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After five years with Digital (and ten years in high tech), I am
leaving. My last day is next Friday, July 7th.
My short term plans are to take it easy for the summer and get to
know my daughters Caileigh (2 1/2 yrs.) and Paige (6 1/2 mos.)
better. Then I will be working for myself as a writer and consultant
on a part-time basis, and continuing work on my MBA part-time in the
fall. In a few years, I plan to start a publishing company.
This was an extremely difficult decision that took me a long time to
make. I was frightened by the idea of not having my own reliable
paycheck, and by the idea of four of us relying on my husband's
paycheck (not just on the amount, but on its continued existence). I
felt guilty that this would put additional stress on him, and that we
could not have many of the things we want because _I_ want to quit.
And I was resistant to the idea of doing what I _supposed_ to do
("Stay home with your children like a good little mother.")
On the other hand, I _do_ want to be home with my children more than
full-time work allows. My current boss will not allow me to work
part-time (as I did after Caileigh was born). (BTW, my husband's
boss at another high tech company also turned him down for
part-time.) I am not particularly happy in my current position. And
I also planned to do some "real" (not for industry) writing someday,
but never knew what I would write about. Now, I have more ideas than
I can keep up.
I finally decided that I don't have to always be the one to prove
that I can do what a man does. I finally decided that it was time to
change some of my priorities, to trust my husband, and to "go for
it."
Since I have made the decision, I am very excited about this new
phase of my life. I am working on magazine articles, mostly on
parenting issues and "topics of interest to women." Later, I hope to
write books. I would also love to pick up some free-lance writing or
consulting (in communications) on the business side, preferably at
Digital.
[BTW, I will be writing under my "maiden" name. Look for M. Tracy
Bryant on a newstand near you!]
I'm really looking forward to having more time with my kids (and
working in shorts or jeans if I want!). I will miss Digital, which
is an outstanding company in many ways.
And I will miss Womannotes tremendously. This is an incredibly
powerful and supportive community, such that few people will ever
have the opportunity to experience. I have been educated, moved and
inspired by what you all have shared. Thank you.
-Tracy
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