Cliff Lede
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
It’s finally here. My last Friday night and free weekend before I go back to work. Not ‘consulting’ work – real work. The corporate 9-5 grind like most of the working world. I knew this day would come, and I’ve actually looked forward to this day for years (mostly in times of great crisis!) Yet in the midst of my anticipation and excitement, terrible sadness somehow has crept in.
Where did the years go? How did my children grow up without me noticing I was getting older too? 10 years!!! When I quit my job my children were 4, 6 and 8. Now they are a robust 14, 16 and literally legal – 18 years old! Maybe I’ve inhaled too many fumes in the car as I chaueffered them from one event to the other, but these 10 years went by WAY too fast. I’ve tried to be the best Mom possible, but it hasn’t always been easy (duh!) I never wanted to be that ‘helicopter parent’ that I see and roll my eyes upwards at in judgement – but I will never be a parent that ignores trouble when she sees it coming or puts fun before parenting.
I’m extremely proud of my boys – they are going to be fantastic men, husbands and parents. But the world is a different place than when I was as a kid and there are constant distractions that can literally lead them down dangerous paths. I know they feel loved - and each one of them is as different as the next one – but they all have bright futures in their own individual and terrific way.
As I leave next Monday morning to help contribute to their college funds, will they realize I’m now breaking free for them? I don’t deny I miss the professional challenge – but at the end of the day, my working benefits our family. I hope one day they’ll do the same for their children.
Last month the oldest boy left for college. It’s time for him to start his own life – and we can’t be any more thrilled and excited for him! His bed never got cold though; the eager next-in-line brother quickly moved in to assume his birth-right of the ‘basement apartment’ as a junior and senior in high school (a promise and pact we made in finishing our lower level). This son has started to visit colleges and just like his older brother, he will be nothing short of outstanding on his own. The youngest is no slouch either! He’s made changes to his bedroom to mark this household musical chairs and as we finished buying items for our college-bound son, I started looking in earnest to resume my career…..it was time.
Looking back, the memories that would never have been possible are sweet reflections of a decision well made. Trips to the Black Hills, Mexico and countless vacations to Breckenridge – there’s no pricetag on getting to know your children. Quiet nights at home or trips alone in the car are the times I’ll remember the most. Making sure that I said ”I love you” every day because I meant it; if it wasn’t always in words, I hope they felt it in what I was willing to do for them.
But now – 2010…..how do I re-launch my career? I truly loved my last corporate job, working for Northwest Airlines and wearing a dozen hats while focusing on safety, operational excellence and outstanding customer service. I coordinated the entire inflight experience for special VIP customers. From 30+ professional sports teams to the Rolling Stones, I’ve literally seen it at all 35,000 feet! But since grounding myself in 2000, I’ve continued to hone my skills by consulting for an array of clients that found me after I left NWA. Specializing in public relations, marketing and communications, I’ve been a “Jill of all trades” in exchange for fantastic experiences and a little pocket money.
So what were the chances a job would present itself back within the aviation industry - Especially after the heartbreaking demise of Northwest Airlines? As luck and timing would have it – the stars were aligned for me…. Come Monday morning, I will become the new Flight Attendant Base Manager for a regional carrier that I have great respect for. It will be my job to guide and lead hundreds of flight attendants and ensure our customers have an exceptional experience on every flight, every day. My years of experience have prepared me for this challenge and I truly want to be the kind of leader I would have hoped for 20 years ago. Compassionate, respectful and willing to hold myself and my staff to high expectations. Life is too full of people only willing to do the minimum – so why not expect the best out of people – I’m counting on finding it in each person!
So 10 years later (almost to the exact date) I will return to the industry I love. A decade older and to an industry that’s been wrought with change, I’m a whole lot wiser having raised a family, cared for a dying parent and juggled a household during tough economic times. Remembering the day I work up unemployed and the tears that followed each morning for well over a month, could I have ever imagined I would be given this opportunity to return? No way – but then again, I truly believe God had a plan. I trusted in Him and made my family a higher priority than my own individual aspirations.
In this case, paybacks are a blessing! Stay seated while the seatbelt sign is alluminated – Buckle up – Here I come!
itsjill
As a new parent and working mother, I loved this blog. I don’t know you as well as I’d like, but I hold you in my mind as one of the many mother’s I strive to become like. Good luck with your new job-I’m sure that you will be fantastic in it!