This hits home - dealing with the gov is why I hoard physical papers after so many moves. I get extra upset when things don’t go as planned and I really thought I did everything to be prepared. I’m trying to unwind that because I’d beat myself up thinking “why didn’t I do MORE” which is not the right takeaway
This struck me: "There is so much in life that we can never prepare for. So why torture yourself with the impossible?" A year ago, I was saying goodbye to the life I thought was meant for me: living in the U.S., having a diplomatic career, and feeling thoroughly prepared for that path. I did everything necessary to earn a promotion, but life had other plans. For the first time, I found myself unemployed—not by choice, but due to organizational restructuring. My professional life felt over— or so I thought.
However, this unexpected turn allowed me to return to my home country, spend quality time with my family and friends, and change my path to a new, totally different job that I love and enjoy every single day. I was definitely not prepared to lose what I thought was valuable, but navigating changes has become one of my key skills. Thank you Val for this newsletter, here I am not only working with you, but becoming a fan :)
Aww May, thank you for your kind words, and for reading and sharing your story! That must have been a difficult time for you and I am so pleased you’ve been positively surprised by what’s on the other side. So glad to have you on the team. ❤️🔥
This hits home - dealing with the gov is why I hoard physical papers after so many moves. I get extra upset when things don’t go as planned and I really thought I did everything to be prepared. I’m trying to unwind that because I’d beat myself up thinking “why didn’t I do MORE” which is not the right takeaway
Definitely not the right takeaway! But so easy to fall back on “it’s my fault this didn’t work out” isn’t it. Life! dramatic sigh
This struck me: "There is so much in life that we can never prepare for. So why torture yourself with the impossible?" A year ago, I was saying goodbye to the life I thought was meant for me: living in the U.S., having a diplomatic career, and feeling thoroughly prepared for that path. I did everything necessary to earn a promotion, but life had other plans. For the first time, I found myself unemployed—not by choice, but due to organizational restructuring. My professional life felt over— or so I thought.
However, this unexpected turn allowed me to return to my home country, spend quality time with my family and friends, and change my path to a new, totally different job that I love and enjoy every single day. I was definitely not prepared to lose what I thought was valuable, but navigating changes has become one of my key skills. Thank you Val for this newsletter, here I am not only working with you, but becoming a fan :)
Aww May, thank you for your kind words, and for reading and sharing your story! That must have been a difficult time for you and I am so pleased you’ve been positively surprised by what’s on the other side. So glad to have you on the team. ❤️🔥