In July, 2005, my first opinion column was published in Manila Standard Today. Because it was an offshoot of A sassy lawyer in Philippine suburbia blog, the name “Sassy Lawyer” was retained. Over the next four years and nine months, I would also write feature articles for the paper, mostly travel-related. Once, a photo I took made it on the paper’s front page. A photo of a tiger bathing on a hot summer day.
In March last year, my first food column was published in the same newspaper. I was given the option to choose a name for it and I chose Feast Asia. It was poignant because every Feast Asia column contained food photos that I have taken.
For the last 13 months, I had been churning out three columns per week in addition to the articles I publish exclusively in my blogs.
An hour ago, I gave notice to my newspaper editors that I have decided to discontinue both columns. I made that decision two days ago but I needed another 24 hours to take action. My editors have been more than editors over the years. They have been friends and it’s not easy saying goodbye to friends.
Never mind the why. You’re all welcome to make guesses. The only thing that matters to me is that I feel that the timing is right. With Alex going off to college, and with freedom from deadlines, I’ll have more time on my hands now to do the things I always said I’d do. Travel some more. Write a book. And another book.
Monday mornings are usually toxic and it feels strange not to be facing a deadline right now. I can’t say that that feels good or bad — it just feels strange. Like giving up an old habit that was mostly a joy but also occasionally a source of stress.
Where I go from here, at least insofar as newspaper writing goes, I do not know. It’s not like I’m leaving print media altogether. I still write for a magazine — in fact, I have to turn in an article today. But right this minute, I just want to savor the newness of the feeling of not having a 12 noon deadline.
congratulations! enjoy the free time =)
I’d give you a fist-pump, but this’ll have to do:
Congatulations, and good luck.
Damn! I meant congratulations. Hate it when that happens!
how about putting up a photo studio, somewhere near your place.
If I may venture, I am planning to retire this year and I started setting up a photo studio near our place. Not necessarily as a second career to replace my income, but more of a hobby but with some income to recover operational cost. My second just graduated this year, and the youngest in 3rd year college. After 25 years of working, I think it’s about time to do what I’m passionate about, to do what I enjoy doing.
Thank you.
Nani, lots of options but I think I’ll take my sweet time choosing what to do next. Travel and writing are attractive thoughts right now.
Perhaps this is also the perfect time for that road trip and book on regional dishes?
That’s looks like a welcome change! Meanwhile, we’ll be here, waiting for your bestseller.
Ms. Sassy, Sassy Lawyer, Pinoy Cook, Ms. Connie, love you to bits. Five or so years ago, I shared my saba banana recipe with you, and was hooked since then. I love your reverence for flavors, textures and visual details. I admire your reflection style. I have been an avid follower of your blogs and Standard columns since then.
Go ahead, reclaim your idea of a sweeter existence. Sometimes, I have moments when I just want to drop everything that I am doing right now and buy myself a rickety taco truck and cook my way around LA. Or flee to Paris and put up my banana-cue and fish ball stand, hahahahaha… Not far fetched at all. I will keep you posted. I get you. Live the moment.
I think I’m becoming dyslexic. Re my previous comment, “That’s . . .” should be “That looks like a welcome change.”
It’s a whole new chapter for you so to speak. Perhaps it’s now time to consider compiling all the columns in a book ala Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ and Butch Dalisay.
Aye, Lemon, I think so.
Lance, it’s ok. I got the correct message anyway hehehe
Sam, it’s still one of the biggest hits in the food blog. Thank you.
Jhay, I thought of that. But I think I want to compile everything, diary style.
Good luck on your new endeavor, Ms. Sassy!!!
I regularly read your blogs but super seldom lang po mag-comment.
Uy! Masaya yun. You can travel Pinas then do a journal styled book about your travel with the regional cuisine you encounter as the main theme. Mas masaya po kung ita-try nyong lutuin un cuisine ng place kung asan ka pero syempre with a sassy twist. Tapos po may libreng recipe at the end of each chapter/ region at bonggang bonggang photos. Di ba journal-travelogue-cookbook-coffee table book all errr, bound (???) in one. Ikaw na ikaw Ms. Sassy, multifaceted/multitasker din ung book mo.
Anthony Bourdain na Julia Child na Laura Esquivel… sassier lang
Di naman masyadong halata na fan ako noh?
HAHAHA Nakaka-inspire naman. But those are really huge shoes to fill ha. But thanks for the confidence.
Good for you! There comes a time when a gal’s gotta do what she’s gotta do. Here’s wishing you every success in your chosen enterprises!
I would love to wake up one day too without a deadline or some other thing breathing down my neck.
I love your courage to try out new things. Some people stay in a rut all their lives and end up regretting it. So happy adventure, Connie! Good luck and Godspeed!
Starshadow & Kittymama, is it too early to say that a brand new project is already in the works?
CONGRATULATIONS! I’ve been a reader of your blog on and off for I think 2 years now. (Basta everytime I get homesick for Asian food. LOL.) I made the same step and gave up a lucrative corporate career at the ripe old age of 32! Everyone thought I was NUTS but working for myself – AT HOME – was the best decision I ever made.
Whatever you decide to pursue, I’m sure you’ll do well! We await your new adventures! Good luck Connie!
travelling and writing plus doing it ala diary style is a great idea.
mgpsurvey kaya kaming mga followers mo kung ano ang mas magandang career move mo. hehehe! anyways, good luck & God bless on your new adventures.
Lannie, it wasn’t a full time employment, actually. Been working from home since 2003. Even column-writing was done at home. So, in terms of routine, there’s not much change.
Thanks, Peterb. Masarap din walang deadlines hehehe
Zara, that would be interesting hehehe
Now you can sit back and relax.
Congratulations and good luck! Am sure you’re with a hundred and one ideas already as to what you’ll be up to next.
Ms. Connie, you are one lucky gal……doing what you really love and having the support of your family especially Mr. Speedy!Good luck on your new endeavors!
Thank you, Beth. I’ve made a lot of career moves, including retiring twice! — and, yes, Speedy’s been supportive.
Congrats! We do need to make some changes and directions sometimes, and travel is just perfect for you at this time of your life: not too young but not too old either. Once your travel photos are posted here, it will feel like we’ve traveled with you. I also know what I’ll do when I retire: knit.