Hi, I know it has been awhile. Thank you for the sweet messages checking in on me.
The second half of 2016 was quite the roller coaster ride! It started with my old company eliminating my job. Even though I knew it was the kick in ass I needed to go and find something better, it was still hard not to take it personally. After leaving my job, I was in a place where I needed to focus on myself and get head straight. Talking about clothing (or anything really) on the blog didn’t flow naturally (especially when I wasn’t really shopping a lot, lol!). I made the commitment to myself to take a break from blogging and Instagram to focus on finding a new job, being present in the moment, and getting back/staying in a good place. When I’m stressed, I don’t want to bother other people with my problems. Of course, I’ve learned is the exact opposite of what I should do.
My confidence was shaken. I’m sure others have struggled with this as well, but I’m so proud of myself for bouncing back even stronger than before after this job “surprise”. I won’t keep you in suspense, but I have a new job which I love! My friends will definitely tell you the job search was a little bit of a roller coaster ride. However, I firmly believe everything happens for a reason. The coolest thing, apart from all of the interesting people I met during the my search, was seeing how I regained and improved my confidence. I think stepping out and asking for help from my friends had a lot to do with that.
Thankfully, I also managed to fit a little fun into my job hunting! From traveling to Europe for a friend’s wedding by myself (!) to cheering friends on in a half marathon from Napa to Sonoma to grabbing coffee and lunches with friends, taking this break was an enormous recharge for me. I need to figure out how to build a 4 month break in every few years more naturally!
The start of new year is always a time of reflection and I will be sharing more around my birthday next week, but I learned 3 big things from my funployment.
- The importance of being present. There were so many moments that didn’t make it to Instagram or Facebook, but that is okay. It is so much more fun to be in the moment than worrying about trying to capture it or my to-do list. I’ve promised myself I will continue to be present this year.
- A daily gratitude practice is a game changer! I currently use this journal to write down 3 things I’m grateful for everyday and I’m a much more positive person (still with a little sarcasm!).
- People genuinely want to help you if you are willing to ask for help. Wow, I wish I learned this before I got into my 30s…. I am so thankful to everyone who helped with an introduction, interview prep, or even just kind words when I was feeling down. It definitely made my job search so much better!
I’m sorry this is so long, but all of this is to say, I’m excited to be back. It may take me a few weeks to get back to 3x/week posting since I’m a little short on outfit photos. #bloggerproblems. I plan to incorporate more lifestyle posts (my life, travel, Atlanta) and share more with you guys. Thank you so much for all of your support and please let me know if there are any topics you would love to see!
Nicole
Linking up with Sincerely Jenna Marie, More Pieces of Me, Fizz and Frosting, Lip Gloss and Crayons, Pink Sole, Elegantly Fashionable, The Fashion Canvas, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, Bless Her Heart Y’all, Two Peas in a Blog, Cute and Little, Elegantly Dressed & Stylish
Keep up with everything on Instagram and Bloglovin‘
Lyddiegal
January 23, 2017 @ 11:41 am
Glad to see you are back, and I’m so happy to hear that you were able to turn losing your job into a positive experience and find yourself in a happier place. Asking for what you want is a big thing, I don’t know why it can be so hard and even terrifying to do!!
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/
Nicole
January 23, 2017 @ 9:33 pm
Thanks Lydia! I don’t know why it is so hard either, but I totally agree that it is worth it. Hopefully it gets easier with time, lol!
Kristin
January 23, 2017 @ 1:15 pm
Congrats on navigating through a tough time in your life! It’s great to hear that you’re happy in your new place and can look back all the positives through the experience. I’m not sure what your new dress code is, but my favorite posts are those with work wear! I’d love to see those and also beauty tutorials for the office.
-Kristin
countdowntofridayblog.com
Nicole
January 23, 2017 @ 9:31 pm
Thanks Kristin! My office is business casual, but still fancier than my old office. I will definitely share more office appropriate outfits in the future! I firmly believe workwear doesn’t have to be boring!
Rachelle
January 23, 2017 @ 8:01 pm
So happy you’re back and great to hear you bounced back, sounds like this experience was very enlightening. Welcome back to the blog world.
xo
Pinksole
Nicole
January 23, 2017 @ 9:27 pm
Thanks Rachelle! I’m glad to be back and I definitely learned a lot through this experience. I can’t say I would recommend it to anyone else, but I’m glad for the lessons!
Edwige
January 23, 2017 @ 10:04 pm
Aww, glad to see you back and to know that you are even stronger! Congratulations on your new job. SO happy that you are at a better place right now! Cheering for you!
Edwige http://www.hypnozglam.com
Tina
January 24, 2017 @ 1:08 am
It sounds like you made the most of it during that time! Being able to bounce back is so important!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Rach
January 24, 2017 @ 7:29 am
Welcome back!! I missed your posts. But I am glad to hear you took time to take care of you which is the most important thing to do. I really do believe things happen for a reason and sounds like it is now working out for you. Finding a job you love is so rare! Congrats!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Elise
January 24, 2017 @ 9:28 am
Welcome back! Great post!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Nicole
January 24, 2017 @ 9:20 pm
Thanks Elise!
Amy Arnold
January 24, 2017 @ 8:16 pm
Welcome back! So glad to have an update. I wondered. Sorry about your job but it sounds like it worked out well. So glad you found something you like. Love this outfit and cannot wait to see what you have coming.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Nicole
January 24, 2017 @ 9:20 pm
Thanks Amy Ann! I’m glad to be back!
Gina
January 25, 2017 @ 8:32 am
Welcome back! Loved reading this update to get caught up on things in your life and am looking forward to you sharing MORE of that! Glad that you have a new job you are loving.
Maddy
January 25, 2017 @ 6:05 pm
Welcome back – glad to hear you had some time to relax, explore and enjoy life between jobs. Whenever I switch jobs I always aim to have at least 1-2 weeks (or more) of unpaid time off so I can live a little more. Weekend trips are great, but some things need more time.
xo, Maddy
http://cassidylou.com/
Nicole
January 25, 2017 @ 8:52 pm
Thanks Maddy! I definitely think I will try to have at least 1-2 weeks next time. I agree it helps you come back refreshed and ready to start the new gig.
jess
January 28, 2017 @ 12:45 pm
Glad to see you back Nicole! Nice to hear that you have found a new job, but certainly understand sometimes needing the ability to take time off from technology and as you said, staying in the moment.
Welcome back, glad you could join in on Turning heads tuesday! Looking forward to your post.
Thanks for linking with Turning heads tuesday
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com