I published my first blog post eight years ago today. I was 22 years old at the time. My life was different back then, and I have no desire to go back. I like my life better now.
When I started blogging in 2002, I did so because I was planning to drive cross-country for the first time, and I would be doing it by myself (I’ve now driven cross-country on a number of occasions, always solo, between Virginia and California). I started blogging to give my family and friends a way to keep up with my adventures, and I’ve been blogging ever since.
I know I’m a different person than I was eight years ago, but there’s one aspect of my personality that hasn’t changed. While I’m no longer in the clutches of a raging quarter-life crisis, my tendency to crave change and look for ways to shake up my life hasn’t diminished as I’ve gotten older.
On the surface, my life is good: I like the Washington DC area where I’ve spent the last four years; I have a lot of friends; I have a good job and my own apartment. But I can’t deny that I feel discontent. There are a few options I’ve considered: I could stay with my current employer, but take an assignment at one of our international offices that would get me out of the country for a while. I could quit my job, or take a leave of absence, and travel around the U.S. for a few months. (I’ve always wanted to go to Alaska. And I’ve never been to New England. Hell, I’ve been to California and many states in-between, but I’ve never been to Philadelphia, which is only a few hours drive away.)
I realize some people consider these options drastic. While I recognize them as life changing events, neither do I shy away from them. Maybe I’ll choose to do one of these things, or maybe I’ll choose something else. What I do know is, I’m glad the decision is up to me and I’m free to make a change if that’s what I decide I want to do.
The thought of drastic change scares me a little, but sometimes you have to force yourself to be scared and uncomfortable. The possibility of regret scares me even more.
7 Comments
Hi, I don’t think your ideas are too drastic. I left, 6 months into my first job post-university, to work in the Montreal office of the company for year. I was alone and it was good for me. I even drove my car there so I could explore.
Then I met my guy and we moved to Germany. It’s been hard being away from family but we really have seen so much.
I do think if you take a leave of absence you should go to Europe or Thailand or S. America, somewhere outside the USA. :)
I had no idea you were that interested in Alaska. I’ve been three times now. The most recent was just this past June. I’ll be going surfing for two weeks in Hawai’i in December. But my next vacation after that will be back to Alaska. I love the state! Its beauty is un-matched, even by Hawai’i.
I think change is good and keeps us from being stale. I’m sure whatever you decide to do it will be an adventure.
~K
I hear ya! I have a lingering fear about the day I stop challenging myself in new situations. I’ve been in my job for 5 years now and it has REALLY been tough for me to swallow that length of time in the same cubicle. I think there’s an expectation that once we get out of our antsy pants 20′s that we’ll settle down, but I sure hope that’s not the case for me either.
I love this post Zandria and totally relate to the discontent feeling. Which is why I went from wv to nyc to virginia in about four years time. I am not content living in virginia, but am always itching to travel.
We’re thinking about a trip across country in the near future, any advice on this?
I wish you well. You’re intelligent and beautiful and can make it where ever you end up. I love your gumption!
I’d choose the international office option. Looks good on your CV plus you may get a whole new set of possibilities when you’re there.
No New England? I remember you telling me that once. That needs to be corrected. :) I’m there right now actually. I have also never been to Philly. Airport doesn’t count.
If I could afford to take a leave of absence I’d probably go to New Zealand or Norway. That would be a great, adventurous sabbatical for sure. But, at least until the economy gets better nation-wide, I’m here in NO VA so I might as well make the best of it. Hiking near Charlottesville and Ted Leo next weekend before I make the final push for my PmP exam.