I knew 2024 was going to be a year of change, but what unfolded was far different—and sooner—than I imagined.
I had planted the seeds in 2023 to start making moves. What those moves were, I didn’t fully know yet, but I was ready to shake things up. Or rather I needed to shake things up. Sometimes it takes getting to the point of slight desperation to light the fire within you to commit to doing something different. While nothing was massively wrong in my life, I was nowhere close to where I thought I’d be at this point (I know I’m far from alone in this sentiment). So I started ideating on plans for a new chapter in the second half of 2024. I was finally ready to blow up my own life—for the better. But apparently I wasn’t working fast enough for the Universe…
One day towards the end of last year, I got my dreaded lease renewal. An increase of $900. Per month. I definitely couldn’t afford that, and a quick StreetEasy search showed me that I couldn’t afford to move either, unless I went back to living with roommates (hard no). Less than 24 hours later, I was let go from my job that I’d been at for the better part of a decade, since the early days of the company’s start. When it rains, it pours.
While the detail-oriented person in me wants to list all of the things that followed—the rollercoaster of emotions, the stress, the decision making, the questioning, the feeling sorry for myself, the incessant purging and packing (how did I fit so much stuff in my tiny little apartment?), and even the fun and enjoyable aspects of being unemployed, I’ll spare you the novel.
I eventually decided I wouldn’t continue looking for a full-time job. I would sell my furniture, put most of my stuff in storage, move out of my beloved West Village apartment, and embark on a new adventure for majority of the year. While some of these changes in my life were forced upon me, I had wanted a change. And that’s what I got. So I decided to trust the process, take advantage of my newfound circumstances, and believe that this would all make sense someday. That “someday” hasn’t necessarily happened yet, but I do think everything happens for a reason. And I’m choosing to have the faith that with a little effort on my part, things will fall into place.
I’ve been calling this my year of adventures. If I truly think about it, it’s a pivot year. Nothing in my life really looks the same as it did even six months ago. I’ve traveled more in these first few months of 2024 than I have in the past few years combined. I’ve gotten to spend time and experience life moments with friends and family—near and far—that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to see. And I’ve had more time to slow down, giving my body and nervous system the break that it so desperately needed. I’ve talked about “doing something with food” for years. I’ve dipped my toes in before, but never fully committed due to constantly feeling time poor. And while I’m still working (freelance), I now have the gift of more space to do the things that I actually want to do. So I’m leaning into this adventure-filled year and simply seeing where it takes me. I may not be diving in head first to finally “doing something with food,” but I’m at least letting go of the fear stopping me from starting. Even writing this, I’m asking myself, “Why didn’t I do so on Day 1 of unemployment?” Starting is always the hardest part.
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” I know that’s actually a quote from Babe Ruth, but to me, it’s from A Cinderella Story. IYKYK.
So here we go…without a list, without any agenda or structure or expectation, and just seeing what eventuates. This doesn’t have to be perfect, there doesn’t need to be a goal or outcome attached, and I don’t need to go about it in my usual type-A way. I love food, I enjoy writing (thank you, Mrs. Onesti, my 7th and 8th grade English / Literature teacher, for always inspiring us to write stories), and I’d rather try something new than always wonder what if. There’s never an ideal time to do anything, but this season of my life, this new chapter, seems as good a time as any. And I’m determined to follow the things that light me up…because why the hell not.
Unclear how often I’ll post here, but when I do, it will likely involve the topic that’s on my mind 99% of the time—food. Restaurant recommendations, recipes, places visited during my insane travel schedule this year, and eventually, some culinary school tales. This pivot year ends with a 12-week culinary course in Ireland :) Perhaps that will pivot me into a whole new direction, or perhaps it’ll be back to the drawing board afterwards. But at least I’ll have pursued a passion, gained incredible knowledge, and experienced something I’ve wanted to do since I was little. And that in itself is worth something.
Love this post- excited for your adventures ahead!
Well written Nik! Love you!!!