Leaning in to opting out

A free association on what I’m not gonna do.

Rare sighting of a Black woman resting. Photo by me.

I don’t remember the last time I was in a Target store. I figured since the retailer is no longer interested in DEI, then they must not be interested in m-y-m-o-n-e-y.

Buying repeat items before they run out “just in case” is a capitalist trap I no longer fall for. I literally own 2 backup coffee makers. Like, what IS that??

I cut out Comcast too. I’d grown weary of paying high fees for internet and cable that ranged between $175-200 a month. I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure that’s not how sliding scale is supposed to work.

Several months after killing my Instagram, I finally deleted Facebook. If I want to see an endless scroll of demented AI slop and right-wing propaganda I’ll just…actiually nevermind, I don’t wanna see that shit.

My year-to-date Amazon orders totaled $0 until last week, when they offered me a $6 streaming credit…which I could only activate by resuming my Prime membership. So I paid $1.99 for a 1-week subscription and watched John Wick 4 (because Keanu is always worth it).

The beautiful website I used as a virtual storefront and porfolio is gone too. Hosting it cost me hundreds of dollars a year and due to its outdated design, a pieced-together reskin of a site I’d launched 9 years ago. My free LinkedIn is packed with examples of my work.

Speaking of work, no more working in toxic workplaces for me. C-suite dwellers who can’t be bothered to know what I do, or meet with me, or imagine that I’m a human like them?

No thanks.

Places that promote mediocrity yet are baffled (and terrified) by me seeking career growth and a salary that matches my expertise?

Uh-uh.

Taking what I bring to the table without due credit, a thank you, or knowing how to pronounce my name correctly? As a wise man said many, many times, “It’s a no from me, dawg.”

Feels good to be free. Happy Juneteenth, y’all.