life decisions.
these past few months have definitely been a ride. starting a new job and moving to Traverse City away from my family and friends has really put things into perspective for me. i have some big girl decisions i really need to think about.
working at the VA is definitely a lot different than i thought it would be. while it is a rewarding experience, it is not without its challenges. but this period in my life is just one step in my pathway to success.
Year 1: Graduate from MSU, hopefully find a job within the VA
Year 2: begin job in TC, establish reputation within organization, begin master’s program.
Year 3/4: transfer and move back downstate (preferably to the AA VAMC), move up organizational hierarchy, complete master’s program
Year 5: transfer and move to the love of my life, Chicago, which also happens to be home to one of the best VA health systems in the country.
that has been my 5 year plan post college graduation. I know that in the long term, staying with the VA is the smartest decision for me. Endless opportunities to move up, pension, health benefits, continuing education.. the list goes on and on. On paper, it’s a no brainer.
and now that father winter has finally loosened his grasp on northern michigan (yes it did snow here mother’s day weekend) i am discovering all the TC has to offer in terms of wine tasting, nature trails, beaches, microbreweries, art shows, etc and things don’t seem as bleak. however, i miss my family, my friends, and a decent bowl of pho. northern michigan is a cultural wasteland.
i still find myself wanting to move back downstate and return to my comfort zone. after visiting my old job, my former boss made it clear that they would love to have me back and offered me the same promotion. i would be close to my family/friends, rent would be way cheaper, i could shop at costco again, i could pick between lebanese, indian, thai, vietnamese, and japanese food for lunch, and i would have enough money to visit my friends in Chicago/California all i want.
i’ve always been the type of person to plan for the future rather than live in the moment, but after some intense periods of self reflection i find i have to ask myself: when will the planning end? when will i stop focusing on the future and start living in the present? I know that moving back to metro detroit would give me instant gratification, but will i be content with that decision 5 years from now? most likely not. at the same time i find it depressing to thing that i have to trudge through the next 3 or 4 years to get where i want to be.
at least my cat pack is coming to visit this weekend.
