Why my therapist thinks closing my company was my biggest success
And what does the ancient practice of Shmita have to do with it
3272 years ago, the Jewish people first observed Shmita, a sabbatical year that occurs every 7th year, in which Jews in Israel are to let the land rest, forgive debts and open their private properties to everyone.
9 years ago, Elsa famously sang “Let it go”.
And 2 years ago, I finally did.
The story of closing my first tech startup during the first wave of Covid is long and painful, but I find myself revisiting it often lately. As I observe Shmita (mainly by letting my plants grow wild) I keep thinking back to this idea of simply letting go every 7 years. Letting go of your possessions, of your daily tasks, but even more so - of such a key part of your identity as the person who owns them and who does them.
A few weeks ago, my friend Noa Hilzenrat, a community manager at Startup For Startup, asked me to write my story. As part of their Failure Month, she wanted me to share what led to closing Emerj and any takeaways I could share with fellow entrepreneurs. It was one of the hardest things I ever wrote in my life (and I’ve been writing since the age of 4). The amount of outpouring support and respect (or you know what, sheer feedback) I received was overwhelming. But it was one thing my therapist said that got me.
“I wonder how they got you to share your story as a failure,” she said. “Because to me, the fact that you were willing to let go is an amazing success. Something that causes me pride and joy.”
You know what? We’re both right.
These are exactly the pillars I’m looking forward to explore in this newsletter and in my podcast, Looks Like Work. There are already so many great podcasts, newsletters, blogs and books (and yes, TikTok videos!) about entrepreneurship, about grit, about “making it”… But I was missing a more honest conversation about the things that make work worth it. Yes, the money (and during the pandemic, so many of us got closer to understanding how that’s not something you can tale for granted). But also - purpose, identity, curiosity…
And what happens when we get burnout? When we are simply exhausted or in a funk? When we’re not sure our dream job is so dreamy - or when we are, but still there is so much else to figure out?
I’m so lucky to have access to some amazing humans, who are willing to open their hearts and their careers and have frank discussions on all of the above.
In our first episode, my dear, dear friend Hamutal (Tula) Schieber, CEO of Schieber Research, shares her unique path. We talked about being passionate in life and business, looking for homeostasis in marketing and in living, how sometimes you choose burnout, living with a hard to pronounce name, and so much more. I freaking love Hamutal, and have been looking up to her ever since I found her by accident on a blogging platform that doesn’t exist anymore - 15 years ago.
I can’t wait to hear what you think. Give it a listen here.
Thank you, Hamutal, and thanks to my producer Amelia and to Michal from the Rooms & Words team.
Please ping me on Instagram stories and share your thoughts – and I’ll be back next week :)
Yours,
Chedva