I know I teased on Wednesday about big news today. I hate when people do that so I won’t keep you in suspense any longer…
I quit my job.
To give a little background: In May of 2013 I started a job with an appraisal company as a writer. It’s a small company with 12-ish employees (they’ve come and gone over the last three years). It was a great job with wonderful people- I’m very, very appreciative to have spent the last +3 years of my life there. I’ve never had to resign from a job where I liked my boss, enjoyed my co-workers, and had relatively no complaints about what I did- it was tough to do, emotionally. Today is my last day.
So where am I headed?
The stars have aligned and K offered me a job at our company. (I say “our” but really he’s been the one building it for the last four years.) One of his administrative employees is leaving the company and his position isn’t one that can go unfilled. K is changing hats and taking over sales (in addition to designing the products) and I’m taking over any and all administrative/HR/accounts/social media work.
“I could NEVER work with my spouse…”
I’m very excited for the switch. I’m glad that I don’t have to forfeit the flexibility that I had with my old job and I love the guys that work for K (which includes my father-in-law). Plus, I get to bring Enzo with me whenever I want!
Am I nervous to work along side my husband? No. So many people have asked me this or raised an eyebrow when we’ve told them the plan. Building a business was hard, but we were careful to put one another first throughout the years- I don’t see that changing. If you know us, you know that we are both ridiculously stubborn and bullheaded. But you also know that A) we’re perfectionists and B) we understand one another without having to exchange words. So honestly, I’m not concerned. My job is only being done by me- I’m not being micromanaged. I think this is going to work out well for us.
So that’s that. On to some 2017 goals/resolutions!
Be Healthy.
I hate the idea of dieting. I like to enjoy food- regardless of the calorie count. That said, I know there are millions of yummy & healthy meals out there, and I’d like to make more of them. Also, I need to get my body moving. This is a vague goal, but I think y’all know what I mean.
Feel Less Guilty About Downtime.
I am the person that can’t lay on the couch all day staring at the TV with nothing to do. I feel guilty reading more than a chapter when there’s a hamper of dirty laundry in corner. I never take the time to write when I’m home because my mind won’t quiet down about all the chores. So I’m going to work on turning off the responsibilities and turning on the relaxation.
Read more.
Last year I read 25 books. This year I’m aiming for 40.
Become a Morning Person.
My morning routine is ridiculous (a.k.a. nonexistent). This is the year I stop rolling out of bed at 7:30 for an 8 am clock-in and I start brewing some coffee, enjoying my shower, and avoiding the snooze button. *Yes I’m working for K, but he still expects me to be at work on time!
Get on Schedule.
What I mean is… figure out meal planning, get the house on some kind of cleaning schedule, figure out a walk/bath/grooming routine for the dogs. Despite my downtime resolution, we need a little more order and routine in our house.
Last year I made the following goals : Start running | Learn to cook more (vegetarian) meals | Find a word for 2016 | Read & write more | Volunteer
(Here’s the original post for these) Quick summary… I did not start running or writing more, but I did find a few new recipes, read more books, pick a word (“embrace”) and find a place to volunteer. So as Jen would say…
Word of the Year
Last year I chose the word “embrace” and it was fitting. I learned to embrace the nothingness between life’s big moments. (I’m terrible with downtime/limbo/lack of progress.) I learned to embrace new career opportunities and spontaneous home maintenance and last minute car purchases and random vacation pit stops. I’m ending the year with a messy house but I’ve got a perfect partner and happy dogs and a warm bed- so embracing the now and the waiting and the surprises has paid off.
I don’t have a word/phrase for 2017 yet…
2016 Summary
What can I say about this year… It was a pretty stationary year for us. Some highlights included Elliot’s 1st & my grandma’s 80th birthday party, our 3rd wedding anniversary, two NASCAR races (Bristol, TN & Loudon, NH), Fred & Christina’s wedding, new cars for both of us, some yoga, lots of family, new front yard landscaping, spending almost every day with K, meeting business milestones, cuddling the dogs, going to movies and dinners and showers and bachelor/ette parties with friends, two trips to the east coast, and concerts with the husband and friends.
* The end of 2016 is weird for us… We’re in the middle of career transitions, we lost a close friend on Christmas day, and we’re slowly emerging from a long-running limbo into a new normal. I’m really hoping that 2017 brings some progress and success. I could use a break from the sadness and shock. The end of 2016 was as glum as the entire year. I’m hopeful 2017 will be infinitely better for us and for you ❤︎
That was a lot of information and news… Sorry about all that. I promise I’m done until 2017 😉 Also, in 2017 I’m going to try out a Tuesday/Thursday posting schedule. (Typically I post MWF.) We’ll see how the two-a-week thing goes!
Have a happy new year, my friends!
Life as Louise 
Hey, I work with my husband, too! We ended up working under the same boss and department, but we’ve never had a problem (nor did our boss). There are a lot more pros than anyone could imagine, really!
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Thanks for the encouragement, Jae 🙂 Originally I was more nervous about the being around each other all the time thing, but honestly I think it’s going to work out just fine!
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That is so exciting you’re going to work for Kyle’s company!!!! I didn’t realize he started his own–that is awesome, and it’s so cool that you guys are such a good team. ❤️❤️❤️ I love those goals and defininitely need to get moving too. I live a 100% sedentary lifestyle. If I used a step-counter I’d be continually reminded I take 6 steps a day. 😂
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Thanks, Julie! Yeah, he started it in 2012 and it’s grown pretty fast over the years. We’re excited! I own a fitbit but I don’t even bother wearing it right now *sigh* haha. This year I’m hoping to take a few more steps than normal, ha.
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I love this and am so excited for you! I hope you love it.
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Thank you, Christine!!
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Very excited for your new adventure! My mom went to work at my dad’s office when I was 18 and has been there ever since (I’m 32 now) so don’t sweat it if someone tells you it won’t work. It’ll be great 🙂
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Thanks, Stephanie 🙂 There have been a few nay-sayers, but my grandparents have always worked together (and they’re pretty similar in personality to K and me) so most of my fears have subsided. Thank goodness 😉
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WOWWWWW – that’s so exciting!!!
I think working with a spouse would be a wonderful thing – not a bad thing at all. You dont have ot go home & ‘recap’ your work day 😉 haha
Congrats on that.
Sorry you lost a friend on Christmas. 2016 has just been a booger on taking people out of this world.
Happy New year my beautiful friend!
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Ha, at dinner I’ve still been asking him how work was and what he did. Technically we’re in rooms next to each other, but I really don’t know what he’s up to most of the day. Lol.
2016 was definitely a tough one as far as people leaving this world. I’m glad to start anew 🙂
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Congrats on the new job!! That sounds perfect, and I’m sure you guys will work great together. I’m sure he knows you well enough to know how you work, already and you have a communication system closer than regular employees. Your year sounds like it was full and pretty happy. Both of you getting new cars is also a big thing.
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We’d been looking for a new car for me for a while so I was pretty happen when we found one! K always ends up spontaneously finding a truck he likes. Ha. *eyeroll*
Thanks so much! I’m excited for the future!
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Congratulations!!! I think some couple dynamics could not work with their spouse, and others can do it easily. It’s like the saying that no one really knows what goes on in a marriage except the people in it…so why make assumptions about yours?!
I definitely need to embrace the ‘be healthy’ thing SOON, because I think I’ve gained some weight recently and things aren’t fitting well and it’s bumming me out majorly. Also, reading. Maybe not more for me, but keeping it steady!
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Thank you! I agree with you. And honestly, four years ago I couldn’t have worked for K. Our dynamics and personalities have changed and matured.
I’m terrible at being active. I need to consciously put some effort into it! I just finished my first book of the year and I feel SO GOOD!
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YAY! I am so excited for you!! 2017 is going to be so much better with a job you care about.
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Thank you!! I think so, too!! 😀
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Best wishes on your new adventure careerwise! I know a lot of couples that work together and are just fine. I think if the circumstances were right, Chris and I would be fine working together if we had our own company. We would compliment each others strengths and weaknesses and I feel a lot of couples are that way, even if they are stubborn. I am totally going to be working on my health and fitness in 2017 since I let that go out the window while being pregnant. I wish all the best for you in 2017! Happy New Year!
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Thank you! Years ago we couldn’t have done it- and I know that- but our dynamic as a team is so different now and I’m really excited for the opportunity!
You did what was absolutely best for baby! No shame in that! Good luck with all your food challenge and exercises, though, when they happen!
Thank you so much!! You, too! Happy 2017!
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You have lots to look forward to in 2017! I’m sure you’ll love working for K! I’ve been kicking and screaming about my word but it needs to happen because I’m an adult. You’ll have to check it in the new year!
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I sure hope so! 😉
I have no idea what word or phrase to go with… Can’t wait to see yours!
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Oh I’m so sorry you lost a friend!
Congratulations on the career change!! That sounds ideal. I have no doubt you will both thrive.
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Thank you. He was a close, long time friend of my husband. It was pretty unexpected 😦
Thank you!!
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Hugely exciting! Congratulations to you, I know you will rock it in your new role. Plus, Enzo can go. What’s not to like? Cheers to an awesome 2017.
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Thank you, thank you!! I’m so excited to bring Enzo with me! (I haven’t yet because I’m trying to train without him under my feet, haha.) 2017 is feelin’ good!
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I am SO excited for you, lady! What a wonderful change! Also, I am setting an alarm in my phone to check your blog in 2017 because I’m the worst at checking blogs on Tuesday and Thursdays!
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Thank you!!
Gah, I don’t know if I’ll be able to stick to Tues/Thurs… I’m not a fan yet and it’s totally messing me up as far as what day it is. Ha! (But I appreciate the alarm! Feel free to comment any day!)
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WOW! 2017 is going to be such an exciting year for you!! I love that you are going to be working with your husband. I think that you two will work well together. Plus, you will be even more invested in what you are doing. I really want to make a good morning routine and overall routine in 2017. With moving twice I never really got into any kind of cleaning/cooking/meal planing routine. Every day was different. If you come up with any tricks please let me know!
Finally, I am a big fan of twice per week bogging. The past month or so with the holidays it’s been about once per week or less but usually I try for twice per week. I think that is a good balance for me. When I first started blogging, I tried to post 3x/week and it just got to be too much for me. You can always throw in a third post if you want to or go back to 3x/week.
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Thanks, girl! I’m so excited to have a job where I’m very invested emotionally!
Oh heavens. I just can’t figure out mornings. Right now I’m at the end of a cold, fighting to get better, so mornings are tough…
Right now I’m missing my three per week posting, but honestly I think it’s just because now I can’t keep the days straight. Ha!
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Exciting new changes!! It sounds like 2017 is going to be awesome!
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I sure hope so 😉 Thank you!
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Congratulations on the new job! I hope you and K have a great time working together. I think it’s absolutely possible to work with your spouse. I wouldn’t say no to working with Kris, I think we’d get along quite well.
I am so looking forward to this New Year, I can’t wait to get back into a life schedule, which sort of fell apart at the end of last year.
Here’s to a great 2017! For you and everyone else! Happy New Year!
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Thank you! A handful of people have been wary, but most folks have congratulated us!
I think 2017 feels fresh. I know some people see it as just another day (Jan. 1), but I think it feels fresh and new!
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happy new year!
i work alongside my husband; have been for the past 8years or so…we work in the same dept, under the same director and currently, we’re on the same project. people think that’s weird but we only “interact” on a personal level when the entire team sits down for lunch and i never go on breaks with him nor do we talk about personal stuff at work – we keep it strictly professional.
people outside of our team don’t know we’re married (i kept my maiden name) but it’s also great that we work together because when i think something is stupid on our project, i can openly say it without filtering my words (when we’re at home, of course) because he’s my husband!
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Wooooooah, that’s so interesting about your work dynamic with your husband! I was most nervous about spending all that time together and not getting fed up or fussy, but we are both pretty quiet in the office (it’s just the two of us) and we don’t chat all day and we still have our own spaces in the house where we hang out if we need some space. It’s only been two days, but I haven’t felt any negative repercussions from the new job 🙂
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Congrats on the job change! Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
I read 25 books last year too and pumped up my goal to 50. Let’s do this!
I feel like you were inside my head when you were talking about the downtime thing. I am 100% the same. I struggle big time with relaxing because I know there is always something that needs to be done like dishes. Ugh. It’s a curse, I tell ya!
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Thank you!! I think I should’ve set my goal at 25 last year… I’d have met it by the skin of my teeth, at least. Ha!
I’ve been trying SO HARD to relax. I actually have already finished a book and spent time on the couch with the husband and dogs. Hopefully I can figure out the balance!
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Great changes for you, dear. A promising year. 🙂
Happy 2017!
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Thank you so much!! Happy 2017!
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That’s so exciting! Congratulations and good luck with your new job!!! I’ll admit, I personally wouldn’t want to work with my husband, but that’s mostly because I worked with both my exes and it was terrible. I’m sure it would be better with my husband since he’s a reasonable human being, but I wouldn’t want to find out the hard way. Plus we have different values – I’m very much into running my own business and he likes being a part of a bigger company so it’s unlikely that we’d ever be interested in the same thing.
And yes to the schedule resolution! We’re so bad at routines for anything and I feel like that’s going to make life a lot harder when we have a baby. ‘Cause, you know, I hear they like routines. Or something. Lol!
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Thank you! I think it’s important to be self-aware enough to know that, though. Four years ago K and I couldn’t have worked together. I was immature and he wasn’t good at being a boss. Haha. Fortunately, he’s now a wonderful boss and I’m way less volatile. On the flip side, K is a terrible employee. Ha. I don’t necessarily like being managed, but I don’t like all the responsibility to fall to me. This job is perfect for me! 🙂
Ha. I’m pretty good at social schedules, but cleaning/dogs/food goes without structure. Oops!
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yayayayayay!!! i am SO excited that you and K are working together!!! as you know, my husband and i have worked together for the past 4 years and while it’s challenging at times, it’s also so rewarding and fun! super excited for you both! excitinggggg!
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Thanks, Chelsea!! I’m so excited. You two were the first ones I thought of when K and I started discussing it. I’m glad the dream of working for PI has become a reality!
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Congratulations!! My brother and sister have worked together for many, many years without problems, so it absolutely can be done! I actually work with my brother a lot too, although we are separated by many, many miles, and it has brought us closer. Being healthy is definitely one of my goals this year. It always is but I tend to fail it at. This year I am really resolved and committed to getting healthy. I don’t struggle with guilt over down-time. I am someone who needs downtime to feel human. When I don’t get it. I am er…… rather bitchy. 😀 Good luck on your 2017 goals and new job. I can’t wait to see what this year brings you!
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Thank you, Tanya 🙂
I’m terrible about being active. I hope I can change that this year. (I hate exercise so I’ll either have to get disciplined or creative!)
I need alone time or I get bitchy 😉 But still, sometimes I clean or do laundry in that alone time! I need to learn to just chill and watch a movie or three in a row!
Thanks, again, friend!!
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Ah! This is all very exciting! 🙂 I’m so happy for you and glad that you are doing well there so far. KC and I work in the same office.. but we don’t work together on projects. We’re just in the same building. Everyone is creeped out by how much time we spend together.. LOL I like your goals for 2017 and I agree, I am so bad at doing downtime. KC makes me do something fun while he does dishes sometimes lol. Good luck with everything and with picking a word for 2017. I am also very very bad at dealing with these years of no change. Maybe embrace should be mine… hahah Still working on my goals for this year! XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
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Thanks, Alexandra! I was worried about the time spent together. Honestly, though, nothing has changed. We’ve actually been hanging out together MORE at home this week. (I think that’s just coincidence.)
Downtime is so tough. K doesn’t do too many chores around the house, but he also isn’t picky about anything getting done. When I’m fussy and running all around the house he calls me over to the couch and tells me to just relax. Haha.
“Embrace” worked out well for me this year 😉
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Super congrats on the new job! That’s going to be a fun shift!
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Thank you, Michael! I think so, too!!
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