Big Changes

Some of my blog readers know that I applied for a job in Mendota Heights, Minnesota (in the twin cities area) a few weeks ago. The job is an Auto-Claim Processor with State Farm. It would be a lateral move since I am currently a Fire-Claim Processor. I didn’t post about this pursuit because I didn’t know if it would pan out and honestly, it’s never fun to say, “I didn’t get the job” (although we all have said that at times and there is no shame in that as long as you did your best).

The beginning part of last week I went to Minnesota for an interview. They didn’t pay for me to go out there; I brought myself out. They were willing to do a video conference interview, but I wanted it to be face-to-face.

I have gone back and forth on this issue… a lot. While I have always said I wanted to move back to Minnesota after I graduate college, once the option to go became a reality, I got cold feet. It's one thing to make a decision where all you need to figure out is which choice is “good” and which is “bad,” but this is different. But both options are “good” choices. I have a lot going for me here yet there is a lot for me in Minnesota too. No matter what state I live in, I will be facing new challenges since I will be done with school and needing to find various things to fill my time. I have a great job here, yet the job in Minnesota is great, too. I have great friends here, but I know I’d make great friends there. CA has great weather, awesome family and friends, lots of big cities to visit, a diverse environment, and did I mention great weather? MN has mom, dad, Charlie, Greg, John, Tiff, Taylor, in a few days, Hannah, and dad’s airplane, ice hockey, and the Midwest mentality. You can see my dilemma.

Before I heard back from the interview panel in Minnesota, I decided, “If I get the job, I will go,” and, “If I get the job, I will turn it down,” about 5 times each. I had even hoped I would not be offered the job so that I wouldn’t have to decide (what a copout, huh?).

Yesterday, my manager came up to me with an email he received from the Human Resources Department in Minnesota stating that they were offering me the job.

Hooray??? Er, Hooray!!! <-- That is how I felt. On one hand, I was proud that I had been offered the job. Interviewing is tough and I was proud that they had selected me. On the other hand, I was forced to make a very important decision.

Sparing the details of the numerous conversations I had with many people, one point that several people seemed to make over and over was that I need to just commit to one decision and stick with it, even when I feel like changing my mind, until I have overwhelming evidence that leads me in another direction. That is hard for me because I have a hard time committing to things. But, I heeded that advice.

And, I took the job.

I am very excited and happy, yet a little sick to my stomach. Some of you may be surprised to hear I took the job because we may have discussed this on a day (or minute) where I was strongly leaning towards staying in CA. I know one thing: I can’t sit here and hope I made the “right” decision because I think either decision would have been ok. But I think the decision to take the job and move to Minnesota will challenge me far more than staying where I am at… and it’s never a bad thing to challenge yourself.

I have received so much support from everyone: friends, family, and obviously my parents. I would definitely appreciate your continued prayers as I say “see you later” to my dear friends and family here in California; and for all the details of moving across the country and finding a place to live. And finally prayers for peace, because I am certain I will question my decision for many months as I settle into this new phase of my life in the twin cities.

I don’t have a “release date” from my current job yet, although I am pretty sure it will be at the beginning part of June. I should know by the end of this week. I'll keep y'all posted.

Oh yeah... I would be happy to entertain those of you who might want to come to see me, experience the twin cities, and visit my family up in Grand Rapids!

One last thing: If I haven't told you personally, "I got/took the job!" please know that this is something I have been stressing about for so long that, now that I have made a decision, my focus has quickly and temporarily shifted elsewhere: school. Don't take that to mean you can't bring it up if we talk, though. I just might not think of bringing it up because in the midst of this job decision, I am also trying to finish my last 3 weeks of college!