Quittin' Corporate
- Jolene Hamilton
- Jan 24, 2018
- 3 min read
It's funny how time can change a person's entire perspective on life. Sometimes you don't know what you've given up until you've gained all you've ever wanted. Take me for example, I grew up wild and free on the Eastern Plains of Colorado. I had a cow to milk, steers to show, and plenty of puppies to love.
I was taught to work hard and pull my weight, but when it was time to play I had thousands of acres to roam, ponies to ride and muddy ponds to cool off in (unless it was a dry year, then I just had the hose). My mom always kept a spotless home, and had three square meals on the table. My dad would be up before dawn, put in 10 hours of back breaking work and still had the time and energy for us when he got home.
It was a childhood that many kids only dream of, yet for me it seemed like a prison. Time was too slow, life was too simple, and my world was too small. I didn't want to be tied down to animals anymore, I wanted to come and go as I pleased. I didn't want to wake up early on Christmas morning to doctor sick yearlings, I wanted something a bit more glamourous, and I wanted to enjoy the "finer" things in life. I needed to expand my horizons by meeting new people and seeing new things. This was my parents' life - not mine!
Fast forward 15 years. I moved to the state I've always dreamed of living (Texas). I went to college to get the degree that would make me "competent" and "qualified". I was hired by a corporation that allowed me to travel, meet new people and see new things. I've made enough money to enjoy a new car, fancy turquoise and the finer things in life. I've worked relentlessly to gain the approval of those above me, hoping they would see my worth. And I haven't doctored a yearling on Christmas morning since I was 18!
However, I sit here today realizing how naïve I was to think that life gets better beyond the ranch. I left my dream state and moved back home because I realized the place doesn't make somewhere a home, the people who love you does. I got that expensive document that says B.S. only to be told I'd need a Masters. The corporate life that allowed me to travel and meet new people began to own every precious hour of my life. Things like family, friends and even serving God took a back seat- AND, If corporate demands didn't control my life, the constant need for money and material things certainly did!
Not only am I noticing a change in my priorities, I am noticing a change in my wonderful parents. When I go to see them, they are sick with exhaustion. At 70 my dad still carries the weight of the ranch on his shoulders. My mom is running ragged trying to keep up with their grandchildren, her home and help my dad. They are trying desperately to keep going because they want the ranch to be here for their kids and their grandkids' kids - and it's exactly the lifestyle I want for my future children!
That's when I realized, it's time. Time to stop giving all my time and attention to executives that will never appreciate my talents and sacrifices. Time to give back to the land that has taken care of my family for 1oo years by getting my hands dirty. Time to slow down even if it means cutting back on material things. Time to focus on building my own Wacky Wagon empire, instead of building someone else's. Time to never miss another opportunity to build relationships with the ones who matter, and serve God. Time to get back to my roots. Time to live closer to God.
Today is the day, the day I quit corporate!
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