A lot of people have asked me about the move; the job; what it's like, but I have also been so busy with day-to-day life, Pepper, the new job and the early year travels, that I have not been as active on our boards recently.
So here are my thoughts. The job itself has a lot of challenges. I know every job does and fully expected some challenges; it's just that I misjudged from where those challenges would arise and the protracted difficulty in overcoming them. The types of challenges I am seeing are ones which I have been able to handle pretty easily in the past, so it has been immensely frustrating to not be able to do so this time.
Honestly, there have been times when I questioned myself as to whether this was the right decision. It's not like I am 19 and have 50 years of work time in front of me. But I also know that I don't want to look in the mirror and question myself. So, when those moments of doubt storm in, I just try to put my head down and do 'another rep' in weightlifting lingo.
Part of what makes the job challenges so difficult is that the support system which had been a part of my life for so long is 3000 miles away. Sure, it is just a phone call or text, but it just is not the same. The routine I had, the places I could go to seek some sense of solace; all of those things that created a very secure place in the world are gone.
Add in that this is definitely a different culture and the ability to simply have a manner in which I can release the stress of all of this seems somewhat muted at best.
It has, however, also provided me with an opportunity to not only know myself better, but to know my wife Leslie better. Where before, the stress under which she was working made it difficult to seek solace in conversation at times, her now complete and utter lack of stress makes her a better friend to me. We may not have friends here in South Carolina yet, but we have grown closer in may ways. For that I am absolutely grateful.
The other peace of mind which has been granted by the move? I am no longer entirely tethered to a specific salary in order to maintain my life. That gives me options should things take a turn for the worse at work. I love my company, and have every plan of making this my last 'full time' job (unless someone wants to double my salary: hint LOL). Nonetheless, it is a contracted existence and there is always a chance that the relationship could change.
So, how is it going? Simply put, like driving on I-5 in Portland, some smooth roads, sometimes heavy traffic, or bumpy roads; then some times where everything is smooth, followed by heavy traffic.
I guess I just need to keep driving and keep my head up!
