I experienced a good bit of excitement in my 30s. I had a baby at 31, completely changed careers from advertising to finance at 32, got divorced and moved at 33, launched my first Jen’s Little Black Book restaurant guide at 34, and ran the New York City Marathon at 36. Damn I had energy back then!
I remember thinking that life was moving so quickly and that I still had so much to do! I was always focused on the next goal I wanted to accomplish or the next place I wanted to visit, or the next size in clothes my son would need, and of course the next thirty or so restaurants I wanted to try. (I always had a running list.)
I was finally prepared to sit back and rest on my laurels when I knew I was closing my very first monster deal in factoring. I saw myself peacocking around the office for weeks, strutting around holiday parties, and having my social calendar booked well into the future. And then the craziest thing happened– the deal closed, and I was crestfallen! Yes, I was slated to receive fat commission checks for the foreseeable future and yes, I had cemented myself in the industry as a real broker, but my pipeline was empty, and I had no “next” on which to focus. The ride was over, and the thrill was gone.
As much as I live in the moment, or at the table, and in the present, I am a planner. The future gives me purpose and allows me to dream about what’s next. Lately these “plans” of mine haven’t exactly worked out the way I “planned.” Do they ever??
But had I landed a great job last year, I’m not so sure this website and blog would have ever happened, and I’ve never been happier or more fulfilled doing what I love.
Yes, Dad. I’m still interviewing for an actual paying job. And no, I haven’t heard back from The Food Network or the folks at Ziploc. (Class? Anyone? Anyone?) I was open to what was next (thank you, Anita Hall!) because my path seemed uncertain. Now as I move forward with slightly more confidence and direction, the only thing I’m planning is lunch. Who’s hungry?
jenslittleblackbook.com 