Some of you have asked me about my next step, so I am finally blogging it. My commitment in Nashville ends on July 31, and it's sad to think about leaving my students and friends here. I have been so blessed in relationships here in Nashville, so I'm glad that I won't be all that far away.
Long story short (leaving out all of the conversations, exploration, prayer, etc.) I am taking an "of counsel" position with a law firm in Dalton, Georgia, which is only 20 minutes from my family. I will be a contract employee and can work as little or as much as I'd like; my plan is to work 4 days a week. I hope to work one day a week from home. My hope is that this type of position will allow me to live a life that reflects my priorities, giving me ample time to volunteer in a ministry similar to the one I work with now as well as serve my church, friends, and family better. And of course gives me more time to just be. And if I don't like this job, I figure legal work just isn't for me:)
Since Dalton isn't a place I can imagine living, especially while I'm single, I'll be living in Chattanooga, TN. That gives me a 25-30 mile commute, which is a drag, but I think it's worth it. Plus there's no traffic, and in the past, non-traffic commutes have not bothered me. I figure the gas cost will bother me more than the time, but we'll see.
Despite the fact that this job exceeds my "ideal job" that I wrote about in my journal months ago, I'm not excited. The break-up with Carter and leaving my good friends, church, and great (and relatively easy) job here is sad. So now I'm trying to get excited about these changes and pump myself up about how fun Chattanooga is going to be. If you know anything great about it, let me know.
p.s. I am thankful for Rolos. I've eaten a package almost every day for over a week now. Yummy! I am also grateful for fun friends who ended my birthday with me two weeks ago at Maggie Moos. Also yummy.
15 comments:
I am positive that you will find many things to be grateful for in your new job.
I know it can be difficult when you have all these changes in your life. And being sick can make your head go to bad places. I am certain that you will find many more things to be grateful for in the next few months.
SJM: I guess I just need to give myself time. I could write a list of things to be grateful for....I just don't feel it yet, I guess.
Ella: You're right about being sick. Not good!
That many changes at once would be stressful no matter how wonderful the next step. Your new job and its perks (flexibility, proximity to family) sound perfect for you - I can't wait to hear how it all plays out. Good luck, Ally!
Well, there's the aquarium... :)
On the flip side, you could get a job at the Station House on the weekend and be a singing waitress!
I think living in the 'nooga would be great! Hopefully you'll like it there. "Of Counsel" - that sounds fancy but without all the partner or associate commitment. nice.
Hope your this new phase of your life goes great!
AWW, Ally... I've JUST begun to blog w/you!! I was asking some peeps at church Sunday about you (hoping to see you) and they ALL knew who you were!! (thinking Ryan Bult, Ashley Warren) and was so sad when I told them that you had mentioned you were moving! I sure hope you come to CP before you leave but if not, I've got you in my blog sister!! :) I'm happy to be blogging with you!! You will have a WONDEFUL life... because you have God... that's all it takes, isn't it!! :)
Thanks for the California Recommendations.
I hope you're able to go to Sam's Sushi one last time before you pack and leave. I love Cheeburger Cheeburger in Chattanooga--plus Usher is from there, you know I'm so star struck!! lol It's a beautiful city with the river running through it. Good luck with your new job position!!
well, i understand completely all the emotions you're starting to feel. moving is a freakin' emotional rollercoaster.
i went to Chatty on New Years to visit a great friend. she actually lives on Lookout Mtn, right by Covenant College...she may be a great Christian contact for you in a new place. let me know if you want to get in touch with her. every little bit helps.
i hope that sweet, unexpected blessing are around the corner for you, as you work through the change and loss that you're currently experiencing.
looking forward to hearing more of what this experience is like for you. Rolos are always a great standby, when the goin' gets tough.:)
Lib: Your comment lifted my spirits. Thank you! I'll touch base with you about your friend.
FC&F: Cheeburger Cheeburger is now on my list. If it has crispy onion rings, I'll really be excited!
Matt: No problem.
Deb: I was at Cross Point on Sunday, but I was late b/c of the other church service I attended. So I'll bet you were already singing by the time I got there. I'll bet we'll cross paths before I leave.
Ivy: Thanks. And I like the sound of "of counsel" too. It makes it sound like I have a lot more than three years of experience:)
Aaron: Do you know how HORRIBLE I would be at that job?
Jennifer: Thank you for the encouragement. I need it!
Wow that sounds like a great job :) Good luck with it. I'm sure it'll work out great. Change is always difficult and especially after a break up but just think how positive your life will be - your life that you have chosen for yourself. That's very empowering :)
Wow! I can't believe you are almost done. I remember when you were just starting there! I'm glad that you have found a job that lets you focus on what you want to focus on. I've recently been thinking opening that whole door of 'what do you REALLY want to do?', and although it's scary, it's exciting to realize that the only limit is what I tell myself I can't do.
Wow. That got really... motivational speechy there for a second. Anywho, I love a commute, so I hope you enjoy yours, and fingers crossed the gas prices come down so it's even better.
Also? Glad you are feeling better. (I think the Rolos saved you)
It's always hard to leave and move on. I've had to do that several times before I finally feel somewhat settled now. Each was certainly a learning experience for sure. Chattanooga is a great place and I love its proximity to Atlanta, so that is high on my list.
There is a great Italian restaurant there...Tony's? that makes their own pasta.
I love your idea to work and do ministry. I think it's important to find a balance. So many people think you have to give up your profession in order to be a missionary - which is so not true.
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