'A place that never leaves you': Why Daily Herald VP left the paper and came back - twice

OK, let's get this part out of the way. I quit the Daily Herald … twice.

Once, to try my hand at freelancing. The other time I went to a competitor. The important part of the story is both times I came to my senses and returned home.

So, yes, like the mob, once you are in, you are never really out.

There's a reason for that. Multiple reasons, in fact. I could go on and on about the wonderful people, the great opportunities, the family atmosphere and, of course, the quality journalism.

When you are a journalist, those are pretty good inducements for staying put - or, in my case, coming back.

Yet, that's not the whole story as to why the Daily Herald has been my home for two-thirds of my life.

For one thing, I was never bored. I've had plenty of jobs here from reporter to travel writer to features editor to managing editor. When I moved to the business side, I've handled marketing, events and now the advertising department. I even get to work with the crazy-smart digital team. It may have been one company, but it's been a number of different, but equally rewarding, careers.

Some of these positions were of my choosing. Others were laid at my doorstep, if you catch my drift. Often, I was completely out of my comfort zone. ("You want me to do what?" Really? Are you sure about that?)

Through it all, there was that hand on my shoulder, that kick in the pants and that whisper in my ear: "You've got this. We believe in you. We won't let you fail."

And, you know what? At some point, that attitude started to seep in. Somewhere along the journey, I started to trust the fact I could navigate the challenges in front of me.

It's a wonderful gift to work for a company that pushes you harder than you thought you could go, all the while making sure you have a safe place to land.

I know I am not alone in feeling this way.

There was a going-away party for a few retirees recently - we call them "fades" - and dozens of former employees showed up to raise a glass to their former co-workers. The retirees were popular, hardworking, passionate and talented, so it made sense they drew a crowd of well-wishers.

But it was more than that. I think the former DHers came back because, in a weird way, they never really left.

I don't know what Hosea Paddock had in mind 150 years ago except for his "To fear God, tell the truth and make money" motto, but he created something else, too.

There's a culture here that challenges you, pushes you to the limit and then lets you know you've got this.

And that's a place that never leaves you.