February 3
“Follow your passion.”
How many times have you heard that during your life? If you’ve been surrounded by the same type of people as I have, your response is probably similar. I’m being a bit rhetorical, of course, as my answer is “countless.”
Effective this past Friday, I was laid off from my full-time job. It’s not the first time I’ve been in this situation, though, so I feel better prepared for the days ahead and know I’ll be just fine.
This definitely isn’t your daily Frequently Flying post, but I thought my readers deserve to know how my personal situation will impact this blog. If you’ve read the “About” section of my website, you already know that my passion has been aviation, airlines and travel since a very early age.
I left employment in the industry a good 12 years ago now for a variety of reasons, including being “young, stupid and wet behind the ears” seeking more money and more prestige. The positions I accepted outside the airline and travel industry were indeed on that path, but I later realized they weren’t my calling. This latest position wasn’t my calling, either, which is why I think it’s for the best.
What I do know now is that I need to devote my career to what I love. It might not come easily given some companies in the industry I love are so encumbered by huge losses and restructuring, others by equally challenging distribution lawsuits and backlash from agencies, and the simple fact that finding an ideal position in this economy no matter the industry is tough these days.
So, in the coming weeks I’ll be evaluating all of my options, including expanding this blog as working on it part-time since I started it has brought me a huge amount of joy and reinforced just where I should be devoting my full attention. Stay tuned as I start my next chapter, hopefully landing exactly where I know I’ve belonged my entire life.
First Class wishes,
Darren
