I’ve not written as much as usual lately. And to be honest, it’s because I am going through a major life change right now. And with all major life changes, comes the loss of my voice.
I’m scared. What if I fail?
And… I hate change.
My mom once told me that when you leave a company, it’s like taking your finger out a glass of water. No one really notices but you.
I hope that’s not true. I hope I’ve made a positive difference in the lives of others. I’d like to be remembered that way.
I’ve quit my job. Friday is my last day doing HR at the car dealership.
All I can do is cry. And drink.
And drink. And cry.
Thank goodness for dark sunglasses.
I wasn’t even very much fun on our Miami vacation last weekend.
Shaun is sick of it.
Meredith, this new job is your passion. It’s headhunting! You love that part of your job.
You’ll be great at this! Don’t stress out. You are good at everything you try.
You never have to lay-off 84 people in a day ever again, and you never have to fire someone again.
You will no longer carry the nickname, “Send-Em-Packing-Soleau”.
You preach about loyalty to your employees. That’s why this is so hard for you.
Meredith, this is your dream. You’ve always said how you would love to just focus on recruiting full time. You need to take this job. It’s perfect for you. You are so passionate about putting people to work.
Yeah. This is my dream. This is my passion. And it is perfect for me.
It’s just not easy to leave a company that you love so much. I love this car dealership. I love it because of the people. Even if they hate me at times, I love them. They’ve become friends over these past *almost* seven years.
I’ve had the best mentors you could ever imagine. I’ve worked for a CEO that let’s me try whatever I want and doesn’t micromanage me. My boss is totally awesome. The managers respect me. The employees are spectacular.
So why am I leaving? Why would I leave a place that I love so much? Why would I leave a perfectly good job that provides nicely for my family?
I don’t really know.
I guess some of it is the money. And I guess the other part is what Shaun keeps saying. Being a headhunter is my dream. I’ve always wanted this, and now there’s an opportunity to become very specialized and focus solely on recruiting.
So I guess that’s it.
On Monday, I begin a new job that allows me to chase my dreams. And I can’t stop crying, but on the other hand I’m super excited about this new adventure.
Why is change such an emotional roller coaster? Have you ever left a job you loved? Did you regret it? Or were you happy you jumped at the new opportunity?
{ 61 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, exciting, exciting stuff! Congrats and best wishes!
Good luck! You’ll be great. Feel free to hunt my head at any time.:)
Done deal.
Congrats! I’m sure it’s hard to leave the car dealership but you have to do what you know is best for yourself! So very exciting!
I left a great company back in December. I had worked there for 10 years and it’s the only company I ever worked for. I cried when I put in my notice ad cried my last day. I left to “spread my wings” and get a different perspective on my job. It was tough being “the new kid” and took my a while to adjust. I went from being the one everyone came to for answers to beig the one asking them. It was a very tough transformation and I almost gave up but I didn’t. I knew how good I was and kept reminding myself this is a good challenge. I am happy now but there are days that I miss the familiarity of my old company. Good luck!
Ugh. I didn’t even think about being the new kid yet.
I’m sure you will rock it like the casbah. Don’t stress so much.
I’ve held super stable jobs since I was 14 years old and I become terrified when I start a new company. But its ALWAYS for the best
You’re going to do great things for a lot of people, Mer!
Thanks so much, Kellyanne.
Oh wow! Congrats! Looking forward to future posts of your new adventures! I have never left a job I loved…I’ve left a few I’ve hated though for better opportunities. Things always happen for a reason though, and always seem to work out later on down the road, even if you feel crazy for cutting your perfectly good full time job and dropping it to part time to go back to school when you’re almost 30…like me.
Oh, good. I’m not alone in my crazy.
Leaving a job is almost like a death. You have to grieve it. But…congrats on being able to live your passion. You are lucky.
I think you’re right. It’s a closing of a chapter of my life. A big, huge chapter.
Good luck! I’m proud of you – takes giant balls to leave someplace you love and are so comfortable with.
Giant hairy balls.
Congratulations! I’m sure you’re making the right decision & you’re going to be fantastic at it.
I don’t know if its the connection or the just the way you described it but I got a little emotional about this one that I never thought i’d read…
Thanks a lot, Brother Mike. Now I’m crying again.
I could barely write it. And then I had a hard time pushing “Publish”. It’s just sat there all day, waiting for me to say it out loud.
I left a job that I was very passionate about. Unfortunately it was because my new supervisor did not enjoy women in supervisory roles. Annnnyyyyywayyyyy, I left and at first I felt liberated, then I felt sad, then panic. However I found something else I loved even more and the people I loved so much at the other place are still my friends.
You are going to do a great job, because that is what you do!!!!
Panic. I feel a lot of panic. That’s a great word for what I am going through.
And I hope I can still keep my friends. It would feel like such a waste to never speak to them again.
When you start, all of the hardship of leaving the other will dissipate! You must spread your awesomeness!
Go Meredith! I agree change is scary but from what I’ve read you are a GO GETTER! I can’t wait to hear the stories! Knock em’ Dead! If you ever head hunt for the flooring industry give me a shout!
I.T. ??? Contact me if so…
Yes, IT! And Engineers. And all those other technical jobs. Send me your resume!
Good for you! You want your kids to chase their dreams, so Momma’s got to set the example:)
I only know you through this blog over the last 6 months but I feel this seems more you than the dealership.
Thank you, DS. I hope you’re right. I *do* hate telling people they don’t have a job. And I won’t have to do that anymore. So that’s a really good change.
Change sucks. I too just left a job that I’d been at almost 7 years. I did great things there. I met a ton of great people. I learned a lot. Now I’ve taken a job and am moving my new family (I just had a baby and have been married only two years) back to my hometown. My dear husband hasn’t lived anywhere besides this big city we’re in now and I am terrified. Terrified that all the reasons why I left in the first place will rear their ugly heads. Terrified my husband will resent me for moving him to a cow town. Terrified my new job will suck. But we’re doing it. I feel it’s the right thing and my husband trusts me and wants me to be happy. Happy wife, happy life. Sometimes they are smarter than we give them credit for. So listen to Shaun. And let him be the rock for a while, while you figure out your place in this new phase in your life. It’s okay to lean on others. The new gig might be crap. But I doubt it. You’re a smart girl and will do what is best for you and your family. We have instincts we don’t always trust. Trust yours now and have faith. You go girl!
I don’t know how to lean on others. That’s what I’m for most of the time. But I suppose you’re right. It’s my turn.
Send-em-Packing Soleau??
Congrats and stuff. Hunt them heads, yo.
Yes, I work with a creative bunch. They don’t know that I know. I totally know.
Change, good or bad, can be scary. Once Monday comes I’m sure you’ll feel much better. Congratulations on the new job!!
You will do AMAZING! Congrats on the new job.
I understand change very well, but you can rock this! Changing your life when it’s not broke is always hard, but you are doing such a great thing for yourself and your family. And setting such a great example for you kids: Never be afraid to make your dreams come true no matter what the circumstances. 
Hugs!
I never thought of it that way. I suppose I should stop crying and start making this a point to my children.
I left a job that I adored and held for 6 years when I found out we were expecting. The hours and the stress were something that I needed to get away from before my b aby was born because there was no way I could juggle it all.
I ended up finding a fantastic job at a fantastic company that I love. I’ve been here almost 5 years and don’t regret the decision one bit!
It’s taking a big leap of faith, but everything will work out!
Well written Meredith and insightful. There’s always a little pain with change but mostly it’s the pleasurable kind. If you got a new machete, I better start watching my neck or lower my standards. Congrats!
Ugh…change sucks. I remember crying over change once and a friend said, “Change is the one thing in life we can count on. It’s constant. Change is always going to happen, things change, life changes, etc.” I wanted to punch her after I puked in my mouth a little because she was right and I hated it….not that *she* was right, but that the fact that the one thing I hated most was the one thing that would always be up ahead of me. Chasing dreams is important, but leaving the comfort of what you know is scary. You’ll be great, and I know this how? Oh, read your post about your husband who you say knows you the most and pushes you to do great things–you wrote that he thinks you’ll be great at this so I trust that, you should too. Also, recruiting is awesome! You’ll fulfill your dream while helping other people fulfill their dreams, daily. win, win.
and ps. I’ve left two jobs b/c the each company closed and each time I wondered if I would ever find a more perfect job, company or group of people to work with and each time I did. Then I took my 3rd job that I left willingly for that role that would get me one step closer to my dream and give me flexibility and a sense of balance for me and my family . I left my bestie who I had worked with for over 10 years knowing I would no longer see her every, single M.T.W.TH.F. and guess what, change was good. We survived, I survived and I love my job.
Good luck!
Dude. Recruiting IS awesome.
A new adventure! It’s scary but wonderful. Very excited for you….
Congrats!
Congrats! I just left my job a few weeks ago because I could keep up with the physicalness (is that a word?) of it. I didn’t want to leave but had to for my health. It’s hard but will get better once you’re in your new job.
Good luck!
Sorry for my poptart cat avatar. Apparently my son has been on some account of mine and changed it. And I don’t know how to change it back. AWESOME.
Hahahaha “Poptart Cat” just made my morning. Thanks
Ok you already know how much I support you and how amazing the dealership is, and it is, but Imma give you a pep talk right now, baby face.
This is your dream, and I have exactly ZERO doubt in my head you are going to take this new job and succeed beyond everyone’s wildest expectations. But I get it, it’s scary, so know, no matter what, you are in such a good place right now that you’re going to come out just fine either way. I mean, we can always fall back on the XM radio show. No biggie.
Love you, now rock it out and go find my husband a job.
Yeah, we totally have that fake radio show thing to fall back on if need be. Worst case scenario, we can just record in a certain someone’s basement. Right?
I think its normal for you to feel the way you do. Change sometimes isn’t easy. I know you are meant for bigger and better things. Best Wishes Meredith!!!
You’re going to do GREAT! Congratulations on the new job!
Congrats!! You are going to do great!
I just started a new job last Tuesday….a job that I have aimed for forever….so I feel you. Change is good and necessary so we don’t die inside. Besides, you’ll do amazing at this job – you have the drive, personality and xperience for it so you’re already 80% there! Congratulations – I am so so happy for you! Follow your dreams!
Thank you, Robin.
While I can’t speak for everyone, I know that the vast majority of us will miss you. You are a great HR Manager, and an even better friend. While we will miss you, those of us who know you well, know that you are leaving to do what you love to do.
The only constant in life is change.
PS… May I have the next two days off? I figure while you’re still there you might be able to hook that up. lol
Sure. What do I care?
I know that this is a big step but you are following your heart and that is amazing! It took me a full year to follow my heart and leave my last job. I cried and was miserable about it but it was the right thing. Even though the new job wasn’t exactly my dream job, it was the right move and this is the right move for you. You will be amazing. Now take this job by the balls and run with it.
I left a job I loved a couple of years ago because my hubby was relocated. It was really hard; the last day everyone brought in some baking in secret and they surprised me with a roomful of colleagues and cookies. Not going to lie, I cried a lot that day.
HOWEVER – moving on had some bumps, but it put us in a position where we could move closer to our families, something I am so grateful for. Sometimes you have to leave good things so something even better can fall into place
Best of luck!
I totally feel you on this Meredith, Im stuck and frustrated at my current job almost 6 years in but Im comfortable and its framiliar and I can do it with my eyes closed. Im terrified of leaving and ending up somewhere I wont like so here I sit and frustrate myself. Dont let the unknown stop you!!
change is hard, but it’s usually good. i left a part time gig i had that paid okay money for a full time gig that pays, like, nothing. and i’m now looking to move to a different gig that actually pays the bills. but i’m thrilled that i took this low-paying experience because if i hadn’t, i’d always wonder ‘what if’. how many people do you know that are body piercers? it was a great experience and i’ve loved it, but now i need to pull up my big girl panties and provide for my family. awesome husband wants to go back to school, so i need to have an income. and it feels good knowing i’ll be providing for more than my shoe and makeup addictions.
Congrats on the new job and following your passion. Leaving a job you love is hard and following your dreams can be too!
There is no doubt in my mind that you are going to ROCK this new job.
So excited for you.
Shit. I’m going through the same thing right now. In fact, I actually purposely came to your blog to look back through your HR/resume posts cause I know you had some helpful little hints in there. (I’m working on my resume right now.) I love my job that I have now, absolutely LOVE it, but, I also can’t help but want to see what else is out there. I’ve found a job I want to apply for but it would involve moving and starting all over again, and after 7.5 years at a company with 6 weeks of vacation and a good salary, I’m having a hard time.
I don’t know if I’ll be changing jobs for sure, but it’s just one of those things… life is short, take chances, try new things… spread your wings, and fly. You’ll never know unless you try.
Growth happens in the space outside of your comfort zone. But I think you know all of that. I think you are suffering from a ‘left brain’ ‘right brain’ decision; stay there or let go. What an interesting chapter you are writing in the story of your life. What a opportunity to look at the world from a new perspective. Cherish this moment of bravery be/c Monday, it starts at Day 1 but its Day 1 of a new chapter. Drink deep from the chalice of frontier; however, you define frontier! You go girl, you shook off the Golden Handcuffs.
I left a job I loved soooo much after working there for over 8 years. I didn’t want to go but I was really upset about some things. I was also pregnant so I just told my boss that I wanted to stay home to be with my baby. The truth is that I would have stayed there if I wasn’t so upset with her. Anyway, I hated leaving. I cried my guts out because it was a daycare center and not only was I attached to all the employees, I was in love with the kids and the parents thought I was The Shit (the good shit, not the bad shit).
I held a grudge about it for about 8 months. Then I became an EMT/Firefighter and I realized that leaving that job was truly a good thing for me. I would never have become involved in EMS if I was still there. I never would have lost the weight I struggled with. I wouldn’t be the EMS Captain at the firehouse now. I wouldn’t have cared for so many people during their emergencies, and my son would not be a Fire Explorer right now. I wouldn’t be a CPR instructor.
At the time, it felt like a knife in my stomach but that is when I started to believe that everything happens for a reason. I grew so much as a person with that change. Change is hard but most change is good. I bet you will find your way in this new job soon and you will love it!! Good luck!!!!
I am also in HR. A year ago I left a job I held for almost 21 years. I started there when I was only 24. I grew up there. I loved my boss, I love my coworkers. But I was afraid of never trying anything else. So at the age of 45, not only did I leave my beloved job but I relocated to another state. The new job that I took I quite after 4 months. They wanted me to discriminate against a pregnant woman so I quite on the spot. I was unemployed for three months. Unfortunately I am the primary bread winner so I was particularly rough. I finally found another job (Asst Dir of HR) but I don’t love it. Actually I am thinking of leaving HR entirely.
My point is that you never know where your decisions will lead you. I am still scared but I am working hard to be open to the possibilities. I wish you lots of luck!
You can do this! Congrats!
And good luck!
I have been hesitating, for several weeks, to write to you and ask your professional opinion/ insight on things I am going through at my own job. Now may not be the best time, as you are in your own transition and issues. However, I would love to hear some unbiased input before I just literally up and walk out of here.
If you can find a moment in your days to answer some rambling, nonsensical questions for me, please let me know if I can email you.
THE MOST HEARTFELT CONGRATS to you for taking that step!!! I am as proud as any person you have never met in real life but feel close to person ever!