I did it!

I survived another Tax Season. This, without running out of chocolate which was a very real concern.

When interviewing for this job, I was asked how I manage the stress of getting through a tax season. My answer was, "Coffee and chocolate." It may have sounded glib but I was being serious.

Shortly after I was offered the job, I took an inventory. I had plenty of coffee but there was a very real possibility that I would run out of chocolate. And, during a time when it would be virtually impossible for me to go out and get more. In fact, it would be virtually impossible for me to leave my desk to do anything. The success of this tax season was at risk for a total meltdown.

Without intentional rationing, I reached April 15 with chocolate leftover. In fact, I still have one lonely piece left as a momento. And, in the end, I enjoyed the seasonal gig. It was one of the best tax seasons I've had (outside of the A Team which can never be replaced). I learned a lot of new things and (virtually) met a lot of new people and while parts of it were very stressful, management's leadership made for the softest landing in April that I've ever experienced.

To be honest, I kind of miss it and I would do it again. Assuming I get that chance, I need to take advantage of this time off to re-charge, re-organize my personal life (which, left untended, became a slight mess), and to strengthen my in-person relationships.

And get more chocolate.