About a year ago, I was in Chicago for the Q Conference. I remember feeling a little nervous as I sat down at my assigned table, unsure of what exactly I’d gotten myself into, when a man about my age introduced himself and asked me what I thought were the standard conference questions. I quickly, and a little too proudly, spewed out what I thought he was looking for — my name, the company I worked for (I mean, it is the world’s largest Christian publisher, surely he would be impressed) and my job title. But instead of acting sufficiently impressed, pitching me a book idea, or casually moving on to the next guy, he paused and asked me if I felt like I was living out my passions. I think my jaw must have dropped on the table when he said, “Do you feel like you are doing what you were created to do?” When I shrugged reluctantly, he explained, “This conference might be tough for you…being surrounded by people who are.”
Ever since then I have struggled with those questions. Those questions are the fodder for countless conversations with close friends and mentors. Those questions haunt my comfortable American dreams. Those questions give me peaceful certainty that now is the time to resign my post at Thomas Nelson.
Earlier this week, I turned in my notice at Thomas Nelson. I will continue working with them until June 24, finishing up projects, transitioning duties and saying what I’m sure will be a lot of tearful goodbyes.
I can’t move on without saying, I love Thomas Nelson. I love the books we publish. I love all of the people I have worked with over the course of my tenure here. I love the business, social media, and life acumen I’ve learned from Michael Hyatt and many others. And I love that even though I will no longer be an official part of the team I can forever be a fervent champion and a loyal customer.
But it is time for me to embark on a new journey. Time to search high and low for my next step. Time for me to get to work, knowing that for at least a time I am right where He wants me, doing what I was created for.
So the obvious questions…
What’s next?
Honestly, I have no idea. I have a few leads, a few ideas of what my ideal career move looks like, but I am trying to keep my heart and my mind open to any and all possibilities.
What would your ideal career move look like?
I would love to find a role where I would be responsible for communications as it relates to community building. Several tech-start ups have created a Director of Community position. Ideally I would find something similar, but with a ministry, non-profit or social entrepreneurship, where I was fired up about their mission. But again, I’m open. If there is one thing I have learned from being single is that we can’t get too fixated on what we think we need or want 😉
What can you do to help?
Two things.
One. Pray. Pray that I will continue to feel peace throughout this transition. Pray that He will guide my path. And pray that I will walk bold, courageously, faithfully into the future.
Two. If you have any advice or know of any organizations that I should speak with, don’t hesitate to speak up.
I appreciate you following along with me as I set out on new adventures!
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