Over a year ago, I stepped away from a traditional full-time position. It’s not for everyone. And honestly, it wasn’t always easy.
This past year had more loss in it than I expected. I lost my grandmother and my aunt. I lost close friends, some of them unexpectedly. In May, someone ran a stop sign and I ended up in a car accident. Those were the moments that hit hardest. The ones I still sit with sometimes.
But life keeps moving. A cousin got married and it was a beautiful wedding: family together for something good instead of a life service. Some of my closest cousins made a point to actually do something together. I went horseback riding with my cousin Melissa, something we hadn’t done in a couple of years. And I worked on my grandmother’s house with another cousin. It hadn’t been touched in years. There was something right about that.
I made a promise to myself to get back to the things that remind me who I am outside of work.
I rediscovered adventuring. I’d gotten away from it, and that was a mistake: caving, camping, kayaking, traveling. I took a friend out kayaking who hadn’t been in years. A few months later, she was gone. I got my mom her own kayak and spent most of the trip towing her because she got tired. She also doesn’t know how to swim. That trip was something.
Last October I went on a weekend camping trip to get back into caving. In January I did a sporty cave: traversing, frog walking. IYKYK. The trip host asked beforehand if it was something I actually wanted to do. I’d only ever done horizontal caving. Nothing like this. I was scared going in. I did it anyway.
At home, I tackled projects that had been sitting too long: new flooring in the bathrooms, an updated closet that actually fits things now, some siding work, and 8 trees cut that were too close to the house. The list never fully ends. That’s just how houses work.
And Sam. I thought I was going to lose him when lumps appeared again and kept growing. They were removed and he bounced back. But he knows his limits now. He wants to chase the neighborhood cat. He just can’t anymore. He’s officially retired: campfire warmth, a full bowl, and all the attention he can get. Not a bad deal.
Through all of it, I kept my hand in work. A few project-based websites. A show promotion for a friend who needed it done last minute. I wouldn’t have done it for just anybody.
I don’t post much on here. I’m working on changing that. I have a lot to share. I’ve always been more of an introvert: speaking up comes naturally in a small, familiar group but not as much out here. Honestly, I just need to get over it.
If you’ve made it this far: I’m ready for what’s next. Open to the right opportunity, whether that’s a project, a contract, or a full-time role.
Let’s talk over coffee. ☕
Cathy is a dynamic one-person powerhouse overseeing marketing and ecommerce operations in Marietta, GA where she is a is a pivotal member for a prominent industrial industrial hose, hydraulic, and rubber solutions provider.
Beyond the workplace, she finds solace and inspiration in adventurous and exhilarating pursuits like skydiving and caving to roughing it weekend camping trips with friends and family.
With a unique blend of professional expertise and a zest for life’s adventures, Cathy is committed to driving success both in and out of the office. And of course with that cup of coffee in hand!