M
Mel5497
My subscription is about to expire. A part of me wants to renew just so I can keep in touch with you all, but I figure that would be cheating. :blushing:
I'm not leaving PC altogether, but, for now, I'm choosing to only do what I need to stay active. This is partly because of family priorities, partly due to the new program, and partly because my life is very full (and fulfilling) right now.
Like many of us here, my world went temporarily upside when an elderly parent became ill. Since November, there have been three unexpected hospitalizations, a month of living with us, two extended visits back home, a financial management intervention, and loads of emotional role-reversal. In addition, DH and I have been maintaining separate households this whole time (for financial reasons only.)
I managed to support my team going thru most of this, but it was easier to do (and more straight-forward) under the old program. Now there are more factors to keep track of, many of which, we have very limited, if any, control over. The new program is probably much fairer to the company, but I've watched a lot of good people struggle. I think its harder now to balance directorship with other priorities. It generates too much financial uncertainty and inconsistency, especially if one's PC income plays a major role in the family budget. [I hate not supporting HO on this, but I've tried, and I can't.]
Lastly, and this is the good part, life is, well, good now. I'm fully settled into our retirement community....and there are more things to do than I can fit into my calendar. I'm also going back to school for pastry/baking and culinary certifications. (Fortunately, the GI Bill covers my tuition and provides an additional check every month.) Most importantly, DH is coming home in a couple months. After a lot of intentional budgeting, we are almost entirely debt free (DH thinks like Dave Ramsey). PC helped us get there, and I am very grateful.
I'm also thankful for the friendships. There are people I've met thru PC (to include some of you here), who I now consider friends for the long haul. So, I didn't want to just go away without saying goodbye. You guys are truly the best. PC is lucky to have you all. I wish you great customers, fabulous hosts, and team members that totally rock.
leggy :chef:
I'm not leaving PC altogether, but, for now, I'm choosing to only do what I need to stay active. This is partly because of family priorities, partly due to the new program, and partly because my life is very full (and fulfilling) right now.
Like many of us here, my world went temporarily upside when an elderly parent became ill. Since November, there have been three unexpected hospitalizations, a month of living with us, two extended visits back home, a financial management intervention, and loads of emotional role-reversal. In addition, DH and I have been maintaining separate households this whole time (for financial reasons only.)
I managed to support my team going thru most of this, but it was easier to do (and more straight-forward) under the old program. Now there are more factors to keep track of, many of which, we have very limited, if any, control over. The new program is probably much fairer to the company, but I've watched a lot of good people struggle. I think its harder now to balance directorship with other priorities. It generates too much financial uncertainty and inconsistency, especially if one's PC income plays a major role in the family budget. [I hate not supporting HO on this, but I've tried, and I can't.]
Lastly, and this is the good part, life is, well, good now. I'm fully settled into our retirement community....and there are more things to do than I can fit into my calendar. I'm also going back to school for pastry/baking and culinary certifications. (Fortunately, the GI Bill covers my tuition and provides an additional check every month.) Most importantly, DH is coming home in a couple months. After a lot of intentional budgeting, we are almost entirely debt free (DH thinks like Dave Ramsey). PC helped us get there, and I am very grateful.
I'm also thankful for the friendships. There are people I've met thru PC (to include some of you here), who I now consider friends for the long haul. So, I didn't want to just go away without saying goodbye. You guys are truly the best. PC is lucky to have you all. I wish you great customers, fabulous hosts, and team members that totally rock.
leggy :chef:
:grumpy: