You’re more than a zip code.
If you would have asked me a decade ago where I’d be now, I likely would have said a top executive at a creative agency/firm.
I also would have likely went to my grave saying that it could only work out that way if I was in Los Angeles, CA (NYC too, but this girl can’t handle the snow and all that comes with it 😆).
Funny how life works out the way it does.
I am not a manager of anyone or any team (proud company of one!) and in just over a month, I’ll no longer have that zip code that I believed for so long was imperative to my success.
But how did I finally get to this place of feeling secure that my plans didn’t work out in any way that I had imagined?
Like many, 2020-2021 was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. My fiancé and I took a step back to identify our blessings, yet also see where there might be room to grow. The world is such a big place to only stay put because of familiarity and convenience.
For me personally and professionally, I was finally able to admit that California wasn’t the end all – for a number of reasons. And if you follow me regularly, I am SO thrilled to rid CA income tax and the daily receipts that are starting to resemble CVS (IYKYK!) 🤣.
Although I am beyond thankful I got my career start here, met my fiancé, and all my wonderful friends who I now call family, it was time for a change. 2021 specifically felt like some sort of a “breakup” with my first love: California. I wanted to live here from the moment I said goodbye to the shores of Santa Barbara in 2007, but those feelings were fleeting as each day passed.
Now 33 years young, I know to “never say never.” I am opportunistic that the world now supports any hard worker regardless of zip code. We’re limitless.
So where to now?
Welp, it’s officially official. After a 11+ years calling California my home, my SoCal native unicorn and I are making moves back to my home state, but in a completely new area to us both — St. Petersburg, FL!
That’s right — TALOOP will be reincorporating in the Sunshine State come June.
We’re feeling a wave of emotions, but know that staying put doesn’t change our circumstances or bring new opportunity. Moving forward on our journey, even if unknown, will only bring new adventures together.
I’m hopeful that when I look back on this note in another 10 years, I’ll be proud to say that the goal was simply welcoming the space to grow – within myself, within my relationship, and within my business.
To never saying never!