Interlude of Pleasure and Restoration #6
Heading into week 16 and I share today that I officially have 5.5 weeks left…..because I begin a new job on June 1!
When I began this job search process about two years ago after announcing I would be stepping down from WAM, I remember telling my visionary coach Amber Chand that I wanted it to be ‘easy’. In the sense that I wanted to be just like all those other lucky people who get calls from search firms because someone recommended them for a job, have an interview and bam, get a new job. I actually thought that was a myth, as it seemed so far reaching. And yet….that’s exactly what happened! (Thank you Liana Toscanini for the recommendation to Lynn at Development Guild!)
After doing a lot of groundwork and learning a lot from some first attempts, I seriously began job searching last October as I heard it took about an average of five months to get a job. I figured I’d be ready to start again in April/May and my bank account would need me to start working again by around then.
So, it’s pretty funny that the universe has been chuckling at me since December, when I had my first interview with this place. The universe was clearly waiting for me to catch up to the plan:)
But, after all is said and done, I needed that time to have other interview experiences and get still.
After three months of learning, reflection and the opportunity to cocoon and listen to myself, I realized all kinds of things:
- I don’t want to move. I love my condo, my community of friends and colleagues, my circle of care supporters, this incredible area and being in a rural community surrounded by nature and beautiful views.
- I want to retain my easy 5 hour drive to my parents- on quiet highways and through a quiet border- and my 2 hour drive to my beau.
- I could definitely continue my full-time career in the theatre if I was up for moving to a city and working 24/7. I’m not.
- I am a professional theatre artist. I don’t stop being a professional theatre artist because I have a different job.
- It is ok, and probably really healthy, to make a decision that prioritizes my present well-being and how I want to live my life right now as well as my future abundance in terms of having enough financial savings to actually have a nice older age if I make it that far over a decision that may further my theatre career and bring artistic opportunities that fill me with bliss but, given my experiences over the past 30 years in this industry, would likely also be challenging for my physical, mental and longer term financial health in ways I am no longer prepared to accept.
So…..four months after my first interview and some continued back and forth with the search firm, we realized we both continued to stay in each other’s minds.
Project SAGE stayed with me and I stayed with them. As I said, the universe was chuckling:)
As they were bringing their search to a close a few weeks ago, we decided I would go for a site visit, and meet some of the staff and board. I drove from my home in Lenox, MA to the new Project SAGE home in Lakeville, CT. It took 45 minutes and I saw mountains, lakes, horses, cows and beautiful homes. It was peaceful. I stopped and picked up a turmeric tea at a cute little cafe the town over from Lakeville. I parked my car, got out and heard the birds and saw the trees. Now that’s the kind of commute I may not mind…
I walked into the newly renovated building and saw lots of natural light and a reception area. I saw a gender neutral bathroom. I saw a room for the photocopier and supplies. I saw smiling faces greeting me and being excited to get to know me, as I felt about them. Throughout my site visit, I heard heart centered questions, I witnessed transparent vulnerability, I was inspired by the extraordinary front line work all of these people were doing to challenge attitudes and beliefs around power, control and gender norms and their work supporting victims and survivors of interpersonal and relationship violence. I saw cozy offices with plants and buddhas and affirmations. I even saw a Women’s March poster and other advocacy posters that I had in my office at WAM. It felt good. Now that’s the kind of workplace I may not mind….
I left with a big smile on my face.
I then went to D.C. for an arts advocacy trip- to see how it felt to be with my arts colleagues. To see if I could press pause on that as a full-time career for now, whether I could explore this new avenue and be ok.
Being with my colleagues also felt right in the sense that I love lobbying. I love everyone at TCG and I love being with my theatre colleagues. But, as I sat there and felt inspired by these incredible colleagues, I felt the pull to this new avenue…I could feel my still small voice telling me it was ok to make a different choice right now….that the theatre was there and will always be there - it's a core part of me and always will be. I realized the theatre will be open when I am there to participate and it will also be just fine without me.
I came back, went to NYC with my beau, had many conversations with trusted friends, family and colleagues. Could I do this? What about all the time I’ve put into my theatre career? What about all my artistry? What would I do with that?
Yes, I could do this. I will probably even really enjoy it and feel very fulfilled and purposeful. I’ve had an extraordinary theatre career, as theatre careers go (starting with a professional acting career, teaching theatre overseas and seeing the world, getting to Stratford- Childhood dream come true! Directing at Arena Stage? Never even crossed my mind that would be possible. Founding an activist theatre company that continues after I’m gone and has an impact on my community? What?!?! Amazing!) and yes, there's so much more I would love to experience and contribute but I have no idea how theatre may well come back to me…….as it tends to do. Plus, I’m enterprising. I can find ways to ensure my artistry still finds a way to express itself- I can likely even bring it into my new job.
So, after some negotiations that make it possible for me to start June 1, work a bit from home, have flexibility to go to Canada to care for my mom and support my dad, work hours that are most effective for me, have approved time off for my pay equity consulting and other professional obligations, have four weeks of vacation a year plus other restoration days, a 4% retirement match, good health care coverage and a six figure salary I always dreamed of having but never thought would be possible, I took a deep breath and said YES!
I am taking a leap of faith.
I am bringing my artistry to my activism.
I am in the river, stepping into a new dream (Those who have worked with Amber know what that means:)
And I am so damn proud of myself for it all.
Here’s to enjoying these last 5.5 weeks of this Interlude.
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for all the support and encouragement. I’ll keep you posted on how it all goes….
https://www.developmentguild.com/completed-search/kristen-van-ginhoven-executive-director-project-sage/
