Happy birthday, lovely lady…and fellow Gemini! All of your feelings are so understandable! I think you’ll feel more structure when you move into the house and start home keeping and cooking etc…and I think you’ll be fully charged when you get back to the states!! One day at a time 💕💕💕💕
Happy birthday. I understand your feelings. I’m getting ready to retire in six months and wondering the same thing. I’m used to lots of structure. Lots of. on the go. Lots of responsibility. I think once you get into your own home, you’ll find your routine, I so admire that you set out on a new adventure. Give yourself some grace as you’re looking for what to do next.
Happy Birthday! I’m envious of your position but I also understand your concern as well. I would try and structure an hour every day, start smaller. Is your resume updated? What are you going to say about your two year sabbatical? Do you know what you want to do or would you benefit from a career coach? Having a plan or a footing for when you head back may make you feel better, and like you said, two years is a blink and will go fast.
These is great advice. Thank you! I'm trying to balance staying in the moment and not stressing about the future AND planning for the future. And I'm with you...I'm not complaining, I promise! I'm envious of my position as well. I can't believe it's happening and I'm trying so hard not to waste this opportunity.
Happy Birthday! Have you looked at teaching adjunct somewhere? With all your leadership experience, there might be some opportunities to do online classes with students in the US. Or even start your own leadership training sessions (you can clearly do video editing) or career coaching. Not exactly comparable, but I took two weeks off (first time since summer vacation in high school) in January. When I let go of the need for structure as I knew it, I became more creative and came back better at my job. You will probably learn and observe a lot of different things that will help with your career and come back able to still bear the load, but maybe even with a better approach.
Happy birthday! All of these feelings are valid. I have felt them before. Something that I do is make a schedule for myself. Ex. 8-9 coffee/zen time, 9-10 exercise, 10-12 work on my jigsaw puzzle, 12-1 lunch,1-3 Japanese lessons via Duolingo, 3-4 take a walk and then netflix/tv. afternoon. If the day lacks structure I go crazy. Good luck, I'm sure you will settle in to a routine soon enough.
Happy Birthday Manya 🥳. I know its hard to be far from home. I think of the military families who make big moves every few years. Are you allowed to volunteer your time while your there? Maybe tutor English or Reading?
I CAN volunteer! I joined a cross-cultural group this week and I'm meeting some friends and I think that will help. But volunteering is a good idea...I'll look into it. Thank you!
Happy Belated Birthday, Manya! I hope the next couple weeks fly by. I can imagine how strange this has been for you. I can totally imagine your fears, but I think you have a very good perspective 😊
Happy Belated Birthday fellow Gemini! When my husband retired in 2008, he struggled too. He had been in a high (non medical) position at a level one trauma hospital, a large budget and staff. When he retired, he had no purpose outlined for his future, so the first couple of years it was tough. But he’s done fine over the years “doing nothing” 😉 On the other hand, yours is temporary, and though hard to get into a routine, enjoy your time! I understand the fear of being able to retain the ability to go by to public servant life and remember everything. Maybe keep reading books on corporate America, business publications in your field, or even keep in close contact with someone trusted you worked with, just to keep your mind fresh. I wish I had a good answer for you, but I think you’re underestimating yourself right now ❤️
🎉Happy Birthday🎉 I hope you had a wonderful day! My advice to you is to breathe. A lot of change has happened and happened quickly. Give yourself grace and permission to relax and find a new you…even if it is only temporary. Allow yourself to be open to this new chapter of reinventing you. Maybe a new hobby or volunteer work. Are there any other American spouses within the same company who socialize? No, it may not be easy to change, but you are a strong woman and you will persevere. 🤗
You’re in one of the explorable countries in the world. I’d kill to be in your position. You’re not living fully if all you do is stroll the city near you and exercise.
We'll be traveling as soon as we get settled into our new home. I'm planning our first trip for July. But trust me, there's a lot to explore in Nagoya!
