I didn't "quiet" quit. I loud quit.
Here's what I have planned next.
Ambition begins with the humility to accept your mistakes, the honesty to identify what you want, and the courage to try.
After 12 years of corporate life, two daughters, and one book baby, I left my job at the end of September. My decision was not impulsive but rather well-reasoned and considered. Nothing was wrong—I was under no professional duress or strain. They treated me well enough to work there twice. Had they not called us back into our Manhattan offices more than I could realistically to be there, I probably would never have left. But I took the edict as a sign rather than a battle. I often told people that my job was the kind where you could put your head down, do what is asked of you, and wake up one day shocked that a decade had passed. That is a good and bad thing wrapped into one.
During this time, I began communicating with Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez about contributing to her amazing newsletter, Too Ambitious. The timing was perfect to continue processing my own definition of ambition, which I explored a year ago here. My essay, “I Quit My Job, Not My Ambition,” came out last week. Thank you to Stefanie and Annie Midori Atherton for their time, edits, and collaboration.
All of this pomp and circumstance isn’t to declare my insurance law career over forever. In the right context, there might be a place someday where my industry knowledge can meaningfully improve real people’s lives, and I won’t be afraid to seize that opportunity if it arises. But right now, I am about to push the limits of my true ambition for the first time in my adult life. That feels like something worth celebrating.
Starting very soon, I will be working my husband, Doug Boneparth, at his wealth management firm for millennials. I have helped build this business from the sidelines since the start, and I couldn’t imagine anyone giving as much effort to its growth as I will now. As the Director of Business and Legal Affairs, I will develop opportunities for thought leadership and steward partnerships that align with our beliefs on the money, work, and family issues facing our generation. I will expand the firm’s content offerings and will be writing much more on these topics (both here and elsewhere). I will also become Doug’s bad cop, because he is oh-so-nice, and I oh-so-require everything in writing.
What does this mean for Our Tiny Rebellions? Only bigger and better, baby. I aim to make these newsletters more robust and frequent while continuing to dip my toes into other social media channels. (By the way, I am a #DeerInfluencer now. Shooting the cover of Suburban Backyard Magazine next month.)
If you have any hopes, wishes, or feedback, or would like to discuss any opportunities to collaborate with either Our Tiny Rebellions or Doug (it’s not too soon!), please reach out: averagejoelle3@gmail.com.
Thank you for your continued support!
The little things
I’m not sure who I think I am, but I’ve mustered the courage to bring this giant plant child into our home. I’ve done well with our smaller houseplants, so how much harder can it be? Don’t ask me what it’s called. I already forgot. Thank you to our plant guru and friend, Peter Dario, who owns the beautiful Terrace Plant Shop in Metuchen, New Jersey. Give them a visit if you’re local!
Also
Here’s what I enjoyed reading this week!
She Did – Marie Claire
Nobody’s perfect. Here’s how to be a good influence on your kids anyway. – Vox
The Best Wines for Literally Every Type of Holiday Gathering – Bustle
The Return of Holiday Season Agita – The New York Times
Mental Health Days Are Only a Band-Aid for Burnout – The Atlantic