One might think that if presented with an opportunity to live and work in Europe for 2 years there is nothing to think about...the obvious answer is yes! Well, not so fast! For me, there is so much to think about, consider, decide, and accept...it can become consuming.
Here is some background as to how this all came to be:
As part of the reorganization in my department, we are expanding and opening audit offices in Brussels and
Hong Kong. When this
reorg was first announced I never really considered one of the positions overseas. It wasn't until one Saturday in June when it hit me like a lightning bolt....I need to give this some serious thought. I have always said God talks to me in the shower...well, this day, He seriously did. I literally jumped out of the shower, emailed my manager and emailed a friend that is currently living in Brussels. I thought that if I did not tell someone immediately I was interested in learning more about this opportunity then I would never follow through.
From that moment all I could think about was Brussels...what it meant to me personally, professionally, what about my parents, my sister, other family, friends, and, of course, my precious Maxie (my spoiled rotten dog).
Lindsay, my friend currently living in Brussels with her husband who is doing a 2 year assignment with
KPMG, called me immediately when she got my email. She told me the good, the bad, and the ugly about her time in Brussels so far. Although her experience is very different than what mine would be (she is not working), the immediate culture shock and emotions of missing family and friends is the same.
The many months from when the position was announced to when it was actually posted and we could apply for it was planned. And now, after having gone through the past 6 months or so of thinking about this opportunity, I am very grateful for that time.
There is so much to consider before committing to something like this (more than I first realized). I am very very very lucky to have Lindsay already in Brussels and can share her experiences and be there to answer the unlimited questions I have asked. She has no idea exactly how appreciative I am of her friendship and honest information.
One of the first conversations I had was with my parents. I had to break the news of the possibility of moving to another country gently. Mom was receptive, Dad...well, let's just say he is struggling...still. As part of my thought process I had to think about their health and the unthinkable...the possibility of something happening to one of them or to my sister while I am not here. Also, my Grandmother and my many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. I am blessed that my parents, sister, Grandmother, and the rest of my family and friends are in good health. I had to think about what I would do in the event that something did happen. I am blessed to work for a company which would move Heaven and Earth to get me home in the event I needed to get back immediately.
I also had to consider if this was the right time for me personally and if I was in a place in my life where I could do this and not have any regrets. Maybe this is the reason God has allowed me to be single all of these years. There is a reason for everything, right? After months of really thinking about ALL of this...the answer was yes, I was going to apply for an opportunity of a lifetime.
So, I applied, interviewed, and recently accepted a position in Brussels. They are telling me we will be moving in the March/April time frame....so only a few months to get my stuff together and start a new chapter in my life.
Now, the details begin...sell or rent my house, sell my car, what to take and what to leave in storage, obtaining a work permit and all the MANY documents required with such a move, getting Maxie ready with the required documents, shots, the proper Euro microchip, and her
doggie passport (yes, I know, who knew??), and MUCH MUCH more. The list is never-
ending!
Whew, I am tired just thinking about it! So, I am off...
Until next time...
Tippa
