So Long, Farewell

Today is my last day with the Raleigh Public Record, a nonprofit for which I have worked for four years. I’m sorry to say good-bye.

Life is full of change, though, and it’s time for a big one. I’ve put in many hours of work for the Record, and although I love the work, my life changes mean it’s time to make some big decisions. Part of it is financial; I need to focus on my business and clients to make sure I’m making money enough to save for maternity leave.

But the other part is time management. I worked long hours for the first half of 2014. I had fun doing so, but during a massage for my birthday, the woman remarked on some knots in my shoulders. No surprise to me; I’d spend hours hunched over my desk, always in a hurry to get work done. While I was having fun, it’s probably not the healthiest practice for me or my fetus, and certainly not sustainable once I become a parent.

I have full confidence in the editors taking over the organization. But I still worry about it. The Record has worked hard through the years, but this is a time of transition. And as any nonprofit employee or board member knows, things can change quickly if the funding dries up.

I encourage you all to donate $10 this month to this wonderful group. You may wonder why it’s worth it: Studies show news organizations really can affect a community’s interaction with its elected officials. Even if you don’t read every day, the free press is a huge part of keeping this democracy thing moving. And if you don’t, you’ll hear from me again about donations and fundraising. I’ve agreed to remain part of the Record as a member of the board of directors. Stay tuned.