Today, my final column for The Daily Muse went live. It’s bittersweet… being the resident beauty expert was an amazing privilege, but I’ve got life-changing news that — albeit sadly — prevents me from contributing to sites other than my own. (More specific news to come next week! Cannot wait to share.)

Three and a half years ago, I graduated from NYU with a degree in journalism and psychology. I was very fortunate to find a paralegal job a few weeks after graduation in Manhattan, even if working in law wasn’t exactly what I had planned. Since the first half of 2009 was an absolute economic catastrophe, most of my college friends moved out of the city to pursue higher degrees, joined the Peace Corps or found work in their hometowns. The chilly economic climate wasn’t at all conducive to young whipper snappers attempting to start careers, especially in publishing. I was so lucky to have a job that allowed me to pursue my writing and editing passions on the side. This way, I was able to maintain a living and follow my dream.

Learning about law was a great challenge — I knew nothing about it before starting at the firm. I now know how to start a state or federal suit, how to conduct legal research, look up dockets, draft legal documents… heck, I’m even an official New York notary. I’m so grateful for the inspiring people I met and the lessons I learned. After a certain point, I was promoted and was faced with a decision: from here, I could either be “career paralegal” or go to law school. My dreams of being an editor were still very clear in my mind’s eye, so it was time to move on.

I’ll post specifics next week, but I’ve finally found a job that aligns my education and my passions. I’m so excited to start this new chapter in my life — and like I pointed out in my first that je ne sais quoi post, I love new beginnings. You know what they say… when one door closes, another one opens.

I will certainly keep you posted and stay tuned for next week!