Nearly 15 years ago I was getting ready to graduate from college, applying for jobs around the world. My only requirement: to work someplace English-speaking. A warm climate was a plus, but not a requirement.

I applied to TV, radio and print positions from Maine to North Dakota; California to Guam.

I also applied to my hometown paper, the Times Union.

I started at the TU the fall after graduation as an editorial assistant compiling calendars and writing about potholes (basically, if no one was interested in a topic, I’d take it). My goal: to become a reporter.

A few years later a reporter position opened, and I got it.

I wrote about fashion, trends and consumer-issues. My dating column, Nightcap, went from an occasional feature to weekly in the Sunday paper. I also continued to take-on the stories that didn’t interest other reporters.

My job evolved, with the blog and social media playing a significant role. My column changed to Life 3.0 and I focused on all issues facing 30-somethings, including dating.

I had what I regularly referred to as my dream job. It was the kind of position college students — and working journalists — often emailed me about to ask how they could do the same.

But my job was unique, a position the TU had allowed me to build over the years. There was, as far as I knew, no other identical role in journalism. I was one of the lucky ones — a woman who truly enjoyed going to work and who was excited about what may — and could — happen each day.

A few years ago I took on the role of social media strategist, helping the paper — and my colleagues — build their brand through Facebook, Twitter and the like. Social media allows us to better understand what readers love, and what they dislike. We can share our work and crowd source. Social media changed journalism significantly, for the better.

My writing evolved around this time, too. Soon dating stories morphed to tales about being engaged and planning a wedding, then married life and, eventually, pregnancy.

And now motherhood. A new dream and a new job — one that is more fulfilling than anything I’ve done in the last 30-plus years.

That’s not to say I don’t love writing, I do, but my mission has changed and raising Little C is a priority. R and I were raised by stay-at-home moms and want to offer Little C the same.

So I’ve decided to step away from the blog, and from Life 3.0, to be home with our daughter. To watch her grow and mature and build and follow her own dreams.

I’m not going off the grid, or even fully stepping away from journalism. Around Memorial Day, I’ll start doing some part time editing for the TU and freelance writing for the magazines. I’ll also continue my FLY 92.3 segment.

I’ll still play around on Facebook and Twitter, too, and use those platforms to reach out to readers for story ideas and sources for two of my favorite Times Union features sections — Solutions and Work Life. A new opportunity, and a new role — one I’m excited to begin. Now, and then, you can reach me through Facebook and Twitter or kbarlette@timesunion.com.

On the Edge will continue with a new look, and new writers, including funny lady Brianna Snyder. I’ll pop in from time-to-time, especially when it’s related to the Fly Morning Rush.

But this doesn’t mean I won’t continue to write. Writing isn’t just a career for me, but a hobby, an outlet. Even when we’re on vacation I write everyday — either on paper, on the computer or in my head. Now, though, those thoughts will be over at JustKristi.com. The content will be similar to what you found on OTE for the past seven years, but more personal stories than general topics.

I’ll write about relationships — romantic and otherwise — family, friends, shopping and fashion, customer service, social media, life and, of course, parenting.

I hope you’ll join me as I move on to the next stage and achieve a balance between my two loves — and my two dream jobs.