Of New Beginnings

Surprising myself with a new job.

YNAB welcome packet I received on the first day!

I have been trying to figure out how to write this post for a while now. A large shift in my life just occurred and I – a person who normally can’t stop processing everything in words – have very little to say.

First, the details. Last Monday, I started as a full-time Product Marketing Writer for You Need a Budget (YNAB). To give some context, I’ve been looking to work collaboratively as a writer for a while. I happen to love the voice and culture at YNAB. (My wife and I have been YNABr’s for years.)

I feel a natural connection to YNAB because we both use humor and storytelling to help people feel less overwhelmed, take positive steps, and try to remove shame from the equation. And, even though I’m an unconventional candidate, they got this (more about the hiring process here).

You’ve likely already noticed a lapse in publishing for The In-Between. The last several weeks have been consumed with the hiring process, transition to YNAB, and assorted school closures.

And this break in The In-Between will continue, for at least until June, which is bittersweet because I love writing and sharing with you all. But I want to give myself time to adjust, learn new speech recognition processes as needed, and stay healthy. And, as promised, I want to write and publish this doggone book! So I’m dedicating writing time to update the chapters and send to an editor. (Thank you to everyone who helped contribute and make this possible.)

I am going to continue teaching AT, meditation, and hopefully the Art of Swimming again in Westchester. I love this work and feel mission driven to do so. It just won’t be at the center of my career, even if it remains at the center of my life.

It’s been wonderful to have you as a reader and fellow in-betweener. The archives are always available, FYI.

Part of me wishes I had more to say about this transition or direction, but it also feels okay to just let this unfold, without comment, without speculation. Without trying to turn this experience into something through my writing. Maybe later.

There’s a huge streak of joy running through this. I’ve come such a long way – from very disabled and unemployable, from ashamed and meek – to someone with a hard-earned voice and perspective. I once believed that I’d never be able to work like this again, and not just because of my health issues, but because of some deeper kind of unfit-ness that must’ve somehow been the catalyst for it all again.

So this feels like a victory. Over what?

A victory over my own thoughts. The best kind.

Please stay in touch.

In health,

Dan