It took eight months

On the power of patience and focused perseverance.

The day after I resigned as editorial director at Futuro Media, a journalist and friend asked me, “Do you have enough money saved to carry you through at least six months?” I did; widowhood has taught me some good lessons in financial planning. I was curious, though. “Why six months?” I asked. “Because that’s how long it might take for you to get a full-time job.”

It took me eight months.

Did I regret my decision to resign? Never. Did I despair? No, though I did feel anxious sometimes, my racing heart keeping me awake at night as my daughter slept in the bedroom across from mine. Whenever that happened, I silently repeated a line from the meditation I do every morning: “Patience is strength and I am strong.”

It takes a lot of patience to find work and focused perseverance.

I only formally applied for five jobs during these eight months, though I removed myself from contention for one of them because if I got it, it would have meant working for a friend — and our friendship is more valuable to me. Guiding my search was a clear idea of what I wanted to do, the type of organization I wanted to join and whether the role came with opportunities to learn and grow.

I also never lost faith in my talents, the diverse skills I’ve honed and the strong professional network I’ve built. I know the people I can count on (and they know they can count on me). They gave me pointed advice on the management roles and media organizations I was interested in and plenty of reassurances that I would be all right.

My efforts and patience paid off big time! I’m happy to report that I’m finishing my first week as managing editor of The 19th News, an independent nonprofit newsroom reporting on gender, politics and policy, with particular emphasis on the new American majority.

That’s what I call a perfect fit.

I have a lot of empathy for people who are out there, looking for work and handling all that comes with it. Here’s one piece of advice, fwiw: Stay true to who you are, be clear about what you want, know where you’re going and don’t be afraid to ask for help as you make your way there.

Something else I believe is super important is to always, always stay humble. Am I awesome? Yes, I am! What I've learned over the years is that I don’t need to brag about it. All I need is to focus on doing my thing, as Mike so often told me.

With love and purpose always,

Fernanda.