The Curious Break

When I made the decision to walk away from a future at my Big 4 firm, I promised myself I’d let go of my strong type A drive. I’ve always been a hard-charger—motivating teams, driving results, and tackling challenges head-on. So I’m not going to lie, it was a real battle not to treat my first month of ‘unwinding’ as just another project to manage. My first official Monday of unemployment began with me frantically downloading the Outlook app, just to keep a schedule at hand. I even found myself creating to-dos just to check them off for a sense of accomplishment.

To better capture the transition, I’ve decided I want to check in with myself to track progress (or lack thereof). I’ll follow a consistent format each month, using it as a canvas to measure growth, moments of joy, and even setbacks.

1. What brought me joy this month?

• Going Home: I traveled back to New York with my sister. We grew up on Long Island where Broadway often marked some kind of celebration. This trip was a birthday gift, with Sunset Blvd starring Nicole Scherzinger as the main event. Even the road trip was nostalgic—filled with memories of college drives, holiday trips (including one brutal seven-hour Thanksgiving commute), and belting out songs like the road-trip divas we were. It felt like a long overdue reunion with a part of myself I’d put on hold.
• The Battle of the Piles: Small wins were a big theme this month. I finally reorganized my closet and tackled the ever-present pile of clothes on the floor. In the same spirit, I cleared my overflowing email inbox—including an epic unsubscribe purge—and gave my nightstand a much-needed tidy-up. These were little things that had lingered on my to-do list forever, but crossing them off felt like a meaningful step toward simplifying my life.
• Fitness: I started running again. Progress is slow, but I’m doing it, and that’s what matters right now.

2. What challenged me, and how did I handle it?

• Feeling like a Failure: Despite having no regrets about leaving, I still feel wired to be productive and “successful.” It’s hard to let go of those measures, and I’m grappling with this shift. I’m learning to reframe what success looks like for me during this time. Right now, that means trying to see value in moments of stillness and growth without any tangible achievement.

3. What progress did I make toward my personal or career goals?

• Job Propositions: I had a few requests to connect via LinkedIn or through email, which were thinly veiled job offers. I’m only now having more exploratory conversations, but I’m cautious about pursuing any roles that feel too familiar.
• Personal Growth: Serendipitously, a licensing agency reached out the day before my last day at Big 4 to use a rainbow cookie video I made last holiday season. Despite having zero experience in monetizing content, I signed the agreement and was pleasantly surprised by the payout. While I could have researched better, it’s sparked new energy for food content creation. This unexpected opportunity has not only reignited my creativity but also opened new paths that align with my interests. I’m dedicating the next three months to making short-form videos and connecting with other creators to learn more about the business.

4.How did I invest in my relationships this month?

• Importance of Relationships: The first few weeks have been full of reconnecting with friends and colleagues. Having time is the greatest gift, and these interactions have been inspiring, heartwarming, and sometimes downright silly. I reconnected with friends over coffee, laughed until I cried, and shared stories that reminded me how vital these relationships are. It fills me up and reminds me how vital it is for me to feel connected while also contributing to my relationships.
• Future Connections: I plan to keep building on these relationships by being more intentional—whether it’s meeting for coffee, attending events, and staying in touch more consistently. Building a broader network and maintaining these ties are a high priority moving forward.

This first month has been all about letting go of habits I was ready to say goodbye to. As I turn the corner, I’m excited to try some new hobbies, find meaningful ways to spend my time (especially through volunteer work), and continue exploring how to monetize my cooking content.