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I Moved Away — Far Away

A Few Firsts, A Few Lessons

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Years ago, I was at the beach with some friends. I had a conversation with someone about job searches. They mentioned looking on Monster.com. I had never heard of it, so I immediately checked it out on my return home. For the first time in my life, I opened myself up to a job search internationally.

I was in a job that was ok, but I was looking for growth. I waited until my dad passed because he was struggling with his health. A year had passed since his death, and I was ready. Now was the time. You know, carpe diem.

I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but it looked promising. Within a day, I posted my resume. Within a month, a headhunter called me. Within two months, I was flying to California for an interview.

I remember the day I walked in for my interview. It was a perfect, Southern California day, a bright blue sky with no clouds for miles. After speaking with what would become my new boss, he suggested checking out a restaurant that overlooked the water. I did. It was spectacular. The food –- not so much. But it was another first — eating in a restaurant by myself. I felt so grown up at the age of 39. I flew back home to Washington, D.C., and was offered the position within a week.