As promised, I’m thrilled to share an update on the new job offer and the impending moving plans – developments that will undeniably shape the future direction of this blog, the progress on my home, and indeed, every facet of my life. For those who might have missed the initial announcement last week, you can catch up on the details here. These aren’t just minor adjustments; they represent a monumental shift, a true turning point that has already begun to impact even the simplest aspects of my daily routine, including, rather comically, my cell phone service. Why do straightforward transitions sometimes become convoluted sagas? It’s a question for the ages!
Before diving into the finer points, let’s address the most pressing questions. Last week, I reached out on Facebook, asking what you were most curious about, and several common themes emerged. I’ll tackle those first, and then, if you have more specific inquiries, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
From Software to Society: An Unfolding Career Journey
This remarkable job offer arrived completely out of the blue, making it genuinely challenging to pinpoint a singular cause. Reflecting on my journey, it becomes clear that a constellation of experiences aligned perfectly to create this opportunity. My passion project, this very blog, served as an invaluable platform for honing my writing and content creation skills. Simultaneously, delving into web design and development provided a practical skillset that became increasingly crucial in the digital landscape. My growing presence on Pinterest, coupled with the strategic insights gained from pursuing my MBA, further diversified my expertise. And, of course, my foundational career in software development instilled a rigorous, problem-solving mindset. I am profoundly convinced that without each of these seemingly disparate experiences, the dominoes would not have fallen in precisely the way they did, leading me to this exciting juncture.
My professional background is rooted in software. When I joined my soon-to-be-former company several years ago, just as I was embarking on this blog, it was a thriving business with roughly 50 dedicated individuals. We held a strong competitive edge in the market, a success that unfortunately caught the eye of our largest, publicly traded competitor – a company renowned for its aggressive acquisition strategy. Inevitably, we were acquired. The transition brought about a seismic shift in company culture, our office relocated, and we quickly lost many talented colleagues. At the time, I was concurrently finishing my studies, making the prospect of searching for a new job simply untenable. So, I persevered, striving to maintain at least one stable element in my life until I could gain clarity on my next steps. However, this period felt like a career holding pattern. I wrestled with conflicting emotions: ambitious yet stunted, eager for growth but finding no clear path within the company hierarchy. It seemed that once assigned a specific role, particularly within my department, upward mobility was exceptionally limited. This growing dissatisfaction led to a cyclical sense of negativity; my inability to give 100% at work exacerbated my unhappiness, and vice-versa. I yearned for a change but hesitated to start from scratch. My desire was to leverage the skills I had diligently cultivated over the past few years and discover where they might lead, to take that crucial next step in my professional evolution.
Concurrently, my web design venture, Sweet Theory Designs, had blossomed to the point where it consumed nearly all my evenings and weekends. While I was incredibly excited by the prospect of dedicating more time to such creative pursuits, I found myself in that precarious ‘awkward growth stage.’ I had too much freelance work to sustainably manage alongside a full-time job, yet not quite enough to transition to design work exclusively, at least not yet. My strategic plan for the past year had been to accumulate sufficient savings to afford myself a grace period, allowing me to fully explore entrepreneurship. I was actively brainstorming innovative ways to elevate the business, convinced that with a little more time, I would decipher the formula for its sustained success.
Nevertheless, this unwavering focus on Sweet Theory Designs didn’t preclude me from considering other promising opportunities should they arise. I began exploring diverse avenues, contributing articles to platforms like Answers.com and even participating in internet TV shows. While the ultimate direction remained uncertain, I was committed to keeping my options open and actively pursuing projects that genuinely ignited my passion.
A New Chapter: Web Editor at Society South
So, what exactly is this new role? In short, I am thrilled to announce that I will be taking on the position of Web Editor for a brand-new, exciting online magazine called Society South!
To simply say I’m excited would be a massive understatement. My journey with Society South began a few months prior, when I was doing freelance writing for them, contributing short articles to their design category. This initial engagement gave me a glimpse into their innovative vision. A few months into my freelance work, the CEO convened a meeting with all contributors to articulate the core mission of Society South and his ambitious aspirations for its future. Our conversation initially revolved around the idea of me producing a couple of DIY videos annually, in addition to my writing contributions. However, as often happens in serendipitous discussions, our dialogue seamlessly transitioned to my web design hobby-turned-business. Over the past few years, I’ve amassed an incredible amount of knowledge and practical experience in designing and scaling blogs, a journey I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. It turned out that Society South was actively seeking to expand its team with a new member possessing specific expertise in web design, blogging, content creation, and social media strategy. The question was posed: would I be interested in considering this unique opportunity? Without a moment’s hesitation, my answer was a resounding, enthusiastic “Yes!”
The Relocation Question: Moving to Auburn?
What I initially failed to grasp was that contemplating this exciting job offer also meant seriously considering a significant relocation. The Society South office is located in Auburn, Alabama. In my mind, a web-based role inherently implied the possibility of remote work – a pleasant, albeit mistaken, assumption! Oops.
Auburn, as many know, is a quintessential college town, home to the prestigious Auburn University. Intriguingly, Auburn happens to be a fierce rival of my alma mater, The University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!). For those unfamiliar with the fervent culture of SEC football, it’s challenging to fully convey its deep-seated significance. It’s not merely a college town; it’s profoundly a football town, where traditions and loyalties run incredibly deep. Moreover, Auburn is considerably smaller than a bustling metropolis like Atlanta, my current home. This news of potential relocation was, admittedly, not as enthusiastically received as the job offer itself. Nevertheless, the team at Society South extended an invitation: if I were willing, they would arrange a visit for me to meet the rest of the staff, tour Auburn, and perhaps, just perhaps, I might consider making the move. My response was a cautious, “Um… maybe.”
Immediately, my mind began to race, cataloging the myriad of unfinished projects scattered throughout my house. Moving now simply wouldn’t be possible. Or would it?
An Eye-Opening Visit to Auburn
To explore the possibilities, I took two days off from work to visit the Society South staff and get a feel for Auburn itself. The drive from my current home is a manageable two and a half hours door-to-door, making the trip relatively straightforward. Despite the ease of travel, I arrived about 75% convinced that I wouldn’t be willing to relocate. However, I sternly reminded myself to maintain an open mind and give the opportunity a fair chance; my house, while cherished, wasn’t a sufficient reason to dismiss a potentially life-changing career move.
Upon my arrival, I was immediately struck by the warmth and humor of every staff member I met. Their genuine camaraderie created an inviting atmosphere. The office itself was captivating – housed within an old residence, it boasted original plaster walls and architectural details that I could easily spend hours admiring. I regretted not capturing photos during that initial visit, but I plan to do so on my next trip! (The image above is from their social media feed). They graciously introduced me to several local restaurants, all of which, interestingly, offered an impressive selection of local craft brews. Following this, they drove me through various neighborhoods, first highlighting areas where I might find temporary rental accommodations, and then showcasing neighborhoods where I’d likely consider purchasing a home after settling in, understanding my desire to continue the blog. On the second day, they arranged for me to connect with some of their friends and family, providing an authentic glimpse into what life is like in a college town for someone who isn’t a student. (All I could think was, I’m likely a decade older than the average resident here!). In essence, they delivered a remarkably effective and personalized sales pitch. I conveyed that it was a lot to process and requested a couple of weeks to deliberate on the offer.
Seeking Counsel: Conversations with Friends and Family
No sooner had I left Auburn than I was back to blog business in the car. SheKnows had emailed me earlier that day about another season, and my mind was still reeling from the gravity of uprooting my entire life for a job. Could I truly consider this? Was I capable of such a monumental change? My house was far from ready to sell, but did that render the idea impossible? What, fundamentally, was tethering me to Atlanta? A torrent of conflicting thoughts swirled in my head. I knew that discussing this momentous decision with my closest friends would be instrumental in reaching a conclusion.
To my genuine surprise, every single one of them immediately, emphatically, and wholeheartedly encouraged me to seize the opportunity. ALL. OF. THEM. Some even shouted their encouragement! My dear friend, Lindsey, has been one of my most vocal cheerleaders, consistently urging me to leave my current job. She even playfully suggested I carry glitter in my pocket to announce my resignation. While I didn’t go quite that far, I did bring a handful of glitter to our dinner date to share the news. She was ecstatic, not necessarily about the prospect of me moving away, but she quickly agreed that a two-hour road trip was a negligible distance between good friends, especially when it concerned a job that promised to bring me immense happiness and professional fulfillment.
The Pivotal Decision: Embracing the Unknown
During that very dinner, my attention was drawn to a vibrant private party unfolding in the back of the restaurant. A large group was clearly celebrating some significant company milestone – perhaps a retirement, or a successful anniversary; I wasn’t entirely sure. Yet, their collective joy and enthusiasm were palpable. It was a modest gathering, perhaps thirty or forty people at most. In that moment, an unexpected sense of calm washed over me. A powerful thought crystalized: “I want that. Let’s DO THIS.” I yearned to be deeply involved in something, to contribute meaningfully to transforming a nascent business into a thriving success story. And that kind of impact, that level of engagement, simply wasn’t going to happen where I was. It was unequivocally time for a change, and I felt with absolute certainty that this change would be extraordinary.
The notion of moving still isn’t something I embrace with unbridled joy. The logistical complexities, the disruption to routine, and the emotional toll are undeniable. However, for a job that I am confident I will not just perform, but absolutely excel at – a role where I can truly kick butt – I am unequivocally willing to take this significant leap of faith. Should this grand adventure somehow turn out to be a colossal mistake, the worst-case scenario is that I return to Atlanta, or perhaps another vibrant city, armed with an abundance of new experiences and a deeper understanding of what I genuinely enjoy doing. From a purely career-centric perspective, this is undeniably the right choice. And when you consider the profound impact of spending eight hours or more each day engaged in work that brings you joy, rather than enduring something that breeds unhappiness, the inherent risks become entirely worthwhile, don’t they?
The House: A Farewell and a Fresh Start
So, the decision is made: I am moving. Eventually. The most frequent question I’ve encountered recently is, naturally, “When?” The honest truth is, a definitive timeline remains elusive. My house absolutely must be ready for sale before any relocation can become a reality, and there is a considerable amount of work to be completed beforehand. I’ve meticulously itemized a comprehensive, almost daunting, list of tasks that must be addressed before I can physically move forward. Some of these projects I can delegate to professionals, but the vast majority consist of numerous small, unfinished details that I can tackle independently whenever I find the time. The exciting part is that the flexibility of my new role, which will allow for some remote work and the elimination of my daily commute, means that the hours previously spent in transit can now be redirected towards these crucial home projects. This giant to-do list is so extensive that it warrants an entirely separate blog post – this one is already growing quite lengthy!
Hopefully, this also clarifies the second most common inquiry about the house. I touched upon this briefly in the initial announcement, but questions persisted. I have no intention of renting out the property. That path, to me, seems laden with too much work, stress, and potential complications. My plan is clear: to sell it as soon as it is immaculately prepared for showings. I am fervently hoping that this process will unfold swiftly and smoothly! The team at Society South has demonstrated immense understanding regarding this unexpected speed bump in my transition, and I am optimistic that their continued patience and support will prevent this process from taxing my already stretched mental faculties.
Sweet Theory Designs: Evolving with Entrepreneurial Spirit
My web design work, Sweet Theory Designs, has been an incredibly significant factor in cultivating the very skills that led to this new job opportunity. Because it remains both a profound passion and a valuable source of income, I have no plans whatsoever to abandon my little business. However, I have been actively conceptualizing a strategic shift: transitioning more towards template design rather than exclusively offering one-on-one custom website creations. Through my years of experience, I’ve observed that a substantial percentage of client requests share remarkably common threads, often overlapping almost entirely. Therefore, my objective is to increasingly provide a curated selection of sophisticated template design options, available for direct purchase through SweetTheoryDesigns.com. I’m nearing completion on the first of these new templates! To facilitate this transition and ensure I can dedicate appropriate attention to my exciting new role as Web Editor, I plan to gradually step back from bespoke, case-by-case design projects. I believe this balanced approach will be the most effective way to navigate this new chapter, learn the intricate needs of my full-time position, and allow my entrepreneurial endeavor to evolve sustainably.
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There you have it – a comprehensive overview of these exciting and significant life changes. While it’s nearly impossible to cover every single detail, I trust this provides ample information and addresses many of your curiosities. As I mentioned, if further questions arise, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section. If common themes emerge, I’ll be sure to address them in a future post, likely one detailing that monumental house to-do list!
And two more things before I sign off: Firstly, a profound THANK YOU to all of you for your unwavering support. Your well wishes and enthusiastic responses when I made the initial announcement last Friday genuinely touched me. You, my readers, are truly awesome. Period.
Also, today marks a special occasion: it’s my blogiversary! Four incredible years of writing, sharing, and growing with you all. I’ve always found it wonderfully appropriate, even hilariously so, that this quirky blog first came into existence on April Fool’s Day. So, here’s to another fantastic year of adventures, projects, and shared stories!
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UPDATE: Once I’ve officially relocated, or possibly even before, depending on my travel schedule, there’s a good chance you’ll catch glimpses of my behind-the-scenes work with Society South. If you’re interested in following along with all the exciting developments, you can find Society South’s various social media accounts here: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Google+ / Youtube. Don’t be shy – feel free to stop by and say hello!