As I’ve pointed out countless times before, I’m not a big fan of changes in my life. I enjoy knowing what to expect, what to look forward to and how my day will unfold. A little excitement is great, but I like the basic framework to remain the same.
Since I usually adhere to my own strict guidelines in that regard, it may come as a surprise that in about five weeks, I’m going to be tearing apart the basic framework of my life and starting from scratch.
Astute readers may have noticed the “Immediate Opening” ad that has been running in the paper for the last week. Some have assumed they knew the inside scoop (although many jumped to the wrong conclusion). Some people have even called to assuage their curiosity, and now the secret is out of the bag. In a few weeks, despite my reservations, I will be ending my time here at The Evening Sun.
It’s a major change for someone who likes continuity and stability, but after three wonderful years in this office, I’ve decided that the time has come for something a little different. I stand by the fact that this is probably the most fun job in the world. It’s far from easy. You have to develop a thick skin (something I never really accomplished) and from time to time, you have to accept the fact that you have to make some people angry in order to do your job well.
Those things were difficult for me, and although I would often get uncomfortable when I had to give someone a “Thumbs Down” or write about a controversial issue, I enjoyed doing it every day. I enjoyed the people I met, the relationships I developed and being a part of so many great community events that I apparently ignored before I began writing about them.
My reasons for leaving have nothing to do with that, and everything to do with the demands of my own personal life. Raising children isn’t easy, and trying to make it to regular town, village, school and city meetings while ensuring that your child is well cared for and happy can be really difficult. I’ve been lucky in the past to have a supportive family to help me meet all of those demands, but as I now await the arrival of my second child, I think it’s time for me to start moving in a different direction.
It’s a change that frightens me, and one that I’m not entirely sure I’m looking forward to, but it opens the door for someone else to experience what might be the best job in the world.