Vesting!

One year under my belt and I am now officially and irrevocably the owner of a little piece of the stealth-mode startup that's staked its claim on my heart and soul. After all the personal sacrifices we made to exercise early, knowing that at least part of those stock options are now officially ours, no take-backs, is certainly cause for celebration! I hadn't expected this much anticipated milestone to be such an emotional roller coaster. Leaving the office tonight, I finally breathed deeply and just let the tears roll. It's been such a ride, an honor and a privilege but also a terrifying, stress-inducing, push-you-to-your-limits sort of role. I thought I'd gotten past that stage of life when I was handed my diploma back in 2009 and beelined out of the capital of IHTFP. (Google it.) Alas, it seems the masochistic #startup lifestyle draws me in like a moth to a flame. Today, one of the major startup stressors—namely the one-year vesting cliff—melted away. So the timing of San Francisco's Beer Week coinciding with my big anniversary was fortuitous, to put it mildly.

One year on the job, and therefore now officially and irrevocably owners of a small slice of my startup!

Here's to another year of wild rides! And this one with monthly vesting and no more immigration battles! Santé !