Monday, August 1, 2011

Hello Old Friend(s)

I left for a while, but I'm (sort of) back. I needed time to separate from the Foreign Service world and get my feet back under me. Will I test again next year? Of course. Is this career Plan A anymore? Not a chance.

It was hard to accept that the Foreign Service wasn't a guarantee after having hurdled every obstacle thrown at me the first time around, but I've swallowed that difficult notion and can even stomach it now. I was beyond disappointed to get rejected at the QEP stage this year, but it comes with the territory. I'm preparing myself to go in another direction while I wait for my time to enter the Foreign Service. It's not so bad.

I'm working on several certifications that will lead me to a job in network administration. I'm picking up on it quickly; the work is interesting; and I'm nearly guaranteed to land a job when I'm finished. If the traditional FSO route doesn't work for me, this new path may open up doors for an FSS position instead. It's taking me longer to get where I intend to go, and I'm working on being okay with that. The job I'm looking to take in the indeterminate meantime is pretty engaging, so it makes things a little easier.

My friends and boyfriend have all been incredibly helpful and supportive these last couple of months. I couldn't ask for more help if I wanted to. I'm so grateful to be surrounded by the caliber of people in my "circle." I don't know what I did to deserve such wonderful individuals, but I'm thanking my lucky stars. Austin is definitely beginning to feel a lot more like home these days.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just stumbled across your blog- thank you for sharing your experience with a blogosphere. I'm happy to see that you are back and ready to come back stronger than ever. If you keep this mental attitude up, when that offer comes you will realize how awesome you are and may consider turning it down because you will have developed a great professional and personal life. I have learned that the point of the waiting process is to focus and be the best you can be in whatever you choose to do. Watching my husband grow professionally in his years pursuing the foreign service was the most gratifying experience.

fsowannabe said...

Glad to see you back! Good luck - and Austin is awesome, isn't it?!

fsowannabe said...

ABTW, I linked to this post. Hope all is well!

Aritul said...

I hope that you will get into the FS.

Brandee said...

Thank you all for your kind words!