When One Chapter Ends, Another Begins
Tomorrow, after close to 5 years, I’m saying goodbye to Hyatt. More than just a place I’ve worked, it’s where I’ve grown professionally as a marketer, developed lasting relationships and celebrated so many personal milestones.
I started in January 2012 as I was finishing grad school and remember being so excited to land this “dream job”. Previously an account exec at an ad agency, this position was ideal because I was not only the client representing a reputable brand, but I would spend my days marketing amazing hotels around the world (and yes, visiting them!). Since then, I feel like I’ve grown up at Hyatt. Professionally, I’ve strengthened my skills as a marketer and communication specialist and been promoted into a few roles. On a personal note, my Hyatt family has been there to celebrate my engagement, marriage and newest and biggest role as a mom. But more importantly, they’ve shown nothing but compassion and empathy during the scariest of times.
I remember coming into work the Monday after my vision went dark in my right eye eager to finish a campaign I had launching that week. But I sat at my desk in tears and had to explain I couldn’t see the computer screen. Without the slightest hesitation (both in that moment and the weeks to follow), they insisted I focus on myself and my health. In the year that followed, they continued to show nothing but support and flexibility as I went through the most difficult time in my life. I am forever grateful for these past 5 years and for leadership that cared about me first and foremost as a person. My experience at Hyatt has taught me so much about myself and has ultimately brought me to this pivotal point.
The last 18 months have been life-changing and have made me rethink my choices, priorities and goals for my future. I spent the last 10 years of my life ramping up my career in advertising and later marketing, juggling getting a Master’s degree while working full-time. I have always been ambitious and eager to get to the next step, but life changed after I was diagnosed with MS and then again when I had my daughter. My priorities shifted and my health and family became myprimary focus.While I wanted to balance working full-time with being a new mom who’s also managing MS, I’ve realized that I can’t give each of these things the focus they deserve right now. Everything is still too new. As many working moms know, it’s been challenging finding a balance, and then managing MS adds in another layer of complexity. While trying to do it all, I’ve actually caused myself more stress (which in turn leads to increased symptoms) which doesn’t help anything. So, I’ve decided to slow down, pull in my financial belt and spend my days with my daughter as she grows before my eyes. I also plan to continue concentrating on my awareness efforts for MS and figuring out what’s next in my career. I know myself and will always need to have my own focus and personal goals but for the first time in my life, I haven’t planned out the next few steps. If I’ve learned anything in the last year it’s that we don’t have the ability to control everything and sometimes you need to just enjoy the moment and see what falls into place. And I know that will happen with my career.
While this was a difficult and scary decision to make, I believe it’s the right one and I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life, whatever that brings.
Bill
August 17, 2016 at 7:27 pm
Very proud of you.
Love, Bill
Pat Norman
August 17, 2016 at 8:17 pm
I was driving, I had to pull over to read, I couldn’t wait……I’m so super excited for you, and I know you will flourish….the best AR is about to happen for your career…..the best to you and your beautiful family. Love you.
wellandstrongwithms
August 17, 2016 at 8:20 pm
Thanks so much, pat! I’m a bit scared but know it’s the right thing to do! Xoxo
Nicole
August 17, 2016 at 8:38 pm
Xoxo sounds like you made the best choice! Happy for you. 🙂
nadia
August 17, 2016 at 9:01 pm
you made a tough but strong decision and I am confident this will be the best decision yet ❤️🙏😘maybe I’ll get to meet your sweetie💕 too????
todayistuesdayuesday
August 17, 2016 at 9:30 pm
I’m so proud of you, I’m sure this was a hard decision, but it sounds like the right one for you. Sending love.
wellandstrongwithms
August 18, 2016 at 8:45 am
Love to you, Tuesday! Thanks for your constant support, my friend XO
Genevieve
August 17, 2016 at 9:53 pm
So proud to be your friend, Ang. You’re a rockstar. Congratulations on this exciting new chapter. You will, as you always do, make it great. Love you.
wellandstrongwithms
August 18, 2016 at 8:45 am
Thanks so much, Gen.. I wish you were closer so we could get together with our babes. We are way overdue for a phone date and would love to catch up soon. I’m beyond thrilled for you and your beautiful, growing family. Xo
Catherine Crisanti
August 17, 2016 at 11:06 pm
How brave! Your plate is definitely full, but you seem to tackle everything with such thought and positivity. Looking forward to hearing what’s next. Sending lots of love to you and your family.💕
CC
wellandstrongwithms
August 18, 2016 at 8:43 am
Thanks so much, Catherine, for the thoughtful note.. It was not an easy decision, but you how motherhood changes you.. it gives you a whole new appreciation for life! It’ll be tough but I’m hopeful it’ll lead to the right next step. Hope all is well with you, and your little man!
Nancy Kreiter
August 18, 2016 at 12:13 am
Awesome decision and priorities Angie Rose. Bravo! xx Nancy
wellandstrongwithms
August 18, 2016 at 8:42 am
Thanks, Nancy. So appreciate your note! I hope all is well with you, Rick and the grandbabies XO
Rita
August 18, 2016 at 7:48 am
Spunky woman, spunky little girl! Hard choices no doubt lead to exciting paths unknown!
Rita
wellandstrongwithms
August 18, 2016 at 8:40 am
Yes, indeed! I’m excited for the next adventure.. whatever that will be! Thanks for your support, Rita!
bobgrace2016
August 18, 2016 at 7:58 am
Outstanding. You are an amazing person Angie Rose. Bravo for your strength of decision & priorities.Love to you, Bill and Chloe”
wellandstrongwithms
August 18, 2016 at 8:40 am
Thanks so much, Bob and Grace. I so appreciate your continued support! Hope you’ll come visit Chloe and I soon 🙂
Kyle
August 22, 2016 at 3:19 am
Congrats Ang! Very proud of you.
wellandstrongwithms
August 22, 2016 at 9:08 pm
Thanks so much Kyle! Congrats to you guys. We can’t wait to see your new place. Miss you guys
Courtney Lyons
August 22, 2016 at 4:07 pm
So proud of you Ang!! Congrats on your new chapter 🙂 I know you are going to do amazing things!
wellandstrongwithms
August 22, 2016 at 9:08 pm
Thank you Court! I so appreciate all your support
Marji
August 29, 2016 at 10:21 pm
Angie, I left a reply to this blog on the one about stress. Oh, well! I am new to this! I think it’s wonderful that you are so honest and in tune with how your body reacts to stress. I also left my job that I loved, chose to retire early. I cried often because I missed it so much, but living a stress-free life has made my MS calm down a lot. It is nice to smell the roses and not keep to a strict schedule. Your blog is such an encouragement, thank you for sharing about your infusions.
wellandstrongwithms
August 30, 2016 at 9:15 am
Thanks so much for your comments and for reading along!! I really appreciate them. I’m so happy to hear that you’re more stress free now and enjoying life retired.. Good for you! I agree, I’m already feeling better and it’s only been a week. It’s been amazing to spend every day with Chloe.. Really loving it so far 🙂