Protesters across the United States are regularly showing up to demonstrate opposition to the president and congressional leaders who refuse to challenge his executive overreach. I’ve stood alongside them and make regular calls to our representatives. (If you’ve never done this, please try it! It can be really cathartic. The 5 Calls app makes it super easy.) But my biggest form of resistance to the current attempts to move our country backwards was resigning from my job last month. I’m still processing this decision; digesting a rich stew of conflicting emotions including regret, grief, fear, renewal, solace, and excitement.
Before I started working in state government a year ago, my off-farm work was fully remote, mostly asynchronous, contract work. It was the ideal match for the busy life I enjoyed beyond my profession. The position with the state was hybrid – 3 days in, 2 days at home. I enjoyed the professional discourse and teamwork. I enjoyed working in support of arts education for learners of all ages across the state. I enjoyed spending time downtown and the views from the 33rd floor. I enjoyed the regular paychecks.
But I did NOT enjoy the morning rush out of the house on office days. I won’t miss 7-9 hours a day in a cubicle under fluorescent lights, mostly spent staring at screens. And I certainly won’t miss the commute and parking lot fees, which at the time I left had escalated dramatically as garage owners took advantage of higher demand following the Governor’s return to office order, the move that prompted my resignation.
In the end, I didn’t leave because I couldn’t have remade myself into someone who worked in an office five days a week. I left because I didn’t want to do that. Over the past 12 years I’ve built my life around our urban farmstead. Being away from here three days a week and keeping things going last season was barely sustainable. I was afraid five days away would have meant the end of this lifestyle – one that keeps me physically active, mentally balanced, and social engaged – and I wasn’t willing to give that up. It’s my recipe for resilience. It’s my path to a thriving life paved with healthy food and fellowship.
While I didn’t make this decision lightly, and while it will require some financial sacrifice for me and my family, I recognize that I was privileged to make this choice. I’m married to someone who doesn’t mind putting in long work weeks and supplying our family with health insurance and money to make mortgage payments.
I know my small act of protest didn’t make any waves. In the end I probably only hurt myself in acting out this way. But I’m proud to have taken a stand for things I value in life beyond money. I’m happy to set an example for my kids that a good life isn’t just built on professional advancement. And feel grateful to have passion projects to lean into as I live into my next chapter.
Stay tuned…
Over the Fence Urban Farm 