The Four Year Cycle

Fourth row at Closing Ceremonies - Beijng 2008 Olympic Games

Jered, a former colleague, once shared a theory about the four year cycle. In America, it is common to start preschool around age four.  You soon progress to high school – again, a period of four years.  Give or take, those proceeding to college spend four years at the university of their choice. It then takes about four more years to become truly established in his/her profession, or in some cases, go on another 3-4 years in continued studies.

Olympic Village - Vancouver 2010 Olympics

It has been more than four years – five years, four months and three days to be exact – since I joined a Chicago-based PR agency - one of the most welcoming homes I’ve had to-date.

Climbing The Great Wall of China, wrestling lion cubs in South Africa, attending two Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup, meeting countless celebrities and gaining incredible friends in numerous countries… it has been the type of journey many only dream of doing over multiple decades, let alone having the privilege to call it “work” and enjoying it in a mere handful of years.

So why am I ending this cycle? Believe me, it isn’t easy, but the girl who once hated change is now the woman embracing the opportunities that it accompanies. It is as if my guardian angel (Happy Mother’s Day, Momma!) delivered the PERFECT job opening as a reward for demonstrating the work ethic and commitment she and my dad taught me years ago.  

Final Match - 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

I’m excited to join the world’s largest independent PR firm. As one of their newest vice presidents, I will learn from exceptional leaders and help mentor outstanding staffers. After the very first meeting with my new boss, I knew this life changing door was one that couldn’t go unopened. Not only do my past experiences correlate with the new position, but it will allow me to master communications skills in the hospitality industry – a personal love of mine that is reflected in my college minor and even this 30b430 list.

While I practically ran a few pens dry from the countless thank you cards (#7) and will now have the means to reach #10 sooner than expected, it is #06 I can cross off – work/life balance. This exciting career change has opened doors to other opportunities in my personal life that I thought were years away. More to come in future Extra+Ordinary posts. C’mon, don’t be surprised by this teaser – I still have nine more months to go!

Climbing The Great Wall of China

I dedicate this post to my amazing former colleagues – especially WL – and the clients who serve one of the world’s most iconic brands, yet took the time on Friday to give me one of the most memorable days – not just career-related, but of my life.  This combined group morphed me from a strong junior PR practitioner into a master storyteller.  I’ll be forever thankful to each and every one of them.

Here’s to great memories and new beginnings as another cycle begins.