Onto the next
About three weeks ago, I left Microsoft. It was sudden, unplanned, and caught me off guard. That’s all I can say about it publicly.
The first week, I waffled between blind rage, anger, and relief. It was a really disorienting and depressing roller coaster. But today, and moving forward, I’m going to focus on the relief.
I am relieved.
While I enjoyed the team I worked with and working on product strategy and marketing, I’ve long felt that Microsoft’s current mission does not align with my values. I long justified my employment there by saying “at least I’m at the table to push for more ethical product development” and with the upsetting understanding that there’s no way to fully extract ourselves from the unethical practices from late stage capitalism and I had to pay bills. And while all of that is and was true, working there didn’t feel good. It felt like working for the lesser of the tech-giant evils. This year at Microsoft, and much of the tech world, has been plagued by several months of consecutive layoffs. Morale is and was down. Many smart, productive, thoughtful, kind people were left without a job. And it doesn’t show any sign of slowing.
And so, I am relieved. I now have time and space to build a life with my partner and dogs that is more in line with my values sooner than expected. What a privilege (genuinely and sarcastically).
So what’s next? A few things:
I am self-publishing my first novel: On The Way To Chicago is set to be released in early 2026 and I am so excited. This book has been more than a decade in the making. I spent 5 years querying this novel with agents and traditional publishers. And while it got several requests for the full manuscript, I was often met with “I really enjoyed this book, but I’m not sure how to sell it.” In addition to being a writer, I’m a marketer. I’ve got this. I started writing this book when I was in transitional place in life and I’m finishing it when I’m in a transitional state. I love the poetry in this moment and I’m committing to getting this book out in the world. Even after all this time, I believe in this project and story, and it’s time for the world to meet Rowan. I’ll share more details on this in the coming weeks!
Reese and I are going all in on Sound Ceramics: For the last year, Sound Ceramics has taken a slightly unplanned hiatus since we moved last summer. We finally have the pottery studio back up and running and will be updating the website with new products and in-person events within the next month. To check out our work, visit the Sound Ceramics website or our Instagram @soundceramics.
Though this didn’t fit into my original plan, I constantly remind myself that life does not give a fuck about plans. At all. All we can do is take one step at a time and decide what path we want to take next. So for now, my next path is writing and pottery.
To all of my friends and family who have been so supportive over the last month, I cannot thank you enough. The people in my life are so full of kindness, empathy, and compassion, and for that I am so grateful.
I have had a few folks ask how they can be supportive, and I’m always uncomfortable answering that. I am a middle child and a Scorpio which results in obnoxious extreme independence. However, my therapist is challenging me to find ways to let people show up for me, so this is my feeble attempt.
My personal love languages are acts of service and quality time. If that jives with you as well, please reach out. I have lots of yard projects that I would love help with and/or would love to find time to hang out and not spend money (I’m on a budget, y’all).
If giving gifts is more your speed, I’ve put together a list of things I want/need/enjoy at various price points.
If you’re all about words of admiration, I’ll happily listen to your words.
And if you are out of spoons (out of capacity, for those that haven’t heard that phrase before), I get it and no worries. There’s a lot going on in the world and I am not the only one dealing with a layoff or a trying time in life. My ask is that you do what you can in the world and be kind to on another. And sometimes that means taking a nap and ignoring the world. As your resident introvert, I fully support that.
I look forward to seeing what this next chapter in life holds. I look forward to seeing you on the journey.
