Renewal.

After nearly four years of working from home, I’m closing a chapter and leaving the bear den. On Monday, I start a new job... my first since moving here, and it feels so right. The process happened quickly, but saying goodbye to my former employer was deeply emotional. Building relationships over almost four years and then walking away was one of the toughest things I’ve done in a long time.

Because I don’t live in the same province, I won’t bump into former colleagues around town. That makes it bittersweet:... tough because of the distance, but also easier, almost like a clean break.

Spending 90% of my time at home, I grew comfortable in the comfiest clothes, tucked away in the bear den. My outings were limited to groceries, adventures with Muffin, and family time. When we moved here 3.5 years ago, I didn’t feel the need to make local connections... my relationships were all online with out-of-province coworkers. I tried a few community groups, but they didn’t stick.

This new role changes that. I’ll be working with people from my own community, serving the place we’ve called home for years. That thought alone brings me joy. It feels like a door opening to possibility, connection, and involvement. I imagine a corporate team organizing local events, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds throughout the year!

I believe spending time with people in person will be energizing, not draining. Over the past four years, I’ve grown in ways that will help me navigate tougher situations better than I did in my last office role. This position also offers room for growth within the company and brings more financial stability for our future

I’ll admit, I struggled with the decision. On a video call with my manager, emotions clouded my thinking and made me second-guess myself. Later that day, I reminded myself that letting emotions take over can blur healthy decision-making. It was sad to say goodbye, but I know it was the right choice.

No more annual trips that left me drained after three days of social events. Instead, I’ll spend my days building connections right here, in the community where we planted roots.

This new chapter holds opportunities for growth, confidence, and possibility. It’s a chance to step out of the bear den and into something brighter, something that feels aligned with where I am now!

~ Honey 🍯