Wednesday, February 15, 2006

My Great Adventure Begins

I can finally announce the big news. After about 6 weeks of phone calls and a lot of waiting, it's finally a done deal. I'm going to San Diego . . for 4 months. And I'm quitting my job so I can do it. I gave my two weeks notice today and booked my flight for two weeks from Friday. Wow.

I wasn't looking when this opportunity presented itself to me, but it came at the perfect time. I was growing tired of what I was doing, but I was comfortable and didn't know what kind of a job I would really look for. My cousin out in D.C. gave me a call and let me know about a temporary job opportunity out in San Diego. He didn't have anything to do with this particular project but his company did. So he put in a good word for me (which helps since he's a partner) and gave me the name of the guy to call. Long story short, I'm going.

It may seem crazy to quit my job, especially since I just got promoted to the position I've wanted for 9 months, but this is such a great opportunity. I knew I didn't want to go any further with this company and even after a change in position, I still wasn't really satisfied.

This temporary job will give me great experience, look awesome on my resume, and get me out of my comfort zone. The scary part is not knowing what's going to happen after 4 months is up. Will I come back jobless? I hope not! One of the reasons I'm taking it is to be able to network and see what's out there and I hope, I hope get more of an idea of what I would really enjoy doing.

It's also an adventure. I've never lived more than an hour from home and to be honest, I've never really wanted to. I love my friends and family and I'm happy here, but at the same time, I don't want to be complacent. I have a desire to do more and perhaps this will somehow lead to that "more". And, I'll be able to experience living away without having to completely move. They are paying for my nice apartment, a rental car, my food, my gas, and other expenses. Plus, I'll make twice what I make now.

I'm not gonna lie . . I'm really nervous. At the same time, I really feel as though God has opened this door for me. No matter what lies in store, He will take care of me.

So, here I go on this adventure. And, if you read my blog often, my guess is you're probably going to get to know me really well these next few months, because this is going to be the one familiar thing I have out there.

There's a lot of unknown yet to be discovered. Will I make friends fast? Will I cry a lot and be homesick? Will I love it so much I won't want to come back? Will I discover, at least in part, a little more of what I want to do? Will I have as much fun as I hope to? Will I find a church I enjoy attending? Will I get the best tan of my life?

You & I are about to find out . . so stay tuned . . . .

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh! What an amazing opportunity! You are going to LOVE San Diego, it's one of my favorite cities. I'm so proud of you for actually doing this... most people would talk but never do. GOOD LUCK!

k said...

Aughhh! That is so cool! My opinion is only based on a 3 day mini-vacation, but San Diego is so great!

Advice from someone who moved to someplace completely new and knew no one... get involved, whether it be in church or a sport or a volunteer activity. Friends aren't going to come to you - you need to make an effort and come to them. But I think being forced to make a new life for myself here has made me a much stronger and more confident person.

Yay! What a great experience! Good luck!

Lindsay Blake said...

you and i both know how awesome san diego is... want my uncle's #? you could have lunch with him and my aunt on his boat, just a thought... i know how scary it is. i'm headed to the opposite side of the world. selling everything i own. we will do this together. go to the unknown. i'm sure there will be moments of loneliness, the thoughts of is this really you God? but it is - His timing is PERFECT. trust in Him, he will look out for us. can't wait to do this together.

Anonymous said...

I feel so lost in the shuffle of your life. It is breaking my heart.

a tall sassy gal said...

WOW I am proud of you and look forward to reading it all. I made a similiar decision when I moved from Alabama to Texas. And I continue to struggle being so far from home but in the last few months it has finally gotten better. San Diego is awesome!

Cady said...

wow, that's so awesome. scary yet cool! i can't wait to hear how it goes. good luck!!

Alyssa said...

What a great oppertunity. It sounds like just what you need right now. I pray you find everything your looking for and MORE!

Anonymous said...

Well Laura, maybe you will stop by and see us on our boat!

Anonymous said...

might be a great opportunity but job hopping does not look great on a resume. good luck 4 months from now.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow YAY!! How much fun! I am so happy for you, this will be such a wonderful experience. And the beauty of California you will never forget.

So... my cousin which is our age and my husband's Dad live out there. My cousin lives just near Sea World, and his Dad lives in a sky rise in the middle of downtown. If you want to email me your info I can put her in touch with you and at least you can have a contact to find out some of the local hot spots - she LOVES San Diego. She's a really sweet girl, newly married (that was her wedding I posted about last May!), and has such a wonderful giving heart.

And phooey on that last comment - being brave enough to take on a trip across the country just for the pure experience of it all looks FABULOUS on a resume! They'll know you're up to the challenge of whatever they give you.