New beginnings.
I have been unplugged for over a week. No blog posts, no Twitter, no Facebook, no LinkedIn.
For many people, I’m guessing this wouldn’t be a very big deal. For me, on the other hand, it was a pretty significant lifestyle change. A good experiment for me.
Now I’m back, so can share what I did and why.
Recently I left Best Buy after spending 18 years there. It’s been quite a ride this past year, as I struggled to figure out whether my personal career goals would align with the company’s direction. Now I know, for certain, that I will follow my dreams elsewhere.
Before I knew for sure whether I’d return to Best Buy, I wanted to take some time “off.” That is, without the regular Best Buy updates that I receive, and treasure, from my online community of friends. And without the self-imposed pressure to provide everyone with the latest updates from me.
You see, up until this month, my personal identity has been intermingled with the identity of the company. My work at Best Buy said a lot about me – that I am dedicated to my career. That I’m extroverted. Into technology. Kinda geeky. Energetic.
This provided a great introduction as I met new people — by saying I worked at Best Buy, I had an immediate conversation starter. The conversation itself varied. Sometimes, it was a discussion about our latest stock performance or company announcement. Other times, it was a story about a recent experience at a store, whether positive or negative. And – in Minnesota at least – it sometimes prompted a discussion about development along I-494, where Best Buy’s huge corporate campus looms large.
Even with old friends, these same conversations are common. Hugs are often followed by discussions about the latest buzz at Best Buy. Or maybe the latest gadget. Or my latest job responsibilities.
So now, I spent a bit of time figuring out what exactly I will say going forward. I’m still passionate about my career, love people, into tech, and have a ton of energy. But now I can’t encapsulate that into two words.My instant conversation starter won’t be there.
During my time “off,” I spent time with family and friends. I met new people and caught up with old friends. I read books. I cleaned the basement (or started to, anyway). I returned to some of my great loves: workouts, baking, and even a bit of oil painting.
And I missed all of you.
I haven’t really figured out my new conversation starters yet. I don’t yet have my business plan figured out for the next phase of my career. And my basement still needs work.
But, I’m inviting you back into sharing my journey. I took the time I needed to look inside. So now I’m back. Ready for new beginnings.
A ha! Sounds incredibly familiar as have been going through very much the same machinations over here lately. Well, again maybe. Can’t wait to see you and share. xoxox
Having entered ‘alumni status’ a year and a half ago, I can tell you that the “re-identification process” is the most important thing that you can do. As I was exiting, a wise friend advised me to allow time to decompress. That time allowed me to rediscover who I was (after 19+ years), and chart my next steps.
At the end of the day. You miss the people – not the company. There is life after BBY – as long as you don’t lose your connection to the people that mean alot to you.
Ginger, I’m proud of you. I can’t wait to see how your heart and career tie together moving forward. You are one crazy talented woman who I am honored to know.
There’s a lot of wisdom in your words, G. I feel like I’m living a bit of a parallel life over here in my own skin; from the comments you’ve gotten so far, it seems like we aren’t alone. You’re the brave one to write it out loud. Well done. Looking forward to getting together with you soon to compare ‘time off’ notes. ; )
Ginger, As of today you were still on one of my lists for Music at work. Your out of the office is still sending out the link to your page. I was compelled to click. Being a Best Buy lifer (started at 18 – that was some 22 years ago), I sort of relate to your story. I am still here working for a company that is intermixed into who I am. Which is really odd when you think about it. What is it about this company that becomes so personal? My inital thoughts are bring me to the people that work for BBY believe they can postitively impact others. In my heart I know BBY is not about a greater good, we sell electronics and services. But sometimes, if you look a certain way in the light, people around you are just a little better off.