The first Friday of October, one year ago, was a regular ol’ day. I woke up, went to my job at Harvard– at the time, I worked as the Executive Assistant to the Dean– and anxiously awaited the start of the weekend.
Being Friday and all, I celebrated Cookie Friday with a new friend, a Harvard undergrad and CNC reader. We enjoyed cookies from Hi Rise Bakery.
I don’t remember the rest of the afternoon, but I assume that I was antsy to get home since Mal and I were going to Newport, Rhode Island for a mini vacation. Every year, his parents invite us to their timeshare to enjoy the weekend together. It’s easily my favorite weekend of the year.
On my commute home from Harvard that day, I missed a call on my cell phone. I sort of recognized the number and thought it might be my contact at NuVal. At the time, I was waiting to hear from them about a social media position. (Full story here.) A minute later, I received a voicemail. For some reason, I had a feeling it was an important phone call, so I got off the T to listen to the message.
Standing outside the Park Street station, I nervously listened to the voicemail. It the Senior Manager of Communications at NuVal offering me a job!!! 
Of course, I called him back immediately. We talked through the details of the position– all of which sounded great– but I still asked for the weekend to make my decision.
I did a happy dance outside the Park Street T station and smiled non-stop for the rest of the ride home. I must have looked like such a weird-o smiling to myself.
I could not wait to tell Mal my good news. Of course, he was psyched for me, but we had a lot to talk about before I quit my fancy-schmancy job at Harvard. Behind the scenes, I had been making some calculated decisions, but it was still a big life change. (Full story here.) My head was spinning on the ride down to Newport.
Once we got settled in Newport, Mal treated me to Thai food and pumpkin beers to celebrate. I was beyond excited about my potential new life! 😀
When I returned to work on Monday morning, I resigned from my job. It was a scary decision, but I have never once regretted it.
NuVal’s job offer gave me the financial confidence to leave my position at Harvard to pursue blogging and freelance writing full-time. As much as I liked working for the Dean of Harvard, it just wasn’t the job for me. Now, I wake up every single day loving what I do. A year ago today, everything changed for the better.
Breakfast
I dropped Mal off at work this morning, so I could just swing by to pick him up on our way to Newport. On the ride home, I stopped by Starbucks for a Pumpkin Spice Latte, which I enjoyed while taking Murphy for an extra long morning walk.
When I returned from our walk, I enjoyed a yummy bowl of overnight oats made with vanilla soy milk, chia seeds, raisins, and two scoop of Barney Butter.
Lunch
For lunch, I threw together a quickie arugula salad with mushrooms, tomatoes, and crumbled feta. I later topped my salad with balsamic vinegar.
On the side, I had some strawberries.
A Sunny Hemp bar and an apple for the road.
Question of the Day
What were you doing one year ago?
Packing up and hitting the road. See ya in Newport!
95 Comments
Its such a great thing to read about people following their dreams. I’m so happy it all worked out for you! Its terrible to be in a job you hate. About a year and a half ago I quit my job in the corporate world to become a teacher. I’m so happy about my choice.
On another note
1. That picture of the dogs in masks is HILARIOUS
2. Have a great time in Newport! I vacationed there this summer and loved it. 🙂
happy “happy” anniversary!
thanks to my blog, i see that i was celebrating world vegetarian day. and by visiting the link, i see that it’s STILL world vegetarian day today
Happy ‘Life-Changing’ anniversary!! I bet you haven’t looked back since handing in your notice at Harvard. Unfortunately my life hasn’t changed one little bit in the last twleve months. Sad but true!
I’m so proud of you for the decision you made. Keep up the good work and never give up on yourself. Take care. Smile
Unfortunately I was a bad blogger so I have no idea what I was doing last year at this time, but I was probably putting up Halloween decorations.
Have fun on your weekend away!
A year ago this time– I was moving into my current apartment and trying to decide what I want to do with my life! Humm I’m still on that track—but at least I know what I DONT want to do now!! : )
Congrats on a year. I wish that I could figure this blog thing out for myself. I want to start one but I have no idea how. I sit down to write and have ZERO ideas.
I had to look at my calendar because I had no idea what I was doing a year ago. I was doing role plays for new hire training in our call center. It was a stressful day! The good news both of them are still with us.
One yr ago I was a senior in college freaking out that the basketball season was only 2 weeks away. So crazy how much my life had changed. I’m sitting on a nyc bus leaving work on my way to alumni weekend w my best friends. Crazyness.
Tina, I love that story! It is so inspirational. Have a great time in Newport!
OMG, where have I been? Is that actually the cover of your new book? Looks Great!! Congrats. I cannot wait to purchase it.
Great post. I am glad you get to do what you love and call it “work!” 🙂
Congratulations, Tina! So glad you’ve found a job you love “going to” every day 🙂
One year ago I, too, was in a completely different job that I enjoyed, but just wasn’t right for me. Since then I’ve moved onto a social work position I love at my alma mater. Interestingly, one year ago I never dreamed I would have my own blog!
Enjoy your weekend travels 🙂
This is why blogging rocks- a great record of memories! According to my blog I was living in Nairobi and making making soybean, squash, and kale soup.
What an awesome anniversary! One year ago, I was pretty much in the same place/doing the same thing as I am now (college)…but hopefully next year I’ll be doing something different.
Driving North on the PCH towards Sonoma to celebrate my 1 year wedding anniversary and our annual honeymoon tradition. 🙂
A year ago today I was prepping myself to give notice as well. I worked for a wonderful non-profit organization, but the stress level was through the roof! Thanks to my supporting husband, and parents – I was able to see what was needed for my well-being and left. October is an important month for me also 🙂
That’s awesome that you’re doing what you love now. One year ago today I was working at the company I’m with now (only as a co-op student that still had 8 months of university to go) and not really thinking much about what I’d be doing post-graduation. One year from now, I haven’t a clue how my plans will have changed, but I’m hoping that one of these days (somewhat into the future) I’ll have an opportunity like the one you described!
Everyone desires to enjoy what they do – glad to hear you do!
I have no idea what Iwas doing one year ago..I do know it involved a lot of holiday anxiousness, though. It was the first holiday season in a house to myself so I wanted to decorate like mad!!
Such a badass move!! What an inspiration to follow your dreams! It’s amazing what you’ve accomplished in the past year 🙂
You are awesome. I LOVE your blog. You have made be want to write my own. And I’m no where near a writer! Thanks for sharing your story. It’s sometimes scary taking the leap, but as long as it’s a leap long enough to get to the other side.. all is good! Have a blast in Newport. I lived there for 10 years (went to Salve Regina and didn’t want to leave). Can’t wait to read about where you end up this time. There is an AMAZING harvest fair going on this weekend at the Norman Bird Sancturay in Middletown. You guys would love it! Apples, pumpkins, greased poles, mud pits, food and much more!
1 year ago today I was in the final countdown to my wedding day on the 18th!
Thank you so much for sharing your evolution from 1 year ago to today. Your story really resonates with me because I am exactly in the same position as you were in: I have a job where I make a great living and it seems like it would be really cushy but I absolutely hate it. I have recently made the commitment to myself to make my exit plan and find something that makes my heart sing. The timing of your story is perfect. Thanks again!
one year ago today i was ironing my wedding dress for my civil wedding, which took place one year ago tomorrow. =) (i say civil wedding because i live in belgium. you can only get legally married at the town hall. so we had a civil wedding in oct and a church wedding for all our family and friends in feb.)
It so strange to see how so much can change in anyone’s life in just one year.
Go to the Red Parrot for dinner! It’s a great place. I love Newport! Have fun!
A year ago today I was unmarried, living with my parents, and had no idea how crazy my life would be over the past year!!
One year ago I was moving to Florida for a new job and I just began recovery from my ED! Boy, has life changed…
Dana xo
http://happinessiswithin.wordpress.com/
Whoo hoo congratulations!
One year ago I was teaching kiddos. I miss them so much!
Pretty much the same thing I’m doing now. Working and volunteering at my church. Trying for a baby with my hubby (been doing this for almost four years).
In fact, I can’t think of anything that has changed in the last year for me! Kinda boring, huh?
I was anxiously waiting to hear back from Colleges!!!!
OMG I love that dog picture so much. hehehe
What a great story! You’re lucky to be doing something you love to do so much. 🙂
Things sure do change fast, that’s for sure.
A year ago last year I decided to return to college for Education. My first class began sometime in September, but it was in October that I knew I needed to make the “switch” once and for all. To go after something that seemed so unattainable at the time, but I’m happy to say that I’ve reached my goal of working in Special Education.
I loved your story! You have guts, woman! You go girl! 😀 Keep doing what you love! I can’t wait to get your book next Spring!
one year ago I was a 5th grade teacher which I am not anymore! I NEVER thought a year ago we would be about to move right now and atart over!
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
Hi! I just found your blog and am stopping by for the first time. I must say that your layout is beautiful. And you write very well. I think I ‘ll be checking back in more often.
Today’s post made me think about what I was doing one year ago today. Last October around this time I was living in Kansas, working as a marketing writer for an international company, and most importantly falling deep in love with my now husband. He proposed to me in December of 2009 so this was around the time that we began talking about marriage.
Now, we’re married, living in Portland and I’m doing freelance writing and blogging. A lot has changed in a year. Makes me wonder what October 2011 will look like. Exciting to ponder.
-Dana : )
A year ago I was at a conference for a job that while I was doing work for a great organization, I hated it. Now I’m back with a Humane Society, making less money, but doing something that I love. I’m so much happier. It’s all about making the right choice for you.
One year ago today I was prepping all the stuff I needed for my first Christmas at work doing it myself. Our secretary left and we didn’t have the funds to replace her. I was scared as heck but super excited. I made it through and I’m so ready for this year to be better.
Congrats on your “anniversary!”
This is one of my favorite posts you have written, Tina. I love seeing your joy and happiness shine through! 🙂
I’m making some big changes in my life soon, too. Hope they turn out as well as yours!
Madly working on my 25000 word Honours thesis and dreaming about the four months of travel I had ahead of me. While I wouldn’t want to relive the thesis, I do want to do the travel again…
One year ago I was working a job that didn’t fulfill me….and I was misrable. Since then I got into grad school, quit my job, and landed two jobs that I love!
One year ago today I had been back from my honeymoon for a few days and was starting to study for the RD exam!
Moving into our new house!! memories are flooding back 🙂
wow, has it already been a year. I remember reading your post last year about the changes in your life. Thank you for letting all of us be a part of this journey with you. I find you to be inspirational and full of healthy eating ideas. You are my go-to inspiration for food, health and appreciate your time and energy to this blog. Thanks for the indirect and direct way through which you have changed my life towards better eating. Congrats.