One huge announcement (+ upcoming life changes)

Shop my easy-breezy summer look below:

Happy Friday friends!

I’ve been vague on social media about the big life changes coming up, so now that some of the cats are out of the bag I will break it all down. This post is slightly overdue and will hopefully answer the majority of questions I’ve been getting from family, friends, and blog readers alike. It’s going to be lengthy so if you don’t care to read it all then feel free to skip to the “SparkNotes” version at the bottom.

For those of you who’ve been following along for a while now (thank you), you are aware I do not enjoy my current work situation (to put it nicely). For anyone who is new I moved from Grand Rapids, MI to Newport Beach, CA late last April to work in marketing for a supply chain logistics company. I knew almost immediately after starting the position that this was not a good fit, but I was stuck (for multiple reasons). The transition to life 2,000+ miles away from some of the most important people in my life was a challenge to say the least, and as time went on we realized that Orange County, CA isn’t the spot for us.

I did look around and interview for other jobs out here around the holidays, but about that time I had mentally decided I wasn’t going to stay in the area, so it didn’t seem to fair to a potential employer (or my resume) to find another gig for 3-4 months. I did start teaching SPIN on the side though, which really helped my morale, and gave me more purpose.

The decision to move to California was a bit rash, as a job offer presented itself much faster than I was prepared for last year. I took the leap, knowing I would always regret it if I didn’t, and am happy to say I lived in Southern California for a year. While it was challenging at times (and still is), I’m beyond grateful for every single experience and opportunity I’ve had out here that I wouldn’t have been able to do if I was living in the Midwest. California is an absolutely beautiful state, and we were able to explore a good chunk of it in a short 12 month span.

But, as many of you know, if you hate your job, that negativity seeps into all the other wonderful aspects of your life, no matter how hard you try to keep it out.

I toyed with the idea of “starting over” – moving up to LA to find a fashion related job and trying it all again, but truly I don’t have the patience or money left to do so.  The cost of living is high in Orange County, and LA is even more expensive and more congested (two things I don’t love).

The idea came to me in January about moving back, at least for the summer (aka the best time to be in Michigan). I knew I could work a fun job; we could live with our friends, see them all the time, and get to be there for all those events we’ve missed. (Graduations, birthdays, weddings, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc). I’ve been referring to it as a “re-group” period, since we’re not sure exactly how long we’re staying.

 I recognize that this is not a “career move” by any means, but that doesn’t phase me. I’m still young, and since we’re both debt free it gives us a lot more flexibility than some of our peers. I read this article yesterday (advice from a dying 24 year old), and it resonated with me. I’ve made it clear that I refuse to be complacent, to spend my hours at a desk I hate, to have dreams but never chase them, to let fear of failure get in my way. I don’t know where I’m headed next, but I can tell you what I do know:

I know what & who I value

I know what I’m passionate about

I know my strengths and weaknesses

I know I aim to positively impact people around me

And I know I’m trying to create a life I love to live and that I’m proud of.

I was hesitant at first to share about moving back, worried people would consider me a “failure” since I moved away and came back after a year. But you know what, there are plenty of people who are too afraid to make big leaps, and try things that scare them.  To me, failure is in the lack of trying, not the actual trying and “failing.”

At the end of the day you have to do what’s right for YOU, no matter what anyone else thinks. You are in control of your emotions, and while you may not be in control of everything that happens to you, you are absolutely in control of how you handle it.

I’m proud to say I tried, I learned, I experienced and I decided that Orange County isn’t the best fit for me.

Thank you to anyone who has supported me over the past year (or really ever). I appreciate you more than you know.

Much love + happy weekend!

Xo, Maddy

PS. For those who prefer the SparkNotes version:

• Today is March 31, 2017 and my LAST DAY at the job I’ve struggled with
• I will still be teaching SPIN classes through April 18th
• We will be moving BACK to Michigan late April and making an exploration road trip out of it (again)
• I do not have an exact amount of time we will be in Michigan nor do I know next steps yet.