So...it has been quite a while since I have written. But then again, there have been a lot of exciting changes in my life since late 2009.
Let's see - right before Thanksgiving I had to make a big decision. I had to decide where I was going to live! I had a few few options: relocate to a new apartment in Worcester, move back home (not really an option) or move to Providence, RI with my boyfriend. I found myself really evaluating my life. A 24 year old college graduate, living in Worcester, who had committed 2 years to a manufacturing company in hopes of getting ahead and bettering herself, aka not be a receptionist, but was still in the same position as when she started. It was time for a change.
I moved to Providence. The rational part of me promised myself I would just commute until I find a new job. Even if I waited tables or did make-up, it would be better than working for the previous company answering phones... I wasn't respected, I discovered things and people in the company that disgusted me, and I knew that there was no happy future if I stayed. I knew I was worth so much more and I deserved to give it to myself.
I did the hour long commute for weeks and weeks. I kept my move a secret. That is until a bad snowstorm hit and I was 3 and 1/2 hours late to work. It was that moment that I decided it was time for a change. I knew I had to share my secret with my supervisor, and good friend. It was that same day that I submitted my letter of resignation.
As I handed in the letter a wave of relief came over me. It is official. The next chapter of my life had unfolded. Though it was blank I was still giddy with excitement. In my heart I was committed to a new future. No more "corporate" office drama no more "just a receptionist" - I felt so free to have taken a full leap towards a better future.
I drove, worked and searched for a job. Two weeks passed and still nothing. Like any break-up there was some drama... Some people told me I was out of my mind to quit in such a bad economy, but I knew in my heart it would all be ok. Others gave me a wink and and encourgaing "you're too good for this..." or "You deserve better..." I liked when those people visited my desk.
My last day at the old company was a Monday and I had spent the last few weeks submitting my resume, following up on leads and signing up with placement agencies. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday...I had interviews every day, some days there would be 2 or even 3 interviews. By the next week I had numerous job offers... My confidence boosted & my thoughts progressed from "just finding a job" to really thinking, "What am I passionate about?..what is my ideal job?"
I had always wanted to work at a college, like I did years ago at Assumption. I did try to attain a position at a college- as an Admissions Counselor, while I was working. But time passed, life went on and I became comfortable with what I was doing. I just accepted the routine and went along with my day to day schedule.
Now I had the opportunity to go for my dream of working at a college; of being part of an institution and contribute to a community of professors, students, families - to be part of something bigger than just day to day corporate drama. I went after it- sharing my ideals with the agencies and whoever would listen.
I still went on all of the interviews that I could find, just in case I didn't find my ideal position.
A week had passed and I still haven't committed to a job. I was waiting on the final offer letter from one company when I got a call about a position at RISD -Rhode Island School of Design! My stomach dropped. This was it. This was my chance to pursue my dream. The door was open and all I had to do was show them what I am about and my passion.
And here I am today. I am proud of taking that risk. I went against the odds and not only found a job, but THE job for me. People said that I couldn't do it, I would be begging for my job back, that I was making a huge mistake... I tuned them out.
It's your life... If you listen to anyone but yourself then you will be following their path - when you realize you're on the wrong path you jump to another, maybe someone else's... You will never be happy that way.
I recently read my sister's blog about love. One of the most important foundations in love is loving yourself... If you aren't true to yourself you will never discover true love. If you don't love yourself - then you will never be able to fully love someone else. I am discovering a new city, learning a new position, meeting exciting people and also new Erica.
I feel that I am more in tune with who I am today than ever before; remaining true to my values and following my heart. It has set me free. I love myself now, more than I ever have before. And it's an amazing affair :)
I haven't a clue what I have in store for 2010 - or where I will be a year or 5 from now, I just know that things can only get better. That the rest of my life is the best of my life and my only plan is to make it beautiful.
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