Author Topic: Today I gave notice (Read 13942 times)

mandy_2002 · « **on:** March 10, 2016, 06:16:57 PM »

I made the leap today, and told HR and my leader that I will be leaving the company. Immediately before telling our HR person, I had a feeling that was the first time I can remember having that flutter thing in my stomach. I've worked for this company just short of 10 years, so this is a huge change.

I now have enough in my 'stache to cover my current outflow of expenses. HOWEVER... I talked about it in previous posts, but I made the decision to join the Peace Corps. I'm considering myself retired, but I will be working for very little money in a former Soviet Union country in a little over a month. My personal focus will be girls education, especially focused on math and science (going as far with STEM as they'll let me). I'm even more excited about my move now than I was this morning. Everyone I've told has been so supportive, which I'm pleasantly surprised by.

funcomesfirst · « **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2016, 06:23:33 PM »

Congratulations! That is so exciting!! Also, neat idea to join the Peace Corps. Good luck!

bobechs · « **Reply #2 on:** March 10, 2016, 06:25:57 PM »

You will do just fine. Not least because your Peace Corps resume bullet will open untold opportunities to you.

It's an investment in your future in the State Dept./Commerce/NGO/DOD/CIA/MSM journalism complex that will pay off again and again.

Relax.

Classical_Liberal · « **Reply #3 on:** March 10, 2016, 06:34:58 PM »

Congrats!

Change is always hard and can cause that sense of fear. Personally, I think following through on your plans like this is super brave... I hope when I reach my goal, I have the cojones to follow through like you without falling into the "just one more year" trap. No plan is 100 percent, I'd rather take the risk at 75 than continue waiting forever to get to 99.

Gook luck! Post a thread on your adventures teaching overseas, I'd be a regular reader.

Secretly Saving · « **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2016, 06:54:49 PM »

This is awesome! It'll be great! I can't wait to hear about your Peace Corps adventure with girls education and STEM. You're going to be living MY dream! I hope you journal about it so I can hear more!!

MonkeyJenga · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2016, 06:57:20 PM »

This whole thing is awesome. Congrats!

MrDelane · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2016, 06:59:33 PM »

Congratulations!
Exciting and inspiring - best of luck on your new adventures.

Eric · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2016, 07:40:13 PM »

How awesome! Way to go! Sounds like a great way to kick off your next phase.

G-dog · « **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2016, 07:53:22 PM »

Congratulations! And thank you for serving in the Peace Coros. As a STEM girl myself, we definitely need more, as well as broader diversity in other dimensions.

ahoy · « **Reply #9 on:** March 11, 2016, 12:06:32 AM »

Well done. You must feel great. Fantastic achievement!

mxt0133 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 11, 2016, 12:16:34 AM »

Congratulations! It is my dream as well to join a non-profit and volunteer for months at a time. It will feed my soul and let the stash grow. I might even learn how to live less at the same time. Hmmm, no I'm wondering if I should go ahead and do a trial run to see if my FIRE number changes.

Gone Fishing · « **Reply #11 on:** March 11, 2016, 07:49:20 AM »

Wooo-Hooo!

I hear you on the butterflies in the stomach. I've settled down a bit now that the news is out and I have had a chance to talk to my co-workers about it. Hopefully you will too.

How much notice did you give? I gave 4 weeks to be accommodating in case I ever needed a job again in our small market, but if I was in an area rich with jobs, I wouldn't have thought twice about giving two weeks. The less time hanging around, the better!

mandy_2002 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 11, 2016, 07:55:45 AM »

Quote from: So Close on March 11, 2016, 07:49:20 AM

Wooo-Hooo!

I hear you on the butterflies in the stomach. I've settled down a bit now that the news is out and I have had a chance to talk to my co-workers about it. Hopefully you will too.

How much notice did you give? I gave 4 weeks to be accommodating in case I ever needed a job again in our small market, but if I was in an area rich with jobs, I wouldn't have thought twice about giving two weeks. The less time hanging around, the better!

Yep, I started telling everyone yesterday afternoon, and it was fantastic. Everyone is so supportive; one of my old leaders seemed to be the most excited, and told me to give him a call when I get done traveling.

I gave 4 weeks add well, but with a week of vacation built in right at the end (one day back and them I fly out).

DeepEllumStache · « **Reply #13 on:** March 11, 2016, 07:58:36 AM »

Congratulations! Your plan sounds awesome!

acroy · « **Reply #14 on:** March 11, 2016, 07:59:59 AM »

Fantastic! Awesome

Gone Fishing · « **Reply #15 on:** March 11, 2016, 08:00:31 AM »

Quote from: mandy_2002 on March 11, 2016, 07:55:45 AM

Quote from: So Close on March 11, 2016, 07:49:20 AM
Wooo-Hooo!

I hear you on the butterflies in the stomach. I've settled down a bit now that the news is out and I have had a chance to talk to my co-workers about it. Hopefully you will too.

How much notice did you give? I gave 4 weeks to be accommodating in case I ever needed a job again in our small market, but if I was in an area rich with jobs, I wouldn't have thought twice about giving two weeks. The less time hanging around, the better!

Yep, I started telling everyone yesterday afternoon, and it was fantastic. Everyone is so supportive; one of my old leaders seemed to be the most excited, and told me to give him a call when I get done traveling.

I gave 4 weeks add well, but with a week of vacation built in right at the end (one day back and them I fly out).

Awesome.

Felicity · « **Reply #16 on:** March 11, 2016, 08:06:17 AM »

Nicely done!!

Trudie · « **Reply #17 on:** March 11, 2016, 08:12:57 AM »

Quote from: Classical_Liberal on March 10, 2016, 06:34:58 PM

Congrats!

Change is always hard and can cause that sense of fear. Personally, I think following through on your plans like this is super brave... I hope when I reach my goal, I have the cojones to follow through like you without falling into the "just one more year" trap. No plan is 100 percent, I'd rather take the risk at 75 than continue waiting forever to get to 99.

Gook luck! Post a thread on your adventures teaching overseas, I'd be a regular reader.

I echo this sentiment. Thanks for showing us how to be brave, and good luck on your overseas adventure!

Romag · « **Reply #18 on:** March 11, 2016, 02:27:02 PM »

Very cool. I worked with tons of RPCVs who moved on to careers in International Affairs. I am sure you will have a rewarding experience. Best of luck!!

bwall · « **Reply #19 on:** March 11, 2016, 10:49:45 PM »

Quote from: bobechs on March 10, 2016, 06:25:57 PM

Not least because your Peace Corps resume bullet will open untold opportunities to you.

It's an investment in your future in the State Dept./Commerce/NGO/DOD/CIA/MSM journalism complex that will pay off again and again.

I'm sure that a lot of good can be done and has been done by the Peace Corps, but I would like to see some evidence.

I met at least a half-dozen Peace Corps volunteers when I lived overseas. I was singularly unimpressed with each of them. One smoked pot all the time and had a more luxurious lifestyle than I did. So much for 'hard-ship' and 'promoting American values', or whatever they tell their recruits.

Please, do your best and remember that you may be the first and only American (Westerner?) that many locals have seen/met.

mandy_2002 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 12, 2016, 01:50:46 AM »

Quote from: bwall on March 11, 2016, 10:49:45 PM

Quote from: bobechs on March 10, 2016, 06:25:57 PM
Not least because your Peace Corps resume bullet will open untold opportunities to you.

It's an investment in your future in the State Dept./Commerce/NGO/DOD/CIA/MSM journalism complex that will pay off again and again.

I'm sure that a lot of good can be done and has been done by the Peace Corps, but I would like to see some evidence.

I met at least a half-dozen Peace Corps volunteers when I lived overseas. I was singularly unimpressed with each of them. One smoked pot all the time and had a more luxurious lifestyle than I did. So much for 'hard-ship' and 'promoting American values', or whatever they tell their recruits.

Please, do your best and remember that you may be the first and only American (Westerner?) that many locals have seen/met.

Like just about everything in life, the experience is what you make of it. I've heard both great and not so great stories, which can also vary greatly by country assignment. If your life before was drinking and drugs, it may not be different if you don't want it to be. I drink on a monthly basis, never did any type of drugs, and have a strong work ethic, but I can also stay entertained in extremely boring places. My goal is to live frugally so I can train for life after PC, when I may decide to be done earning money. Learning to live on a $300/month stipend could be great for my 'stache.

SMCx3 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 12, 2016, 05:08:05 AM »

What a great way to kick off your next phase of life.

Enjoy your freedom!

FIRE Artist · « **Reply #22 on:** March 12, 2016, 08:23:46 AM »

Congratulations Mandy!

Quote from: bwall on March 11, 2016, 10:49:45 PM

Quote from: bobechs on March 10, 2016, 06:25:57 PM
Not least because your Peace Corps resume bullet will open untold opportunities to you.

It's an investment in your future in the State Dept./Commerce/NGO/DOD/CIA/MSM journalism complex that will pay off again and again.

I'm sure that a lot of good can be done and has been done by the Peace Corps, but I would like to see some evidence.

I met at least a half-dozen Peace Corps volunteers when I lived overseas. I was singularly unimpressed with each of them. One smoked pot all the time and had a more luxurious lifestyle than I did. So much for 'hard-ship' and 'promoting American values', or whatever they tell their recruits.

Please, do your best and remember that you may be the first and only American (Westerner?) that many locals have seen/met.

Your comments remind me of this recent Medium article. There is definitely food for thought here.

https://medium.com/the-development-set/the-third-world-is-not-your-classroom-9eee1546f565#.kb4meq4ve

soccerluvof4 · « **Reply #23 on:** March 13, 2016, 10:21:43 AM »

Very Awesome! congrats!

MarciaB · « **Reply #24 on:** March 16, 2016, 11:35:57 AM »

"I'm joining the Peace Corps!" is a great response to the question about what you're going to do now that you are quitting your job. It's a real show stopper in fact.

As an aside, I'm a returned PCV (Burkina-Faso in the 1980s) and you know that adage (advertising slogan?) about PC being the toughest job you'll ever love? We used to joke that PC was the only job we'd ever have...and the cool thing about your situation is that PC might be the last job you'll ever want...

Best to you!

mandy_2002 · « **Reply #25 on:** March 16, 2016, 02:19:01 PM »

Quote from: MarciaB on March 16, 2016, 11:35:57 AM

"I'm joining the Peace Corps!" is a great response to the question about what you're going to do now that you are quitting your job. It's a real show stopper in fact.

As an aside, I'm a returned PCV (Burkina-Faso in the 1980s) and you know that adage (advertising slogan?) about PC being the toughest job you'll ever love? We used to joke that PC was the only job we'd ever have...and the cool thing about your situation is that PC might be the last job you'll ever want...

Best to you!

It really has been! I've been diffusing "what are you going to do?" left and right with it, and everyone either thinks it's awesome or I'm crazy, and I'm cool with both. I have a close friend who was in Burkina-Faso about 8 years ago for PC. She loved it, and is now married to a national, with a super cute kid.

Quote from: lhamo on March 16, 2016, 12:42:11 PM

Cool -- very excited for you!

If you enjoy the teaching side of things you probably can move on to a great career on the international school circuit after your tour -- high demand for female STEM teachers. There are also a lot of things happening in the international education/international development sector related to improving and enhancing access to STEM education for women and girls.

Good luck and post updates about your life as a PCV!

I didn't even think about general international education using my STEM! I've been leaning towards doing an English teaching assistant job in Spain. I'll probably still do it (since having an EU visa for a year would be AWESOME), but that's a great idea before or after Spain.

Tawcan · « **Reply #26 on:** March 16, 2016, 03:58:21 PM »

Very cool, nicely done! Congrats.

FIPurpose · « **Reply #27 on:** March 16, 2016, 04:45:51 PM »

Very cool! I am very jealous and excited for you. I plan on applying for the Peace Corps sometime this fall to get a position for late next year. I've been told that mostly anyone with a record of work ethic can get in. What was your application process like, and are you going to be keeping a journal or blog online to follow?

mandy_2002 · « **Reply #28 on:** March 16, 2016, 09:19:59 PM »

Quote from: FIPurpose on March 16, 2016, 04:45:51 PM

Very cool! I am very jealous and excited for you. I plan on applying for the Peace Corps sometime this fall to get a position for late next year. I've been told that mostly anyone with a record of work ethic can get in. What was your application process like, and are you going to be keeping a journal or blog online to follow?

The current stats are that about 15% of applicants get positions. If you have a good amount of applicable volunteer or work experience, you have a good shot of being invited. It's fast more competitive now than it was 3 years ago.

My timeline was pretty fast, but I was relatively open for location. From application to departure for me will be slightly less than 9 months, which is very fast compared to the old system but about average now. I'm still mulling over a blog. I'll post an update here if I'm able to get one started.

Secretly Saving · « **Reply #29 on:** March 25, 2016, 07:36:07 PM »

Quote from: mandy_2002 on March 16, 2016, 09:19:59 PM

Quote from: FIPurpose on March 16, 2016, 04:45:51 PM
Very cool! I am very jealous and excited for you. I plan on applying for the Peace Corps sometime this fall to get a position for late next year. I've been told that mostly anyone with a record of work ethic can get in. What was your application process like, and are you going to be keeping a journal or blog online to follow?
The current stats are that about 15% of applicants get positions. If you have a good amount of applicable volunteer or work experience, you have a good shot of being invited. It's fast more competitive now than it was 3 years ago.

My timeline was pretty fast, but I was relatively open for location. From application to departure for me will be slightly less than 9 months, which is very fast compared to the old system but about average now. I'm still mulling over a blog. I'll post an update here if I'm able to get one started.

I hope you do start a blog. I want to hear how it goes!

MidWestLove · « **Reply #30 on:** March 26, 2016, 05:11:23 AM »

Congratulations!

If you do not mind me asking (as someone from FSU) - what country and what area? Our (former ) land is huuuge and very diverse and varied..

Secretly Saving · « **Reply #31 on:** July 22, 2016, 06:37:23 AM »

So Mandy_2002, any update?

Are you officially a PCV?

Warlord1986 · « **Reply #32 on:** July 22, 2016, 07:31:34 AM »

Wow, that is exciting! Congratulations on your escape, and your upcoming adventure.

I'd be interested in reading about your experiences in the PC if you were thinking about starting a journal. :)

Exflyboy · « **Reply #33 on:** July 23, 2016, 09:00:14 AM »

What a cool way to retire :)

mandy_2002 · « **Reply #34 on:** July 28, 2016, 07:53:55 AM »

Thanks for the comments. I went through the 11 weeks of training and have been at my permanent site now for about 3 weeks. It has been slightly exhausting, but a fantastic experience.

I can now have a superficial conversation with a local in a very uncommon language. The Peace Corps will be paying for me to have 7-8 private tutoring sessions a month so that I can improve this speaking. I will be working at a school when that starts, and plan to do a summer camp in a few weeks.

I haven't touched my 'stache in the last 3 months since I get a small stipend monthly that has held me over pretty well. It's grown quite nicely. I'm working on a blog, but it's not quite ready for public viewing :).

geekinprogress · « **Reply #35 on:** July 28, 2016, 09:30:32 PM »

This sounds fantastic; posting to follow for future updates!

snogirl · « **Reply #36 on:** July 28, 2016, 09:45:21 PM »

Congrats!

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Author Topic: Today I gave notice (Read 13942 times)