The One Where the Growth Marketing Manager/E-Commerce Director Quits Her Full-Time Job

I never saw this moment coming for myself. Then again, throughout most of my adult life I never saw much of anything as being “for me.” But that’s the plot line for another story…

I entered adulthood and the working world in survival mode. Every job I had was a means to an end, a paycheck. When I became a social media assistant in 2014, it felt like I was finally in the right field at least. I was a Marketing Director before I knew it, and spent the next few years overwhelmed and taking on work I was far too junior to master. I tried my best anyway. Still in survival mode, stumbling through projects, making lots of mistakes and hoping that I would still have a job the next day. It was traumatizing and yet I am grateful for the determination and strength those years armed me with.

4 years ago I landed someplace reputable and special. A company that gave me opportunity to grow and to create a space for myself in an industry that’s rife with uncertainty. A job that allowed me work/life balance, gave me reasons to believe in my professional abilities, put me in rooms with mentors I hope to learn from for years to come. I was growing digital subscriptions from the ground up for The Buffalo News!

2 years ago I hit a wall mentally. It forced me to focus on healing my inner world, and getting my head on straight. I include this part because there’s no way I’d be writing this post or making this kind of thing happen for myself if I didn’t get sober.

Most who know me have only ever heard me say good things about my time with The Buffalo News. I have wonderful stories and appreciation for the people who keep that place running locally. But it’s no secret that the tides have changed in the newspaper industry, and The News is no exception. I’m 10 years into my marketing career at this point, and I feel confident to say that I’m my best when there are challenges and growth ahead of me. I am grateful, and I am motivated to continue the work that a once-upon-a-time group of us at The News were doing.

That brings us to the present, and my choice to officially resign from my full-time position with The Buffalo News this month. All said and done with gratitude, support and excitement. I’m placing all bets on myself for this new chapter of my life. And I’m in the company (and partnership) of well respected and talented people who’ve done the same.

To be continued.