what it's like to be jewish in america right now. plus: what i do when i'm feeling down, an amazing thriller, the most perfect risotto recipe, and more
I love what you shared about being a "do-er" and struggling with your identity without a "job". What you've done for yourself is so much more powerful than just accepting the offer that comes your way. You're actively choosing yourself and prioritizing soul-fulfilling actions, which takes time to unravel and re-learn.
Ah I relate to so much of what you've shared about your job search and the mental strain of it all. I spent all of 2019 unemployed and frankly it was one of the best years of my life! After I spent the first half of it recovering from a level of burnout I didn't know existed and a very abusive work environment, I spent the second half of the year just being me and oh my god it felt so good. My only regret is that I didn't lean in more! If someone had told me I'd get a job in January 2020 I would have leaned into the freedom of 2019 and unemployment so much more. Gone on more trips, not cared if I had days in a row of "not doing anything", explored more, etc. Sending you all the good vibes for when the right opportunity comes along, but also hoping you get a chance to feel peace in the stage you are in now!
A lovely round-up Sarah! Sorry to hear the week started out rocky. Must be something in the air, I had a similar ride. Making cookies is a good reminder. Getting our hands dirty and focusing on the moment can be pretty powerful. Thanks for sharing honestly with us and glad to see you ended up with extra sprinkles because unlearning is hard work. xx
New reader here! I quit my job in Dec 2020 and am still unemployed. My break turned from a couple months to a year, and then a couple years. Over the past 3 years I've been untangling the "work/doer/high achiever = my entire identity" mentality and it is no small feat. There are days, like today, where I curse myself for intentionally burning everything down and admit to my journal that I don't like the life I've created for myself. And then there are other days when I'm so damn proud of myself for choosing ME. When I'm proud of myself for acting on the belief that work can be a *part* of life that you like and enjoy. That you don't have to suck it up and be miserable until you retire.
New reader here and so glad I found your newsletter! I left my job in September after finally listening to the little voice in my head (although to be fair I had waited until it was more of a blood curdling scream that was impossible to ignore). I too have been trying to unwire my "doer" identity and show myself some grace. It’s hard. Every day feels like a struggle. But I’m still trying and that’s what matters. Thank you for sharing your experience! It helps to know there are others on this crazy ride.
I'm so glad you're sharing all of this. I've had a few disappointing things going on and it's just so selfishly good to hear that other people have hurdles too. When the rest of the internet is such a highlight reel, it can feel like everything is working out for everyone else. Anyway, thank you for keeping it real.
I love what you shared about being a "do-er" and struggling with your identity without a "job". What you've done for yourself is so much more powerful than just accepting the offer that comes your way. You're actively choosing yourself and prioritizing soul-fulfilling actions, which takes time to unravel and re-learn.
That Quince dress is phenomenal. (I have four colors).
And also, thank you for sharing where you’re currently at with such eloquence and thoughtfulness.
OOH! which colors do you recommend?!
I wear the navy one far too much, but the gingham is perfection.
Ah I relate to so much of what you've shared about your job search and the mental strain of it all. I spent all of 2019 unemployed and frankly it was one of the best years of my life! After I spent the first half of it recovering from a level of burnout I didn't know existed and a very abusive work environment, I spent the second half of the year just being me and oh my god it felt so good. My only regret is that I didn't lean in more! If someone had told me I'd get a job in January 2020 I would have leaned into the freedom of 2019 and unemployment so much more. Gone on more trips, not cared if I had days in a row of "not doing anything", explored more, etc. Sending you all the good vibes for when the right opportunity comes along, but also hoping you get a chance to feel peace in the stage you are in now!
A lovely round-up Sarah! Sorry to hear the week started out rocky. Must be something in the air, I had a similar ride. Making cookies is a good reminder. Getting our hands dirty and focusing on the moment can be pretty powerful. Thanks for sharing honestly with us and glad to see you ended up with extra sprinkles because unlearning is hard work. xx
hard work indeed. thank you for the kind words!
New reader here! I quit my job in Dec 2020 and am still unemployed. My break turned from a couple months to a year, and then a couple years. Over the past 3 years I've been untangling the "work/doer/high achiever = my entire identity" mentality and it is no small feat. There are days, like today, where I curse myself for intentionally burning everything down and admit to my journal that I don't like the life I've created for myself. And then there are other days when I'm so damn proud of myself for choosing ME. When I'm proud of myself for acting on the belief that work can be a *part* of life that you like and enjoy. That you don't have to suck it up and be miserable until you retire.
New reader here and so glad I found your newsletter! I left my job in September after finally listening to the little voice in my head (although to be fair I had waited until it was more of a blood curdling scream that was impossible to ignore). I too have been trying to unwire my "doer" identity and show myself some grace. It’s hard. Every day feels like a struggle. But I’m still trying and that’s what matters. Thank you for sharing your experience! It helps to know there are others on this crazy ride.
I'm so glad you're sharing all of this. I've had a few disappointing things going on and it's just so selfishly good to hear that other people have hurdles too. When the rest of the internet is such a highlight reel, it can feel like everything is working out for everyone else. Anyway, thank you for keeping it real.
There’s a trick to having lilacs last longer. Smash the ends of the stems with a hammer. That way these thirsty flowers can take up more water.
I am trying to do less myself which isn’t easy as a caregiver.