The Journey of a Thousand Miles...

It's late (somewhat) and I'm tired (somewhat), but this blog has to start at some point, so here we go. I find myself returning to writing every time there is, or about to be, a big change in my life. And, the next big change is about 6 months away. I'm planning to move to New York City. That's right, a small town girl taking a bite out of the big apple (I promise that is the last time I'll use that expression within this blog).

So how did this opportunity come about? That would be the result of dating a boy. This boy, driven and determined, was very recently accepted into Columbia University next fall for graduate school. This boy, named Rob, is also currently a captain in the United States Marine Corps and has a few months (can you guess? six) left of service. So, I've been presented with this opportunity. I can either stay in beautiful San Diego in a job that gives me a lot of anxiety where most of my friends have moved away since college, or I can move with Rob, whom I love with a crazy passion, and take my chances at a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience (and afford!) New York City.

Some people might think it's a little risky to move across the county with your boyfriend. And they're absolutely right! But if you live safe and comfortably your entire life, how will you ever find the thrill and excitement of the unknown? I like a challenge, and so I plan to take it on. Whether it all turns out in the long run, its my life, and I only get one shot at it- unless I'm reincarnated. But that's an entirely separate blog. :)

Has living in New York City always been a dream of mine? Not exactly. Well not at all. I'm not really a big city girl. But, in a way, I feel it's a challenge for me. And really, it's only two years (hopefully) of my life. Or maybe I'll end up loving it more than I think I will. Who knows?

So, finally, what is the purpose of this blog? Being a planner, writer and having slight (undiagnosed) OCD, I've decided to document the planning, questions, fears, hopes, dreams, problems and thrills of this entire journey. From the planning process, to the reality of it all, you'll find it in this blog. Hopefully, this can also be a road map to young couples, singles, or anyone planning to make the move to New York City.

Got it

My, how time flies by when you are WORKING! That's right! I got the job at Chemistry PR!! I trained for about two weeks, and last week was my first official start and I jumped right into everything.

Like a nightmare, the morning of my first day, I walked out early to my car, only to find out that it did not want to start... Yes, like a fool I left my interior lights on the entire night, draining my battery. Fortunately, Andrew has just left minutes before, and like my night in shining armor, he turned around and gave me a ride to work. I knew I had a meeting that day for my client (yes, I have my own client!) and it was the Government Affairs meeting (presumably the scariest meeting I will have to attend according to Danielle who trained me and whose position I am taking over) but fortunately it was minutes from the office... still I was scared and it didn't put me in the right mind for my first day. Let's just say, it didn't go as smooth as possible but I made it through the day, and now I have made it through the week.

Friday I actually worked a 12 hour day because we had the "BOMA Summer Annual Golf Tournament" and so it was a busy but fun day... now it is Sunday, and my weekend just feels so much shorter than it used to. Maybe because it is no longer four days long.

I am very happy about getting the job, but there are times that I feel like I am in way over my head. A full time job, right out of college? It makes me wonder when I will really get the chance to LIVE... then again, the living I want to do, (traveling the world) requires money, and I guess working with a salary is the best way to get that, eh? I'll give the job longer than a week to tell you whether I'm comfortable. I am just so afraid to mess this one up.

But yeah... now my life has direction. That's what I wanted, right?

Confidence Overrules Hopelessness

I was surprised to find that yesterday, the 23rd of April, meant that I have one month of college remaining until I graduate - of course, I would love to continue on to grad school, but was hoping to get some experience under my belt first. Now I am wondering: Did I make the right decision?

In public relations, you can and should always have some sort of plan. This I did for my life: Intern in school, graduate on time, get an entry level job in San Diego, work there fore three years or so, go back to school and earn my masters. It sounded like a good plan to me. However, I neglected to follow the common rules of any savvy PR practitioner - I did not adjust to my environment.

It is no secret we are facing a recession right now. And, unfortunately, public relations is often considered an expendable resource, especially when the going gets tough. We are a cost to companies, they just don't understand our value. My dilemma is now this: No one is available to hire...

That places a definite rift in my plan and right from the start! However, my new plan is to remain strong in the face of the depressed economy. Yes, I have applied to numerous places, no, I have not yet had much luck. I did get call backs from "marketing" agencies, that with a little research turned out to be scams.

However daunting it may seem for those of you trying to get a job right now, my only advice is, don't be discouraged. Keep that head up, shoulders back, and have persistence. The graduates of 2009 have worked hard, and have something to show. I'm not giving up hope yet, and even if my plan is somewhat skewed, and I may not immediately get that dream job, I know that I have some value for someone - it's just a matter of finding them.

Best of luck to all those seeking jobs!