One Year Later

It's been just over a year since I ended one of the longest relationships in my life—my career at Verizon. Since then, one of the most common questions I get is, "How is it?" What is life like after Verizon, with no work schedule to follow, no meetings to attend, and fewer demands on your time and mind?

I must admit, I often wondered about the infamous "it" myself. So, I'm here to share what I've discovered this past year in the spirit of embracing curiosity over fear.

First off, "it" has been incredible! Quality time with loved ones, amazing travels, doing a little writing ??, supporting communities, and keeping more houseplants alive than ever before. Plus, I learned to cook a few new dishes—hello, culinary skills! I've also had the time and space to reflect on and celebrate my career while thinking about what's next for me.

The biggest surprise? Instead of feeling restless, I've loved the freedom and flexibility of not being tied to a specific schedule. Of course, there have been challenges along the way (just ask my husband—LOL). But this experience has opened up so many new possibilities.

The next question I often receive is, “How did you position yourself to choose ‘it’?” I completely understand this question. It can be challenging to leave behind predictable aspects of your career, like familiar faces in meetings, reliable paychecks, the rhythm of strategic planning sessions, the excitement of corporate milestones, and even what you believe to be your identity or purpose. And because life is life and people aren't perfect, there are definitely things I would do differently or make time for, knowing what I know today. But hey, we'll save those lessons for another time!?

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, here are four key factors that helped prepare me for this transition:

1. Starting with the end in mind: Having a clear vision of my goals and desired outcomes guided my decisions and actions over the years. This doesn't mean you need to have everything figured out—in fact, flexibility is essential. However, working towards some idea of what we want our future to hold, including timelines, even if that vision evolves as we grow, is important.

2. Prioritizing personal financial skills: Developing financial discipline has been essential. Understanding the investment needed for my current and desired lifestyle informed how I spent my time—what experiences I pursued, skills I acquired, and individuals I chose to surround myself with.

3. Identifying a decision-making framework: A systematic approach helped me align my actions with my values and goals. It also allowed me to set boundaries and identify what to say “no” to.

4. Intentional skill development: Focusing on acquiring new skills and honing existing ones enabled me to adapt and thrive. This approach made the difference between being merely qualified and being the most qualified for opportunities throughout my career.

So, if you're curious about what “it” is like, know this: “It” is a transformative experience of freedom, flexibility, and self-discovery. “It” takes time, but your vision is achievable with a solid plan and discipline. Consider the steps you can take to prepare for what's next in your journey. You might surprise yourself!

Create Your Own Lane—Your Life, Your Rules!