Indecision, Indecision and......... Decision

I have decided to leave my job. And you know what?  I am going to follow through with my plan that I made two years ago, which is going to Paris (and eat as many croissants and chocolatines as possible- if you remember!).

The main reason is that the long distance relationship is getting too difficult. Although I was able to see my boyfriend regularly the past year, almost every two months, it is costly both financially and emotionally. The plan is that I will be with him for a few months, if he also manages to leave his job.

This is a big decision, as I have never really quit a job this way before. I have always focused on my career and never left a job unless I am taking a better position or making a "strategic" move. My work in this country was a challenge indeed. I almost regretted taking the job the first few months. But, now my work is going well and it is quite engaging. I became good friends with national colleagues, and I feel that I have adjusted well to the life. So, I do feel that I am leaving my heart, and it is nice to go on a positive note feeling more confident. I know very well that I am not responsible to leave only after a year, but I need to take better care of myself.

Year of Snake- do you see two snakes?

It was so hard to tell some people, though, especially my gender colleagues, who have became more than colleagues. They were all understanding but sad. You don't normally get a feedback on your performance from colleagues, but they told me how they appreciated my work, flexibility and the way I brought everyone to work together. They said "I know we will have another person, but we will not get another M (me)." That is so sweet of them to say, but it makes more difficult to leave.

Hopefully, I will be doing a bit more than eating pastries in Paris. I will try to improve my rusty French,  go to Bikram yoga classes and do a few other things. I want to travel to other cities in Europe to see friends. I want to have a healthy life and "detox". I will also start applying for other work. So let's see what 2013 may bring. This is a total open-ended year like a big white canvas that I need to paint with my ideas and colors. 

My new years resolution is:

• Work on my French obviously;
• Exercise more regularly and be healthy;
• Improve my photography skills (complete the last few lessons on the on-line class and look for other courses); 
• Start one new thing.