The Right Time?

As most of you know leaving my job 18 months ago, while difficult in a few ways, has worked out the way I had hoped. I have seen more of Alaska then most Alaskans and actually know where the Yukon Territory is. I know which roads in Napa Valley are the best for a bike ride and which winery has the friendliest pours. I've taught 4th graders about the short but important history of California and shown them the wonders San Francisco. I have had the opportunity to spend days, instead of hours with my nieces and get to help my sister adjust to one more in the house. This winter I am spending six weeks in Switzerland with the fabulous W's, definitely something I would not have been able to do while working my old career. I love my new life and look forward to taking the next big jump in my career. Can you hear the however coming?

Two things strike me at this point in time. The first, the safety net is gone and second the economy is playing games with my livlihood. Back when I left Cap Bev, I left on great terms, lets face it, they knew that if I could manage it, I would leave that grey window-less office behind to travel the world. Therefore, no bridges were burned and I knew that if the experiment failed I could probably return in some capacity. That is no longer an option. As of the end of the year Cap Bev will be owned by the giant DBI Distributing and my friends, co-workers and bosses scattered to other businesses and industries throughout Sacramento. I send my best wishes to all at Cap Bev, that they find new jobs without too much heartache or financial strain. As for me, I had already arrived to this point knowing that I would never return but now it is so final.

When I made the big decision to leave stability behind, most were very supportive and understanding immediately. For my dad it took a little longer. Of course, he is one of my biggest supporters now but back then I had to do a little convincing. The instability of the travel industry was his biggest worry, it had just recovered from 9/11 afterall, and what would I do if something like that reoccured. My retort was that I had never been in the lower 50% of anything important in my life why would I start now. In other words, if the travel industry was hit hard again, I should be in a position to keep going. The "recession" may put my theory to the test. I am looking to get farther afield in 2009 but that will entail working for new companies. Will they even be hiring? Will people want to bike or hike for a vacation and stay in beautiful places? I am willing to find out but just in case, I hope am right about the 50% and my new safety net is in place.

Stay tuned.

Thanks for reading.