Wednesday Whaaat?

I announced my new position on facebook. Starting Monday, June 20, I will be NSU's first ever International Recruitment and Retention Specialist (or, what I like to say, International Student Recruiter). I finished all my paperwork after my (successful) negotiations, and I got my key to my office! WHAAAAAAAT! Awesome!

I finished the Annual Report I was worried about; it took forever, but all the numbers are there, my thoughts and my goals for the next fiscal year. It looks beautiful, and my boss was impressed. She especially enjoyed seeing that circulation went up by 13.5% this year (mostly due to my Blind Book Date initiative). Awesome.

My birthday was the best birthday I've had since 21. Three cakes, some fun-fetti cupcakes and lots of beer. I had a party in Philly, a party at work, a (fancy steak dinner) party with Bryan and a party with my Tahlequah friends. I couldn't ask for anything more awesome.

Oh, and my boss is doing my exit interview at Cherry Berry, a local ice cream shop. Awesome.

Woa. Choosy Me.

When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that is in itself a choice.
William James



I am on the verge of change. What sort of change is up to me.

I know I'm not happy where I'm at. Things are not great in the library at the moment, and there are no indications that this will change in the next year or two. I know I will be (even if just slightly) happier doing something besides what I'm doing. I have made moves to give myself choices, thinking that of all the options, the "right" choice would be obvious.

Here I am, teetering between Plan A (graduate school) and Plan B (a better paying, more challenging job). Each path is a good one, and I suppose it is almost harder than choosing between two evils. I cannot choose "wrong," I can only choose "better."

How am I to choose? If I weigh these financially, it's a tough call. Obviously, Plan B will give me more money immediately, but Plan A may ensure higher pay in the long term. If I weigh the two emotionally, I'm not going to be accurate as I have not done either of these tracks. Each are similar to other adventures (undergraduate and admissions job), but until I am in the position, I will be unable to evaluate which is better for me emotionally. If I weigh these two options in terms of what will be challenging, I know that both of them will be - but in different ways.

I'm ready for a change. I just need to choose what sort of change I need. Do I need a rejuvenating academic adventure? Do I need a more intense job? This is my town for the time being; I need to find something and make it work. And soon.

My graduate school classes begin on my birthday, Monday, June 6. I hope to have decided before that date. Wouldn't that be a great birthday present? Clarity of mind, certainty in my choice, hopeful anticipation of change.

Courage

Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway.
-John Wayne