The question I’m asked most often is, “Where will you live next year?”

My answer is usually something along the lines of….”Wherever I get a job!”

Right now, I don’t have my sights set on any one city or state. Between college, a Spring semester internship, home, and this internship, I’ve lived four different states in the past five years. Yes, that sounds a little crazy to me too. But it’s opened my eyes and made me realize that I’m a lot more flexible than I once thought. The city life is exciting, the East coast is now familiar, and the West will always be comfortable (and warmer).  If I stay here I’ll be happy, but if I don’t then the next move will just be my next adventure.

We attended a lecture today focused on professional skills (networking, marketing yourself, being competitive, etc.), and the presenter opened with this statement:

“Do you take any job? Or just take a job that you love?”

It got me to think twice about that answer above. I know, very specifically, which job I would love and what area of dietetics I want to get into. What I don’t know is whether I would settle for less if necessary.  And, really, what would constitute this necessity– money, lack of opportunities, lack of experience, living arrangements, or all of the above?

I’m fully aware that I won’t love every part of my job, whatever it may be.  That’s just a reality. With the current state of things, there’s a very good chance I won’t get the job I’d “love” right away. And that’s okay, as long as I keep trying. But I’m also aware that I’m about to start my career, and I want to start it my way. This next phase shouldn’t be any different than those that have preceded it.  Maybe it will involve a new city or even a new state, or maybe I’ll stay put. But either way, I’ll certainly seek out what I love and what’s best for me.

Posted by Mary Ellen Nunes at 03/04/2009 10:26:07 AM