The rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated.
– Mark Twain
Y’all, I’m still here. Blogging has admittedly fallen by the wayside for the last few months, and I’m sorry for that, but there’s been a lot going on that has distracted me from putting finger to keyboard. So here’s a life update.
The big news is that I quit my job. Yes, after nearly 11 years, I joined the great resignation for all the reasons cited in this Pew Research article and more. Sometimes you just reach a point in your life when enough is enough and you just have to say goodbye. It happened in my first marriage. And it happened in my last job.
Both times I tried to make things work. I tried to dumb myself down and “go along to get along.” I held out hope to the bitter end that things would change, the situation would get better, that I’d be valued. And both times the day came when I made my mind up, when I refused to endure anymore humiliation, where I decided to be true to myself and do what was best for me and mine.
So I said goodbye.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow, especially for optimistic people like me, but you have to look out for yourself because no one else will. And big institutions have no loyalty to you, no matter how hard you’ve worked or how much you’ve sacrificed, so there’s no need to reciprocate. They’re inanimate – without feeling or conscience. And you’re a real, live human – not just a cog in the wheel.
As Andy Dufresne said in The Shawshank Redmemption, “I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living or get busy dying.”
I choose to live!
And I realize it’s a privilege to be able to say bye-bye – a privilege I’m grateful to have. But as it turns out, I can make the same money (and often more!) doing less work as a freelance writer, creative writing teacher, and professional writing coach.
So if you’re in a situation that is toxic, where work stress flows over into your homelife, where you’re overworked and undervalued, where you’re held back, held down, and silenced, I encourage you to make a change if you can. And if I am able to help you or support you, give me a holla. You’ll always have a champion with me. It’s just not worth it to stay where your talents and true value are not seen and not nurtured.
That’s why, going forward, I’m not doing a damn thing that doesn’t bring me joy. Which brings us to all the fun stuff that does just that – brings me immeasurable joy!
I’m teaching a creative writing workshop that is about the best thing ever. A couple of times a week, I meet with a group of the most talented writers and storytellers you could ever hope to meet. We laugh together. We cry together. And we work on writing stories that will knock your dang socks off.
You say you want more Southern humor writing? You’re in luck! I’ve been freelancing for It’s a Southern Thing, al.com/Red Clay Media’s humor brand. In just the last month, I wrote about all kinds of interesting things – mosquito bite prevention and remedies, things every Southerner can cook even if they can’t cook, the good ice, Southern world games, and how to beat the Summer heat during the dawg days.
I’m also freelancing for Mobile Bay Magazine which has been printing excerpts from my book, They Call Me Orange Juice, for a couple of years now. Stay tuned for some new interviews I’ve done for them that will be coming out in the next few months. So far, I’ve gotten to interview an artist and an author. And I’ve enjoyed flexing my “reporter” muscles and doing a different kind of writing.
Last, but certainly not least, I’ve also gotten to work with some great organizations like Episcopal Place, and help with grant writing and other projects, as well as doing some one-on-one coaching with people who had specific needs – company blog posts, resumes and cover letters, social media plans.
And for the love of everything that eats grits and says “y’all.” I’m going to do my level best to be right back here on the blog sharing the fun, funny and occasionally thoughtful things that fly through my mind.
Here’s to new beginnings. I’m so happy y’all are along for the ride!
p.s. If you want to work with me, email me! I’d love to chat!
Glad you can afford to enter the gig economy. Speak up for those who are enslaved by it, with no choice but to patch together poor paying jobs as they lose their grip on stability and their tenuous place in society so that stockholders may prosper.
Thank you for your comment. If you read my post, you’ll see where I acknowledge that it’s absolutely a privilege to be able to quit a job and offer to be a resource for anyone who is trying to do the same. And since I don’t think we know each other in real life, you probably don’t know that I have always used any iota of influence I had to “bring people to the table,” as they say, and to not only fight for equality, but equity. As a woman, I have experienced discrimination in the workplace, and I have always been very outspoken about it, often to my own personal detriment. I also do not patronize businesses that have poor hiring/employment practices. In short, I have and I will continue to do so as I’m sure you have, do, and will.
This article is everything. The catharsis!
The freedom! The JOY! Write on, my friend!
Thank you!
Big Congrats Audrey! Hope to follow your path one day!
Thank you!! I hope you can!! Let me know if there’s any way I can help you along that path.
;)))Thank you my friend! Indeed, you do help me with your advice and inspiration! All the best always, Von
Thank you!! I’m so glad!! All the best to you too!!
Congratulations! I am so proud of you and inspired by you. Follow the joy. I needed to hear that this morning. Blessings upon blessings to you!
Thank you! And I’m so happy to have shared a message that resonated with you today!!
Congratulations! Sounds like you are busier than ever and having fun! Can’t wait to see what is to come!
Thank you! I definitely am!!
Audrey- congratulations. I enjoy reading your work and know what a talented person you are. Best wishes for every success as you move forward.
Thank you! I really appreciate it!!
I’m so happy for you!!! I cannot WAIT to watch and see where this journey takes you! When does your next writing workshop begin, and do you accept total amateur beginners? 😁
Hey! Thank you! My next beginners workshop will be through ArtPlay starting the second week of October. And yes — all skill levels are welcome! I’d love to see you there! 😁
How wonderful for you, and all of us who follow your work! Congratulations!
Thank you!!
Congratulations all the way around, Audrey. And I’m glad you’re continuing to write for Mobile Bay, which is in our “fold.”
Thank you, Alec! I’ve so enjoyed working with the team at MBM. And if you need something for Business Alabama, I’d love to work with you as well! I can’t believe we’ve known each other all these years and never worked together. 😁
I’m so excited for you!!! Let’s have many more birthday dinners with all of our families! Love you OJ❤️
Thank you, sistah!! We will for sure!! ❤️
Best of luck to ya! A lot of what you write here rings true to me and my situation. I’m sure its true for a lot of people. Its hard to show up every day, go above and beyond and know your best talents will never be used. There’s a thing about beating your head against a wall, it feels so good when you stop.
Thanks, Lee! And I’m sorry you’re going through a similar situation. And you’re right about beating your head against a wall, for sure!
I’m over the moon happy for you, Audrey! I hear your voice every time I read what you’ve written and cannot tell you how much joy it brings. I feel very fortunate to work with a company and to have built a team where everyone is valued and respect is rampant, but there are moments I wish for more time for creative writing – I’ll have funny thoughts and wish I had time for an outlet. Can you teach me to write fast? LOL!
Hey! Thank you for your kind words! And I can teach you — my next session with ArtPlay starts in October. I think it will start on the second Wednesday. They’re finalizing the schedule now. I’d love for you to be a part of the class!