Yes, you read that correctly. We are leaving our comfort zone of Georgia {I just realized that I have lived in a 45 minute radius of Athens my entire life} and becoming Yankees. We assume people in Chicago are Yankees, I mean they are north. I consider my cousin in Knoxville a Yankee, she lives more north and gets good snow. That is a true test of a Yankee...
Anyhoo, back to the topic at hand and a little background seeing as I have not shared a whole lot of this on the blog. Queue dreamy rewind music...
Back in March we had a staff meeting where we were told that our Atlanta office was being closed in October and we could come to Chicago or get a severance based on tenure. I was immediately "No, I will find a job here. No need to move." So I went about the next 3 months applying to jobs, sending out mass emails to friends, family and minor acquaintances and praying for a job. My mom was praying I could find a job as well and that would give me a better quality of life, one where I didn't spend 3 hours a day in the car commuting. {I think she wishes now she had been a little more specific...} Over that 3 month period I applied to 60-70 jobs and only heard from one. Yes my friends, one. Atlanta's unemployment rate is HORRIBLE, it is higher than the national average and I can now attest to that.
So in May I went to our Chicago office for a client meeting and all of the sudden I had it in my heart that I might want to move there...strange, I know. So, I discussed with the powers that be and we discussed a new position for me. One that gives me a new role in the company and a promotion {yay!}. So, in early June {when the tornadoes where there} Chad and I flew up to Chicago to check it out. {Let me add this, when we started discussing this move Chad sent his resume to a job opening up in Chicago and heard back from them the next business day. Ummm, he's a punk} So, we had a wonderful time, met with an old girlfriend of mine and explored what the city has to offer.
We came home on Father's Day and went our separate ways to celebrate the daddys. When I was at my parents house I was an absolute no. I was back in my comfort zone and didn't want to go, I was scared out of my mind. I had an interview with the one company that had called me back and I was sure I was going to get it. So I went back home and Chad and I discussed, and discussed, and discussed. My only reason for not going was that I was scared of the unknown and leaving our comfort zone of family and friends. Chad really challenged me on that, he's awesome like that.
So, I prayed and prayed and prayed. I asked God to show me the way, let me know what he wanted us to do and I would do it without looking back. I told him that I would trust him and asked that he make our path clear for us, put it on my heart what he wanted us to do. And I meant it, for the first time in my life...I woke up on Monday and had a different outlook, I knew we needed to consider this. Chad got a call from a company up there requesting an interview {again, he is a punk} and I knew what we needed to do. I continued to pray and ask for guidance and he continued to put it on my heart to go, take that leap of faith like I never had in my life. Chad and I discussed it and we were both 100% in. We knew that we would not go if one person didn't want to, we wouldn't uproot one of us knowing they would be miserable. Oh, and I still haven't heard back from that company that I interviewed with. I asked God to please not give me both options, I needed a clear path...I wouldn't have chosen the correct one.
So, last Thursday I accepted the offer. And we have not looked back, seconded guessed or wanted to change our minds. And that is amazing to me, we have had some major opposition to this decision. I know that people don't understand why we would do this. But it isn't my will, it is His and I am doing what he asks of me.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:9
8 comments:
Congrats on such a huge leap of faith! It seems that everything has worked out for the both of you. Just continue to rely on Him. Can't wait to hear of your Chicago tales!
And I'm crying....again!
Prayers.prayers.prayers. and PRAISES! ;0)
Congratulations, that is WONDERFUL news! I am so excited for the both of you and what Chicago will bring for you and your hubby. It is wonderful to pray for things and listen to Him and have those prayers answered. I have been doing a lot of that lately and after 3 months at my company here and my probation period is up, I am moving into a new role that is so exciting and new for me! Well deserved promotion by the way, you have always deserved more Allison!!!! Good luck in all you do and all your future endeavors in Chicago, I look forward to keeping up with the goings on. Love the new blog look too! Take care!
I think that you will like my hometown.
Other than it getting a bit cooler in the winter (Ok a lot cooler), it isn't a bad place to live.
I hope you like and all the best these next few months.
Well I think its fabulous!! Congratulations! And you are too cute but Yankee really more applies to the Northeast. Chicago is Midwest baby! You'll love it. If you think the south is friendly, you'll love the midwest. They're even friendlier! And the shopping in Chicago is awesome.
How exciting!! I adore Chicago, but of course have only LIVED in THE SOUTH as well. It does sound that this is where the two of you are supposed to be headed. Isn't it lovely when you know HE has a plan for you :) And who knows! You may be back to GA one day in the future!!
Congrats!!! I am so happy for you guys!! I was hoping to hear good news! Good luck!
Congrats!!!! I am happy and excited for yalls new adventure!!!
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