Into the Wild...Let the Hunt Begin #20

Life threw perhaps the most unexpected curveball at me two days before graduation: a death in my family. It has been very difficult to say the least and has really affected a lot in the past two weeks. I found out after I left my office on my last day of work in my assistantship, as if that day wasn't hard enough already. Of course I was unable to attend my graduation, which was honestly one of the hardest things for me to think about. I was so looking forward to pictures with my friends, classmates, professors, and family. It is hard to be in this state right now---juggling the "congratulations" from family members and friends at the same time they are giving me their sympathies.

However, I do not want this post to be about my grieving. I wanted to share my thoughts on how something like this has affected the job world. When I selected this job opportunity, I was pleased to be close to home, even though at first it may have not felt as adventurous. But things happen for a reason. I truly believe that this job is what I needed, even though I may not have known at the time, "fate" or whatever entity you want to believe in, guided me to this job because it was right for me and for some reason, I knew I needed to be close to home. This incident certainly makes me feel so relieved for not only having a job in the first place, but for having a job that is not a plane ride away from my family.

In addition, when I told my new supervisor about this, she was more understanding than I imagined. I was supposed to start on June 1st. Given the circumstances, I knew I wouldn't be ready to get up and leave so soon (not only considering my emotional state, but also the practicality of moving into a new apartment). I asked for a short delay and she told me to just contact her when I am ready and not to worry about anything. I am very grateful for their flexibility. It shows they really care about their employees.

I will have more to report next week, at which point I will be in my new home and preparing to start my new job. But to all of you who have graduated by now: congratulations. We have made a huge accomplishment.