I just gave notice at my day job.
I don’t have another job lined up.
(Actually, I’m prewriting this. so as I type I haven’t actually done it. And I can’t believe I might. That I will. I’m trying not to hyperventilate, and that’s not hyperbolic. If this post goes live, I did it.)
I’ve been answering 911 for seventeen years, ever since I got my master’s degree in writing. I’ve loved dispatching. I’ve been honored to do it, so honored to be able to help others. But my fire/EMS agency is taking over a police agency, and I left police dispatching many years ago, so I’m hanging up the headset for good. Dispatchers have to start at the bottom with police work before earning their way to fire/medical. Hard and thankless and depressing, police 911 is a job I’ve seen break too many people. I myself was getting broken—I was turning into a sour, jaded Eeyore who hated everyone—when I managed to shift jobs and promote to fire/medical dispatching. I love giving CPR instructions and managing fire traffic. I hate listening to people swear at me because they’re furious about the ugly broken-down old Civic parked in front of their home, and I really hate being told the person sitting in that Civic doesn’t belong because he’s the wrong color (which happens every. damn. day). I’ve been proud to wear a fire badge for eleven years, and I just can’t bear to go back to wearing a police one. And truthfully, I believe there’s too much wrong in the American policing system today. There are good men and women in the police industry. I’ve known many of them, and I still count many as good, true friends. I believe a strong, righteous police system is necessary—criminals will always be criminalling, y’know? I know the police agency I would be working for if I stayed is probably a great one. But if you’ve been watching the news at all, it’s obvious that (along with many other things) the current American legal system is super broken, systemically racist, and chasing its own tail, and I don’t want to be slotted back inside it.
OTHER WORRIES:
We’re not rich. We are not poor, but every dollar has a job, and we’re more frugal than most.
We don’t have big savings. To be clear, our savings are small. Very small. Like you-might-make-it-three-months small.
However, we are (finally) debt-free, except for the house.
Going down to one full-time job instead of the two full-time jobs I’ve held for ten years means that we’ll be eating rice and beans, literally.
Lala’s job is mostly stable (fingers crossed?) but it can’t support us both.
This feels reckless. I do not DO reckless things. Ever. I do wacky! I do crazy! I do ballsy! But I do safe, and this is NOT safe.
This is a leap so big that even if the fog cleared, I could not see the other side.
I don’t feel worthy. Even with so many published books (buy one, Jayzus, please buy one), I still feel like I don’t deserve to be a full-time writer. I’m not good enough. I haven’t worked hard enough. (These are untrue statements, but my brain keeps saying them.)
I feel guilt–so much of it–for pursuing this dream. For leaping. I know I shouldn’t, but I do.
In three months, we may run out of savings, and I’ll have to get a new job and I have NO OTHER SKILLS besides dispatching, writing, and making rice (I can cook the HELL out of rice, though, I swear to you).
But this: A close, very dear family member is very sick. It’s a cliche, but something like this does make you think about how you spend your time.
Right now, I routinely work 90+ hours a week (56 hours at the day job is our contracted minimum work week, plus all writing hours in my off time). My migraines have been getting worse again, and they’re now mainly triggered by lack of sleep. Even with daily yoga, VERY few processed foods, no alcohol, and very little sugar (except ice cream!), my cholesterol/triglyceride levels are those of an obese, diabetic, 70-year-old, midwestern cattle-farming, heavy-drinking, heavy-smoking man who can’t climb stairs.
I’m choosing life over money, and I’m terrified.
I’m not sure this is the right thing to do. My gut tells me it’s the right thing while my brain screams that I’m an idiot who deserves what she gets. My heart wanders between the two, wringing its fatty little ventricular hands, trying to keep the peace.
So yeah.
Leaping, with no net.
Building wings on my way down.
(And hey, if you’ve been wondering whether or not to support my Patreon essays on living your creative life, now would be a FANTASTIC time to shoot a dollar or two my way per essay.)
Oh Rachael–I’m going to send you the best vibes possible for this adventure. Writing will work for you; I’m sure it will. Go forth boldly!
Oh Rachael. The biggest hugs are going your way. I lost my high paying high stress job 7.5 years ago. Took 5 months to find a PT low paying gig. But. I just retired. Scared. You betcha. But I too choose life. i want to spend the 30 years I figure I have left doing things I want to do. Because I need to for me. You need to for you. Now breathe.
You are bravery. And you are creating your life. You inspire, as always.
You are amazing! This will all work out. You are such an inspiration, Rachael.
“Building wings on my way down” <– You will soar.
My dear, if you can write things like this: “My heart wanders between the two, wringing its fatty little ventricular hands, trying to keep the peace” you will not only survive, but soar. It’s terrifying, no doubt, but like you said, putting your well-being over money is the most important move you can make.
Hugs to you on this new journey!
I worry about money EVERY SINGLE DAY, and I’m still glad I did it. Even when (as is the current issue) there is something terribly wrong with the water pipe between the house and the meter, and excavation is required.
May your dreams come true with this career change. It is what you should do. It will work out. Blessings & prayers for you & your sick family member.
Flap those wings. You can do this. You are worthy my friend. As you have quoted this quote before, “Remember, how you spend your days, is how you spend your life. “
You’ve GOT this. I know it. I have faith in you.
You can do this Rachael! I am thrilled at the thought of there being even more of your books in the world to read.
Rachael you are an amazing woman and someone I call a friend. You will be successful, you have heart, passion and compassion. I believe this is your true calling and there are those who watch over and guide you while you continue with your gift. You will be missed at work. All my love and support.
Cindi
Amazing! I’m about to finish your set of Firefighter books set in Darling Bay, and another purchase is definitely going to happen when I do! I would love to be able to buy more of your back catalogue on Kindle in the UK – not everything is available. 🙂
In the meantime, I hope that this new path brings you much happiness. I quit my salaried permanent job 6 years ago to work freelance, and now own my limited company with my husband (who quit teaching to join me last summer). And it was absolutely the BEST move either of us ever made. But it certainly is very very scary. But thanks to starting with YNAB a couple of years back (after you mentioned it), we’ve made it work financially. So thank you! And I look forward to reading more of your books in the future!
Holy mother of my fuzzy heathen gods. That is a big step. I just went and bought another book (do you make more money off the physical books or the ebooks?). Pretty sure all my grandma’s are getting your books for Mother’s Day.
I’m off to buy another book…
If you need coffee because it comes down to not being able to afford one let me know. I’ll only ask for you to sign a few books for Mother’s Day. You can pick the place.
This resonates with me so much right now. I suddenly lost my job early this month. Long story–but I have been working with my ex-husband at his restaurant for the past 15 years. He was diagnosed with a glioblastoma and has a very short time to live. That part of my life ended abruptly and I am trying to find my footing again. My current (that sounds a little wrong) husband took a pay cut recently to take a less stressful job, and our (not huge) income has been slashed in half. Even so, my job had become so stressful and soul consuming as the years went by that I am somewhat actually relieved to be moving on and trying to find a way of life that lets me enjoy the people and things that I love. When you’re too mentally/physically exhausted to knit a sock or watch TV, something is wrong. I’m taking a little time off, but have no idea what my next direction will be. It is indeed scary, but liberating and exciting also. It sounds like you’re doing the right thing and I admire you and wish all the best to you and Lala. Here’s to life over money, leaps of faith, and growing wings!
I’m so proud of you. You can totally do this. <3
I always said that the year I made as much writing as I did teaching, I’d write full time. In 1991 I made $50 less writing, so I didn’t make the jump. I taught for 44 years ( plus 7 years as a retired annuitant).
I could have done so much more.
Leap, Each!
I know you’re worried, but I think quitting is going to end up being great for you. I look forward to seeing what you do next!
This is so amazing. YOU are amazing. I have every faith in you.
Ten years I’ve been reading your blog (since my glass house!) and savouring the words you put out into the world, sometimes returning to posts when I needed hope or a good cry or a belly laugh. I am so, so, so happy you choose life. Go get ’em.
I went through this last July (quit my job to take care of my mom with Alzheimer’s). I couldn’t continue to do both. I experienced all the same emotions you describe, but I got through it and I KNOW you can too. You are very talented and so, so BRAVE! Go for your DREAM, you can do it!!! Sending you hugs!
YES. Yes yes yes yes yes. I love you.
It’s scary as hell. But if you *know* there’s a good chance you’ll be miserable, it’s worth quitting. I got out of the legal field after 18 years because the doc literally said “quit or be dead in a year”.
It’s still scary sometimes (3 years later). Money is always tight, but I am *so* much happier doing what I love. SO worth it!
I am so so excited for you. Go Rachael go <3
Congratulations on taking the leap! I have a family member who has worked as a 911 dispatcher for years and I hear her speaking through you. This is what you want to do, go full force. You’re going to love it!
This is awesome. Terrifying, yeah, but so amazing. If in two months you know it’s not working, you can get another job. But until then, you have time to write (all the time!) see Lala, pet the pets, SLEEP. Not just to live (as in not kill yourself with overwork) but to LIVE, as in living your life.
I know you’ve already done it, but I’m going to say regardless…DO IT.
There was stuff I was gonna say when I saw the headline. Then I read the column. So, I’ll say, Good on ya. Take a two week vacation, sleep and relax. I believe you can make it in writing. If you need a safety net, try temping. I did it for years and after the first couple of gigs, the pay is decent and the stress is minimal. Also check with Mills college. They may want to hire you for a teaching or consulting/advising gig. Good luck and Soar.
Rachael I learned not too many years ago that “life is too short”!! So leap honey leap! You have many of us to help you while you take this plunge and don’t look back!!!! Never look back!! Your choices are yours and those who love you believe in you and You CAN do this! I have learned over the years that my choices, unstable as they seemed at first, were the right choices for ME! As long as I own these choices then they are right !! So I have every faith in your decisions because I have lived vicariously thru your writings and travels for the past six years and it’s been a hell of a ride sweetie!!! So I know that you have thought this through and you know if you find out down the road you need a partimer….. can you hear yourself saying “Culligan calling to make your life a little softer for pennies a day”!! Lmao trust me, I have a long list!!! I love you sweetie I believe your choices are the right ones!!!
I’m so happy for you! To celebrate, I just bought your Firefighters of Darling Bay as Nook books.
It really, really will be alright. In a year’s time, my bet is that you’ll wish you had done this long ago.
You got this. Carry on, brave warrior.
You can do it! If anyone can, I believe that you can! You’ll be amazing! And know, always, that we’ll all be cheering for you from the sidelines whenever you need an extra boost. 🙂
Congrats! I made the choice to retire early and haven’t any regrets. You will soar, so go for the leap!
Glad you are going with your gut, Rachael. Am guessing you will very soon be adjusted to your new life and am pleased you won’t be breaking down in/with the police. Very best wishes and hope your move will keep those migraines away. Elizabeth in sunny NZ.
Dear Rachael, You are right to do something for yourself and for us (since we benefit from your writing career). If you don’t take care of yourself, you cannot take care of anyone else.
I became eligible for retirement at age 54 from a job I absolutely loved and that no one believed I would leave. I took the money and ran and I haven’t had a single regret. Although the retirement check is less than half of what I was making, I have found more peace and serenity in the past 3 years than I have felt since I was a child. Unexpected benefits include getting to spend at least one full day every week with an amazing grandson born after retired. What a blessing. Yes, we live more frugally but it’s worth every scrimp.
You’ve been a blessing to us – now take some time to bless yourself. You’re important to us! I took a quick trip to Amazon and now own everything you’ve ever written that is available for my Kindle, in addition to the paper copies I already had. Hope that helps!
Deep breaths, dear Rachel, inhale and exhale! With love and happy thoughts for you and Lala!
Good luck!! (Will buy books as soon as humanly possible)
You will be fine! Best of luck!
I retired. I didn’t want to but I knew our state governor was trying to take our pensions so I had to be in the system before it was blocked. I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to.
Best thing I ever did.
I now work as an adjunct English Instructor as a local community college. Same students I worked with before but now I don’t have to put up with behavior problems. I have time to travel. Teach knitting. DO knitting.
Who knew?
And who would know with you?
You have my full support and love and best wishes. I think you’re doing the right thing. You won’t know until you try and so …. you try, right? Trying once doesn’t mean you can’t ever try again. Not trying, though? That means you won’t know whether it worked, and you won’t have information that would help you if you end up trying again.
So, hugs and kisses and high fives for you!
I can’t even cook rice.
I just bought your latest via kindle edition. Hope it helps ease the anxiety a bit. Sometimes you just have to have faith and jump!
Sweets. please take heart that you are in very, very, VERY good company. I am about to leave everything I have known for 10 years and manifest a living from…I’m not sure what.. Also a few hundred only between me and the abyss. So yeah, that. And this is all to say that the only thing that works is one step in front of another, bake small
breads (klein brotchen), heh, and breathe. Also, ask the universe, the goddess, the great whatevs for what you need.
I keep forgetting we can do that. It works. And best of all? YOU GOT THIS!!!!! mwah!
Sending you positive vibes too. Maybe those wee breads will be your gateway to happiness. I’d rather spend $5 on a wee loaf of baked happiness than a commercial cardboard loaf that half goes in the freezer and ultimately gets thrown out because it’s so terrible.
Everybody loves a bake sale.
My sister paid for her 2Year certification and the move across America by doing pre-orders on cinnamon rolls by the dozen. Those DO freeze well. Ask my hips how I know.
Wherever the Universe leads you, there will be friends and support. Wishing you Amazing Magical Adventures ahead.
Rachel, you’re gonna do GREAT! So talented and hardworking — believe, do, and you will be amazed at what happens! In the meantime, you have lots of people throwing up good thoughts and prayers for you.
Wow. Fantastic. Lean hard. For some reason when I read this I remembered (reading here) when you sold your condo. I’ve no idea why I felt compelled to mention it but such is the way of things. More will be revealed. Congrats. On all of it. The writing, the quitting, the choosing the uncomfortable. Right fuckin on!
Off to see if there any books I don’t own. Must support anyone making such a courageous stand. Brava Rachael!
A little over five months ago I switched agencies, from one that was one of the biggest agencies in the country to one with about a fifth the radio/call volume. I watched so many people I liked, I cared about, good people, all broken by police dispatching, especially with this agency. One had been a dispatcher at five other agencies across the country, lasted less than five years then gave up to be a dog groomer. A good friend is dealing with shoulder pain & migraines combined with PTSD and panic attacks from working there. Another good friend died from a heart condition exacerbated by the job & the agency practices. One buddy swore she would rather work 3 minimum wage jobs & be poor than work in dispatch. I have also seen people leave and have their lives drastically improve so much they wonder why they stayed so long. I know deep down that I got out before it could break & destroy me.
You are doing the right thing. It will become obvious in small ways at first, then you will sit back and enjoy how much your life has improved. You are responsible to yourself first and foremost. Good luck in your positive future.
This post really resonated with me. I know this is a few years old but the message is still very powerful. I have been an emergency dispatcher for 11 years now at the same agency. I have seen this agency ruin so many dispatchers lives. All of the dispatchers have left this agency except for me and 1 other lady who have been here the longest. She is plagued with several medical issues including obesity and I refuse to succumb.
This place has ruined lives and future careers. I have seen others have mental breakdowns and quickly dry their tears in between answering the phones, astronomical weight gain and losses, require therapy on a regular basis for the first time in their lives after working here, exhausting medical leave for mental health days, get reprimanded for things that were out of their control etc…
I have seen and experienced too much. Dispachers are treated like absolute garbage. We are NOT allowed breaks and have to stay within ear shot of the phones during the entire 12 hour shift. That’s right.
We are not even allowed to step outside for 5 minutes for fresh air.
Everyone is miserable except for the administration who make the big bucks and sit in a chair all day pretending to be busy.
My mental health has taken a toll from this hell and I recently decided to take another position completely out of this field because I just don’t want any parts of this torture. I am thankful I can live modestly as I don’t have a family to support.
Life is too precious and too short. I had almost forgotten because of the day to day abuse from my employer but no longer. I recently applied elsewhere and it is looking promising. Regardless, I told myself this is my last year here and I will figure a way out.
Health is wealth. There is no substitute.
I feel you! Get out! It’s the best!
Congratulations on making the brave choice. If anyone can make it work, it is you. Now I’m off to buy/pre-order your latest books!
Big slobbery puppy kisses of love for your bravery and waves of awe for your enormous cajones.
You are so doing the right thing.
Look where we were when I had you on CraftLit… what, eight years ago?! (Dear God!)
It’s time.
And you’re awesome!
YAY, Rachael! I know you can do this. I’m so excited for you. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I’m so happy you are choosing life . 🙂
Wooot! Congrats! Terrifying I know, but you GOT this!
Congratulations on your new journey! May today’s terrifying seamlessly blend into tomorrow’s exhilarating, and make your heart sing with joy! Think of all those possibilities in front of you. The world is wide open! Choosing life is such an exercise in trust. The next step will show up when you’re ready to take it. (That first step was a doozy!)
Cheering you on via every communication avenue I can — text, here, Patreon. I love that you are listening to your heart, your gut — and choosing not to listen to the (societally programmed) monsters in your head. Choosing to embrace life, embrace your creativity, with EVERYTHING. Congratulations! And thanks for taking us along for the ride. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
I eat a lot of beans & rice. 🙂 Get your spices in bulk at an Indian grocer.
You would not have made this change unless you knew it was exactly the right thing. If anyone can be successful, it is you.
I’ve never left you a comment before but when I read this It really made me think of my situation. I used to have a paper route that paid $350 a week but $70 aromatically went to gasoline and the rest was always spoken for. I knew a year after I started it that I was starting to hate my life. You never get any sleep, there are ZERO days off (not even Christmas) and it’s hell on your car.
I finally decided to quit so I could pursue my toy-making ventures more seriously. After 3 months of struggling (and my bf’s job falling through) I knew I couldn’t make it work just yet. So I called up my boss and she found me a route that was a million times better on the car with no gravel roads and two hours shorter then my original. If you do get a paper know that carriers love their customers who actually put numbers on the damn mailboxes lol.
But even though I’m back to working everyday my craft is picking up more and more. And where i only used to get 50$ a month on my online store I now pull in at least 200$ and it’s only getting better.
Point is if i had kept that old job it would have killed me, like mental break down killed me.
I don’t miss it at all.
But I would like to ask a question. My mim used to joke that when she set up at flea markets and craft fairs that the vendors would buy from each other more than the people who came to look. But hey it kept our bills at bay, it paid for that extra tank of gas we wouldn’t have had otherwise.
So I was wondering as one artist to another if I could purchase a sweater from you? I went out and bought your book A life in Stitches (rad it like 30 times so far) and as per your request would be happy to look into buying more of your work.
If you don’t want to I totally get it. On the fly requests are a huge pain in the ass. 🙂
Absolutely, positiloverly the right thing to do. Enjoy the ride!
OMG I’m so happy for you! I know that wasn’t the tone of your post, but I think it will be awesome. I just went back to a full time job after quitting for awhile to write and self-publish, and I kinda felt like a failure for that. But, I read Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s “Freelancer’s Survival Guide” and it not only had tons of great advice about the business side of writing, but it was also super realistic about the fact that many freelancers fail the first time they try it. I’m definitely one of those. Lack of structure got me down. Plus, I worked part time at a yarn shop so all I wanted to do was knit, not write. Anyway, Kris’s blog is full of great writing business advice if you hadn’t heard of it already.
Also, I found this post because I was on your Amazon author page, and I think I’ll buy a book now! I failed at the library…reserved your books and then didn’t pick them up on time. Romance isn’t really my genre so I’ve always admired that you had books but hadn’t gotten around to reading them. Now I have a good reason to buy instead of re-try the library! I usually read your blog through my feedly reader, but I’m a little behind.
Congratulations! I’m so excited for you. Have fun!
I work at a newspaper, and we have the police scanner and dispatch on all day long. I don’t know how how anyone manages to do that job for long, it’s so hard.
Good for you, for leaping.
When I read your FB post I thought your were quitting simply because your writing has become so successful. But now I realize your decision was much more complicated! I can only say, life is much too short to spend it doing things that are toxic or damaging to your mental health, even though part of it may be good. It is so very hard to make these big decisions. Sending you hugs, love and strength to continue with the life that enriches you. Health comes first…..I can say that with experience. Besides, you are so very talented. I always look forward to each new book you release. Take a deep breath and take one day at a time!
I know you’ll be fine. I’m so proud of your choice and it will be the best decision you ever made. Much love.
Hooray for Rachael! You will be just fine.
Rachael. Kick ass.
So. Very. Brave! Listen to your gut. Your brain will often lead you astray, but our guts just know stuff. It’s hard to listen to them, because sometimes it takes such a leap of faith. One of the things I love about my home state (Oregon) is our motto; “She flies with wings of her own”. You, my dear, have big beautiful wings. Time to soar with the eagles!
Oh, Rachael. You can totally do this. Yes, it’s a big leap, but you’ve got it. Think of all the books you will be able to write once you get through the transition and catch up on sleep (don’t forget to allow some time for both of those)! And if you have to figure out some other way to bring in some money, you will. We are all cheering you on. Go, Rachael, go!
A leap of faith. You do something you are driven to do, without guarantee of success, but done with determination. A leap of faith. You take a risk for a better life that brings happiness and fulfillment. Embrace the adventure and enjoy the ride. You are one special lady.
Add me to the list of those who are thinking positively and have a lot of confidence that you have indeed completely made the right choice.
Your explanation made perfect sense to me.
Definitely choose living, art, fun, and spending time with the people you love.
I think this will completely be closing one door that opens many others.
take care of yourself
Good luck! You are succeeding as a writer and will continue to do well in the future. Also, I cannot say just how deeply I admire and respect you.
Oh, been there, friend! Breathe-slowly. It really will be OK. You will be amazed at the level of health you will enjoy within a year. Although you enjoyed your job and had developed an awesome skill set over darn near 2 decades, there were life and death consequences if you slipped up-your brain knew it, your body knew it and it was in a constant state of readiness, alert, and controlled panic.
Now, your body will stop hoarding cortisol as if it were the last cadbury egg on the planet. Cholesterol? What cholesterol?
Now, you will get great sleep. You will forget when your last migraine was because it’s been so long. Your shoulders will drop more than 3 inches from your earlobes.
Now, as you relax, and it will take a few months, you will understand how much stress was present in your body and your life. Don’t be surprised if you sleep and nap for a month-your body is working to delete those overrides and restore it’s natural rhythms and processes.
Now, you will be able to be with that family member in their last season of this life and stay as long as they need you to. No worries about days off or shifts or any of that administrative bs.
How wonderful to have a partner that truly understands what a job can do to your health and your psyche. We knew La-la was rare and wonderful or you wouldn’t have chosen her-but this-THIS- shows us some of that wonderfulness. Give her some big luv.
And for that wee worrying part of your brain that constantly screams for attention, just tell yourself you quit your dispatch job to for a new writing job. You still have your old writing job that seems to crank out a dozen books a year, but this is ANOTHER writing job. This NEW job is different- articles? short stories? speech writing?creating your own e-zine ($ub$cription$)….write up a job description if you need to.
And then there’s this…you could always teach.
(No burn intended. You teach us about topics we never knew were out there-and why they’re important. You make a difference even if we didn’t dial 911.)
Much love to you both-the Universe has led you here for a reason and will gift you in supportive ways you never imagined.
Wishing you all the best, Rachael and Lala. Your well being and health are more important. One day at a time. We eagerly await new books but know that it is a long, slow process to bring life to a new book. I have been reading your blogs for many years and you are having a fantastic life. You have many friends wishing you all the luck in the world. Love and hugs. Pat
Congratulations on taking the leap! You will NOT regret this. Even if you eat rice and beans and have to take a retail job to make ends meet, it is WORTH IT. I’ve been there. The first time I quit a job without a net, I was walking away from a thankless job that was eating up all my time on top of paying me less than I’d earned in years – because I took the job to get a life back. Wanna know what happened? A month after I quit, I found out that on the day I quit, my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I took three months off of work to be with her, then stayed only partly employed for the last 18 months of her life. Scary, yes. But absolutely the right thing.
Believe it or not, the money thing will work out. The last time I left a job without another one lined up (not exactly by choice, but it was right after I lost the other woman in my life who raised me), I ended up working part-time retail to bring in money – and it was SO nice to do something simple. It wasn’t easy, but it was more fun than the jobs I’d had in a while.
As for getting another job – you have mad phone skills and lots of medical knowledge. Check for jobs at your area hospital systems. The hospital system I work for is usually looking for people with your skills to work in hospital dispatch, telepage or scheduling. If you really, really, really need/want a day job, you can take your skills somewhere that doesn’t involve the police department.
GOOD LUCK! I can’t wait to hear what’s next for you!!!!
Good for you! I agree with the idea of teaching. You have the degree, and the real world accomplishments to back up what you say. Maybe those essays could evolve into lectures…
I think you’d be brilliant.
Good luck!
Terrifying! (and that’s me projecting my own fears)
You will all be okay, one way or another. (You will be awesome, because you already are and awesome is an essential part of you.)
Congratulations! So proud of you and the next chapter in you life!
Seriously, Rachael, you could teach. Aspiring writers need someone like you.
Look into your local community college for teaching. When I lost a big job, I did it and it changed my life.
There is something about the big changes in life that makes them stay out of sight until you have let everything else go. You will see a way forward.
Wow. Good for you. I just came across one of your books on Amazon so I’m off to add it to my collection and perhaps help you a little in the process. Good luck!!
“I’m choosing life over money, and I’m terrified.” After working 6 years in police dispatch I’m wresting with a lot of the same questions/issues. Overwork in a troubled field that gives decent money and good benefits but is eroding away at my sense of my place in the world. A decent retirement in 20 odd years versus proper enjoyment of those years in the meantime? It’s a tough tough call. For whatever it’s worth I’m thinking you did the right thing, and I’m pondering my own exit strategy in the next 2-4 years. Kudos to your bravery and perseverance!