A while back, I wrote a blog post called It’s Officially Autumn, and I have a few Confessions where I gave updates on my personal and professional life. If you missed that post, definitely take the time to check it out. To catch you up, I made a life-changing decision to leave my corporate job to pursue my passions of writing and art.
With this transition, I left a great group of friends and coworkers. And just a few days ago, I went for a dental visit and met an extraordinary individual. I realized something significant I hadn’t fully grasped until a few weeks ago and was reminded of just the other day. Let me tell you the lesson I learned when I left my day job and met one special fan of my blog.
Post originally published October 18, 2017. Updated June 2022.
My last days
When I left my 9 to 5 job, it honestly felt surreal. From the moment I put in my notice up until the last day. It was like going through the motions, tying up loose ends, and making sure transition items went smoothly. And then, on the last day, IT comes by to wipe the computer clean for the next person coming.
Wow. It really sinks in. I had a memorable seven years and learned a lot along the way. I had a lot of ups and some downs and everything in between. Professionalism aside, the one thing I am so grateful for and humbled by the most are the friendships formed and the bonds made.
Lessons Learned
It’s not just professional. It’s personal.
This was made so apparent the last couple of days being on the job. I worked in a corporate office in New York City with an office of about 40 people on the floor. Although I left of my own accord, the lesson I learned was how my presence had really impacted the people there. More specifically, I learned that from a personal level, being my authentic self brought so much value and uplifted morale in the office more than I realized.
If you know me personally, you know I’m a kind person, sweet as double-layer chocolate cake. I’m a good girl, a kind person, considerate of others, have integrity, and a creative Aquarius. I’m a good listener, love to encourage others to do their best, and have the ability to make people smile.
This I know about myself. However, I was so humbled during the last days of my employment when my friends and peers came to wish me well with gifts, heartfelt notes, and cards.
While receiving all this love and reading and talking to my peers and friends, it hit home how my words, actions, and behavior really impacted their lives for the better. It was really humbling. To hear statements like:
- “Wow, I really admire your courage to chase your dreams.”
- “You were really welcoming to me when I first started here and made me feel comfortable to ask questions and not feel silly.”
- “You are my therapist!”
- “Kamira, you are not only an exceptional worker; it’s much more than that. It is who you are as a person that will be missed around here.”
These words, combined with smiles and tears, overwhelmed me with humility and gratitude. I learned that although I know who I am as a person, I have now come to understand the magnitude my attitude, actions, and words had on others. This is another lesson learned and for that, I’m so thankful.
I’ll always cherish my time spent there and will continue maintaining relationships. And then, as my final day came to a close and I left for the last time, I celebrated with a happy hour with friends.
After my last day on the job, I had my dentist appointment a few weeks later. Fast forward to the present, and just the other day, I had the pleasure of meeting a very special person.
An unexpected encounter
A few days ago, I returned from a dentist appointment where I had the pleasure of meeting one of my loyal readers. A special fan heard of my blog from my dentist. (Note: Months prior, during a routine checkup, I had shared with my dentist that I had started a blog the year prior and had given them business cards before I left.)
As I entered my dentist’s office the other day, my dentist greeted me with a big smile and said,
“Hello, Mrs. Gayle. I have someone who is eager to meet you!”
Meeting a Special Fan
Walking back into the office, I met a lovely lady I’ll call “Cherie” (I won’t share her real name to protect her privacy). I greeted her with a big hug, and I swear it was like we already knew each other.
Exchanging stories about our beloved cats that passed away felt like talking to a longtime friend. She was very sweet and expressed how my words helped give her comfort after the passing of her cat after having him for over ten years. It was just what she needed during that time.
I asked about how long it had been since her pet passed away. She expressed, “About seven months.”
I responded, “With grief, there is no time limit. I understand.”
We finished our conversation as I had to get in the dental chair to take care of business. However, it really warmed my heart to meet one of the fans of my blog in person. Moreover, it meant so much to know my heartfelt words and posts helped another grieving pet parent.
By the time I got in the dental chair, I had expressed to my dentist how I had just met “Cherie,” and it was so lovely to meet her. I had to say thanks to my dentist for sharing one of my business cards with their peers.
My dentist reaffirmed, “Oh, it was a pleasure. Happy to do it. You know your blog REALLY helped her a lot.”
Final Thoughts
What I learned from meeting one of my followers is that the experience solidified our connection with our pets. Knowing how much my words helped provide healing and comfort makes it all worth it.
When I left my day job, I also learned I greatly impacted my peers professionally and on a more personal level. Being myself helped lift morale, provide encouragement, confidence, and humor to other people’s lives. Staying true to yourself and being your authentic self speaks volumes. Essentially the lesson I learned is this:
They may forget what you said — but they will never forget how you made them feel.
—Carl W. Buehner
That, to me, means so much. That’s the type of legacy I would like to leave behind. I think that’s what I’m doing, one step and one post at a time.
Share your thoughts
Have you had a similar experience? What did you think about my lesson learned the day I left my day job?
Comment and share your thoughts below! Don’tforget to share this post with a friend.
54 Comments
Tonya Wilhelm
Wow. What an inspiring story. It’s funny how one conversation with that one special person can change the course of our lives. I’m so glad it did for you.
Kamira Gayle
Tonya,
Right? Thank you. It made me feel really good.
Sonja of Montecristo Travels
What a lovely story. and Kudos for knowing who you are, for following your dreams and taking the plunge. And fans like that….. gold!
Kamira Gayle
Thanks Sonja!
Lori Hilliard
What a lovely surprise it must have been to meet a reader who appreciated your blog like that. Knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life is so life affirming! I’m still working full time and trying to blog “on the side,” but I hope to quit my job someday as well and become a full-time blogger. Your success is an inspiration!
Kamira Gayle
Lori,
Thank you! I know what you are going through juggling F/T and blogging. It’s a lot. Thanks for the kind words and good luck with everything too!
caren gittleman
I love that you shared your experience and it IS truly special! I understand how you felt when you resigned, I resigned from my newspaper advertising job in 2001 in Cleveland where I had worked for 21 and a half years………to take a HUGE risk to move to Michigan to be with my now husband (who was NOT even a boyfriend at that time…he didn’t even want me moving there lol). It was HARD……(and my Dad had passed a mere 2 months prior to my huge out of state move). Leaving a place I had worked at for over 21 years was terrifying! When I first started my cat blog I was at the bank and the teller recognized my name because of my blog. I nearly died. My blog was rather new at the time, I had never, ever had anyone recognize my name from it and she told me how much she loved it and that she had dogs and cats. She used to surprise me and give me cat items occasionally when I visited the bank. The heartbreaking part is about 3 years ago she took her own life…….when I found out I was devastated. She was the most wonderful woman, I am blessed to have the adorable cat items she had given me that make me smile every time I look at them and I am happy I could bring her at least some joy for the short time that I knew her.
Kamira Gayle
Caren,
You are so brave to make such a bold move back then in so many ways! From leaving the job to moving to a new city and finding love. Wow! I commend you. It’s a great feeling to meet a fellow animal lover isn’t it? I’m so sorry to learn she took her own life. So sad. You never know how your blog can help lives and never know just how much people are hurting. Thanks for sharing your testimony!
Yvette
Inspiring story! Continue to follow your dreams 🙂
Kamira Gayle
Thank you Yvette! xoxo
Kristen Paskus
What a great way to “SEE” all the good work your blog really does for others. You have a wonderful heart and that shines through in what you write!!!
Kamira Gayle
Kristen,
Thank you so much! Appreciate that. 🙂
Debbie
It’s always great to hear that you made an impact on someone else’s life, either by a simple kind gesture, or something bigger, like in the case of your blog fan. Congratulations on taking a chance and pursuing your dreams full time. Best of luck to you!
Kamira Gayle
Debbie,
Thank you so much!
Sadie
It’s wonderful that you made so many friendships at your place of work. I’m sure they miss having you around. If ever you had doubts about your decision, that moment of gratitude must have cleaned it all away. (rinse and spit – sorry, I had to).
Kamira Gayle
Sadie,
It’s so true. They do miss me there. I’ll cherish the memories.
The Daily Pip
I related to so much in this post. I left my 9-5 job of many years at the end of July. Though certainly there have been some ups and downs, it has been incredible and I am grateful for all of it. I wish the same for you – tons of success, dreams coming true, etc!
And how wonderful to have met a fan who was so touched by your blog. I would say that’s a pretty good sign that you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing!
Kamira Gayle
Thank you. It’s very encouraging talking to others who have taken this same path. I’m very grateful in this journey and happy to have touched someone else’s life and heart. Thanks for the kind words and for the support. Appreciate it! 🙂
Michelle & The Paw Pack
What an amazing experience that must have been! Pet people are the best. My blog has been an awesome way for me to connect with like minded individuals, which sometimes still feels surreal to me. Growing up in a small town I always kind of felt like an outsider, and now speaking with people who share my passion never ceases to be an incredible experience for me.
Kamira Gayle
Michelle,
So true. I couldn’t say it any better. It’s a great thing to connect online and meet so many supportive like-minded people. Well said!
The Dash Kitten Crew
I am not a work alone person. I do not like working at home with no-one else and need to get out doing my casual university work and volunteering, so good luck in your endeavours and I hope you have a lot of fun, especially with life affirming meetings like the one with your friend Cherie!
Kamira Gayle
Thanks Marjorie! I understand what you mean. I like my alone time BUT I’m also gregarious so when I can get out and hang with friends it’s refreshing. It’s a great thing you are doing with all your volunteer work. Thanks for the well wishes.
Beth
What a great experience for both you and your fan. I’m sure she was very happy to meet you and have someone who really understands what she is going through. I think it is great that you are able to follow your dreams.
Kamira Gayle
Beth,
Yes I feel the same. It was great to put a face to a name I’ve seen online. She was very sweet. Thank you for the kind words!
Lola The Rescued Cat
I wish you lots of success in your new endeavors. How cool that you met a fan of your blog! That just solidifies that what you’re doing is meaningful. I’m looking forward to reading about your new adventures.
Kamira Gayle
Thank you so much! Stay tuned. Thanks for your support and following along on my journey. 🙂
Jana Rade
Any change takes guts. Usually, it takes a trigger for one to take a leap and often it’s not all that voluntary such as when somebody gets laid off. Most people I know, including myself, never regretted the change.
Kamira Gayle
Jana,
So true. No regrets so far. I’ve also been in the position of being laid off at another job and again, no regrets. The timing was perfect and led to a great chapter in my life where I moved cross country to the Big Apple. Great life experience. What looked like lemons really turned into lemonade. 🙂
Jodi Clock
Bravo for you! What you did took courage. I want to pull the trigger and do the same thing. I work better alone and unconventionally. I’m trying to figure it out so I can pull the trigger too. Thank you for your post.
Kamira Gayle
Jodi,
Thank you! When the timing is right you’ll do it. Listen to your intuition. Good luck!
Dolly the Doxie
I wish I knew what it was like to have your work experience and leaving to pursue your dreams. For me, I was “redundant” and let go at the beginning of the economic collapse. I never worked full time again. I’m glad that people wished you well on your new path that’s the humane thing to do. But I didn’t have that experience but it’s led me to where I am today. It’s because you are a special person and people see that. Sandra and Dolly
Kamira Gayle
Sandra,
I’m sorry your experience wasn’t so supportive but it also sounds like it’s that very experience that made you so much stronger and resilient! You should be so proud. Thank you for the kind words. Much appreciated. 🙂
Shelby @ For The Love of Paws
That is awesome!! Good for you! It really makes you feel like you made the right decision when someone says they actually appreciate what you’ve been doing and like your work. 🙂
Kamira Gayle
Shelby,
Spot on. Exactly!
Sweet Purrfections
I admire you for leaving the corporate world to follow your dream. I recently retired after 40+ years in education and government and my last few weeks were not as pleasant as yours, unfortunately. Now, in my sixties, I’m moving forward with some of my dreams of being creative with the blog and writing.
That is so special to meet one of your readers in person and to realize the impact you had on her.
Kamira Gayle
Paula,
Thank you. I admire and respect that you educated for 40 years. Bless you. And now a new chapter and you are following your passions. No regrets! It is great to see the impact I’m having on others lives. 🙂
Cheryl Gungor
You are very Special, Kamira!
After that first condolence call from family and friends, you find yourself pretty much alone to deal with the grieving months ahead and I still needed Help! I was so happy when my caring employer handed me your card one morning and that evening I went straight to your site. Your inspiring words, quotes and special poems over pet loss helped to rescue me. Slowly I could try to put this tragic event, losing my most precious and loving companion, Wilbur into better perspective through your own feelings of loss and compassion. It is a lonely tearful road with pain that never ends but it sincerely helped reading your blogs and I am grateful to you for learning news ways to cope and trying to turn things around in a “pawsitive” manner so that I can honor my boy and cherish each moment we were blessed to share together. It was indeed my pleasure to meet you that day!
Kamira Gayle
Cheryl,
The honor was mine to meet you. Thank you so much for the loving words. You have me tearing up with joy. It really warms my heart to know I helped you so much. This is exactly what I hoped my intention and sharing my thoughts and posts would do for others; provide support and understanding for other grieving pet parents. Thanks again so much for sharing your story and it was so great to meet you too. xoxo
Chirpy Cats
I really enjoyed reading this piece and glad I clicked to read more. Now why didn’t I see your blog before, I should get out more lol.
Bravo to you for taking the plunge to leave your corporate job and pursue your passion. You sound like a kind hearted person, no wonder you left your mark on your former co-workers, and touched the heart/s of your fans. How cool actually meeting one in person and gratifying to know that you’re making a positive difference in your readers’ lives.
Pawsome post, thanks!
Kamira Gayle
Thank you so much for the kind words. This blog is fairly new. Celebrated a year this summer. 🙂 Thanks for clicking to read and appreciate the support! Hope you stick around. I have a giveaway coming soon too!
Kiarna
Wow! An inspiration, today is my last day at my cooperate job and I am feeling exactly how you felt! Its wierd how you are not aware of the impact you have on your colleagues etc until something like this! I needed to read this today, I hope you have an amazing journey with your new venture, Thankyou for sharing
Kamira Gayle
Kiarna,
How ironic! Thanks for the well wishes. I wish you the same in your journey. Amazing how sometimes others teach us more about ourselves than we realize. Best of success to you.
Kiana
I really loved your post! I recently left my 9-5 job to pursue writing as well. I am a recent college graduate and the transition into working wasn’t going well for me. I felt like I was in a trapped environment all day being drained. Choosing to leave definitely was not easy, but I feel free to be who I am and not who my employer wants me to be.
Kamira Gayle
Kiana,
Thanks so much. I can relate to your feelings so much. You definitely got it right..definitely stay true to yourself and not what others want you to be. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Beth A. Miller
Kamira,
A connection like pet/human is unique and irreplaceable. While we move forward and discover new “loves,” those losses make the new friends all the sweeter. Hugs to you.
Beth
Kamira Gayle
Beth,
So true. I agree and thank you so much. 🙂
Brenda
Very nice blog Thanks for sharing with us
Kamira Gayle
Thank you!
Antara
Kamira! <3
Kamira Gayle
😀 Hi Antara. Thanks for checking out my blog!
Ciara
Aww this is so cool, I would love to meet someone who reads my blog and get such a compliment. So motivating!
Kamira Gayle
Ciara,
It was a great experience meeting her. 🙂
Laurie
I’m new to blogging and work a full-time job in Corporate America. I read this post and nodded my head up and down with a smile. Your writing makes me feel as thought i am talking to a friend. Thank you!
Kamira Gayle
Laurie,
You are so welcome! I’ve been there and can definitely relate! Thanks for taking time to read my content!