Big Announcement!

January 28, 2011 by Jessica 23 Comments

I got a new job! Yay!

You have to be careful with what you share of your life when putting information out on the Interwebs. I’ve not given many details about my career, although if you are a close follower, you probably know or have put together the sparse details I have shared. But I’ll tell you that most recently I have been the executive director of the Ava Gardner Museum, prior to that I was the executive director of a local arts council, and that I’ve mostly worked my entire career in non-profit land. My new job is still in non-profit land, but it’s not a leadership role, which I’m actually relieved about. Whoever said “Heavy is the head that wears the crown” wasn’t lying; its exhausting and it’s easy to get burnt out quick.

My new job is Online Marketing Specialist with GCFlearnfree.org , a free, online computer, technology and life skills training site and is a part of the Goodwill Community Foundation. Online marketing is something I’ve done in my previous jobs, especially when I worked for the local NBC affiliate for a short while in 2008-09, and I’m excited to secure a position where I’ll be able to focus on social media and online marketing to promote a worthy cause. The fact that it’s a pay increase with benefits like health insurance and retirement is awesome too.

Number 6 on my 40 Things to Do Before I’m 40 is “Begin a retirement fund.” I’m past 30 now and have not yet begun a retirement fund. This is in large part due to the fact that the jobs I’ve had in my adult life didn’t offer a retirement fund as a benefit, so with no matching funds from an employer, there wasn’t much incentive to put away a bit from my already meager salary. This was also on my 2011 goals, so by getting a new job, I’ve gotten this thing accomplished almost by default.

The only drawback to this new job is that I won’t get vacation until after I’ve been with the company for an entire year. And even then it will only be 2 weeks. I’ve been spoiled by having 3 weeks or more for the past 5 years. Oh well. That just means no trips to Scandinavia anytime soon!

So yay! for new jobs, new challenges, and new life experiences! My thirties are already looking up!

Life Management

finances, new job, retirement

About Jessica

Mild mannered marketing drone by day. Bucket list adventurer by late afternoon. Having first drafted a list in high school, Jessica's list of things to do before she dies has slowly taken over her life and consumes her thoughts. Because of the list, she has traveled to Mordor, plummeted towards the Earth's surface from 13,000 feet up, cavorted with whale sharks in open water, skinny dipped herself into the Guinness World Book, and cursed the day she was born during the last miles of a Marathon. It's safe to say that if Jessica is doing it, it's on the list.

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23 Responses to “Big Announcement!”

melissa Reply January 28, 2011 at 4:06 pm

Congrats on the new job! It always feels great to start something new- especially when it’s something you love. It sounds like a really cool position too.
- Jessica Reply January 28, 2011 at 4:30 pm
  
  Oh, I’m definitely excited. This is a brand new position for them and I think there will be a lot of “free rein” in regards to how to go about getting results. It’ll be an oppty to be creative and learn a lot too, which is something I always value in a job.
CeCe Reply January 28, 2011 at 6:28 pm

On the upside (regarding the no vacation time for a year)….you can now get creative planning some fun weekend getaways…but yippeeeee for the new job. Congrats.
- Jessica Reply January 29, 2011 at 10:55 am
  
  Yeah, we definitely are already thinking about going to Asheville for a hot air balloon ride and the Biltmore Estate, our annual white water rafting trip to WV, and to the beach, of course!
elleswim Reply January 28, 2011 at 6:45 pm

Congrats on your new job, that sounds like a great opportunity! Good luck!
Gina Reply January 28, 2011 at 7:27 pm

CONGRATULATIONS!! Did you get to check off “leaving a job you hate”?
- Jessica Reply January 29, 2011 at 10:57 am
  
  Nah. Being at the Ava Gardner Museum wasn’t a job that I hated. I’ve actually checked this thing to do off with another job anyway (I’ve got a post on it, actually, although all names have been changed to protect the stupid)
Miranda Reply January 29, 2011 at 2:04 am

This is fantastic! Way to go! I hope you’re out celebrating tonight!
- Jessica Reply January 29, 2011 at 10:57 am
  
  I drank did two shots and was in bed by midnight. Does that count as celebrating?
Shelley Reply January 29, 2011 at 5:06 am

Congratulations! This sounds fantastic.

With no vacations, it’s the perfect time to found out what is in your own back yard.

I don’t live far from stonehenge but I have yet to see it. lol!
Fidel Che Reply January 29, 2011 at 6:17 am

Congrats on the new job, Jessica! This doesn’t mean that you’ll be blogging less does it?
- Jessica Reply January 29, 2011 at 10:59 am
  
  Well, my new job involves blogging so I may do it even more!
Annette Renee White Reply January 29, 2011 at 10:58 am

Congrats on your new career adventure!!
Jessica Reply January 29, 2011 at 11:00 am

Thanks for the comments guys! I’m really excited about this new chapter in my life. It’s so strange to think of where I am now, compared to where I started out. Life takes you down such interesting paths!
Steven Reply January 29, 2011 at 11:51 pm

I’ll add my congrats to the list!
Jenna Reply January 31, 2011 at 12:13 am

Yes, the two week vacation does make one go “yack”-but no vacation? Damn girl. You just reminded me to count my blessings.

I almost choked on my peppermint bark upon learning that you had no retirement account. For shame!
Steve Reply January 31, 2011 at 12:25 pm

Congratulations on the new job. Way to go!
Phil Echols Reply February 9, 2011 at 10:04 pm

Congrats on the new job Amazing site. I’ll be checking you out more often.