I’ve been saying a lot of goodbyes this week.

My parents left for Wisconsin for the summer, as they always do.  I’m feeling good about this.  It gives me mental space to focus on my business and friendships and running.  I feel less pulled in 20 directions.  I love having them here, for sure, but we also look forward to visiting them there with the kids.  It’s a perfect arrangement, in my opinion although I’ll look forward to their permanent relocation down the road.

That sort of goodbye is the impermanent kind; the kind that is a natural part of the ebb and flow of the year. A welcome goodbye without too much sadness.

I also found out last week that Big Sea is losing a team member, the infamous @redheadjessica.  Jessica has been working with us part-time as a project manager and social media consultant for almost a year.  She’s been a huge Big Sea supporter for years, and an avid tech scene promoter in the Tampa Bay area.  She’s been great at Big Sea – pushing back when I need it, cracking the whip when the whip needs cracking.  She’s smart, passionate and energetic beyond words.

But it’s time for her to go.

She’s been offered an amazing opportunity to work (with another Big Sea alum!) at a small startup, Dispatch, in NYC.  Who wouldn’t be excited about that?

Beatles print from LyricADay on Etsy

I’m genuinely happy to say goodbye when the time is right.  I spend no time mourning my loss; instead, look toward the opportunity of bringing on a new, fresh perspective or reorganizing our team dynamics.  I think it’s a vital, normal and exciting part of running a business.

I’ve said goodbye because the fit wasn’t right for Big Sea, because the timing wasn’t right and because new opportunities presented themselves.  In every case (knock on wood), the goodbye led to new horizons, new possibilities and new relationships for all of us.

I love seeing my people out in the world, doing big, amazing things.  Taking risks and pushing hard. I love saying, “She used to work with us!” in a proud, bragging sort of way.  I know when to let go and when to hold on, for the most part – and it’s time for Jess to move on.

With that, I wish her much success and happiness in her new city and job.  I hope that every goodbye this year is surrounded with such positive feelings – but I also hope that they’re aren’t too many more of them!