses of good wine with that pasta dish.

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  10. Congrats to you for taking such a big, brave step. It is scary to be out on your own. Believe me, I can feel that pain. But you know what? It's also really empowering and exciting. I have no doubt that nothing but great things will come your way. Good for you!

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  11. Way to go! Speaking as someone who really doesn't like her job, I applaud your bravery and guts! I wish you nothing but the best of luck.

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  12. you. are. brave. as someone who has also recently left gainful employment in search of something more satisfying, i truly hope you're successful in this new endeavor!!! and wow--such creamy pasta. i think all pasta should contain peas and sausage. :)

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  13. Wow, way to go. Well done for taking the plunge and good luck! Go get 'em Hungry Dog :)

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  14. Velva: thank you for your well wishes! And yes, was plenty of wine consumed with that pasta!

    CJ: Thank you--I figured you would be able to relate to the joy/fear of the situation!

    tamilyn: thanks! I hope you're able to leave your job soon too...

    grace: thank you. What are you planning to do now? I always like to be inspired by other people.

    shaz: thanks, friend! We'll see if I succeed...

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  15. Hungry Dog, Well done! Nothing wagered, nothing gained. I wish you success and happiness in your new venture.
    I'll be in San Francisco on Wednesday 12May, Cafe de le Presse?
    Pam

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  16. i love reading your blogs, so keep on writing!

    good luck in your new endeavor!

    a.i.

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  17. Whoo-hoo, congratulations to you! You'll be great!

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  18. Pam: Thank you! I wish I could meet you this wednesday but it won't work for me. When are you next in SF?

    AI: Thank you! Hey, I think that's your first comment! Hi to UT.

    tracey: thanks so much. Wish me luck...

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  19. Congratulations, Samantha! My daughter did the same thing a few years back. Yes, it's frightening, but so worth it. And it will be hard work too, but you can do it.
    You go girl!

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  20. You GO GIRL!! Congrats! We're happy just knowing you'll be happier. xox, c&A

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  21. Barbara: Thank you! I guess we'll see what I'm made of... :)

    C & A: thanks so much, you two are sweet. Hope you are both doing well and to visit you soon in the southland!

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  22. Rock on, Little Dawg! As SammyB's dad always says, it's best to be your own boss. And I think freelancing goes very well with tagliatelle. We also probably would have liked peas better as kids if they'd been smashed up with sausages, cream, and egg noodles. Just a thought...

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  23. Congratulations on the change! It's one thing to take the step and quit, but it's another to take the leap and be your own boss! That takes a lot of guts, but like they say, you only reap the reward if you take the risk! So good for you! I hope that means while you're working at home you'll have more time to bake and cook dishes for the blog! :)

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  24. Bravo for this leap of faith!
    This pasta looks good too, by the way!

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  25. OMG the past looks beautiful but the excitement about your new venture literally bounces off the page. Congratulations to you. It sounds very exciting and I hope you can take a minute to yourself between the old and the new.

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  26. Jary: thanks! And yes I agree, we would have been more inclined to eat peas if served with ricotta and sausage. Truth be told, I still don't like them plain...

    Ben: thank you! And yes, I hope to have even more time for cooking and blogging (and eating).

    agrigirl: you are very sweet--thank you for the good wishes!

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  27. tasteofbeirut: thank you, thank you! The pasta was pretty good too... :)

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  28. You rock Sam. I know this will be a fabulous new chapter for you. here's to enjoying what you do and prospering in the process.

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  29. wow, how wonderful to be a quitter, I am so happy for you! Now that the weather is finally getting springlike, I think we should plan a picnic to celebrate these things...

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  30. alittle: Thanks, Stace! Hey we gotta get together soon.

    foodhoe: I love this idea, wouldn't it be fun to meet in person? Let's do it in June!

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