So I’ve just started my third week at my new job. I have to say, it’s some weird feelings that I go through sometimes. A little bit of shock and disbelief. Happiness. Some scared moments when I think ” how am I gonna do this on this new salary?” The excitement of seeing new and amazingly beautiful places, the feel of trying out some new hiking shoes, meeting the ladies who work out in the morning at my gym and realizing, wow, they lift heavier than me! (I still need to find my local “tribe” but I’m working on it.) It’s just very hard to put into words. I mean, I went from living in a studio that cost me $1100/month in rent to an RV lot that costs $215 plus an RV payment of $82. How does this reconcile in your head?? Ever??
I got my first paycheck yesterday. Only for one week of work because of the way the pay periods fall. Needless to say, it’s less than I have ever earned. I think, like, EVER. Yesterday, at work, as usual, I found myself cleaning a bunny’s butt. Yes, I have a law degree and a masters in library science, and there I was, pulling poop out of a bunny’s butt. (Have you ever heard someone make that statement before?? If so, WHO was it, and HOW can I meet them??!!) And then later on, I found myself cleaning the bathroom. It’s one of our weekly chores to do – no maid service for us. Again, I was wondering, um, is this really my life??!! (Not in a bad way, mind you. Just….it’s….. how do I put this? Surreal? After all this time and planning and thinking of making such huge changes, I’ve actually DONE it.) But you know what? It’s all good. I knew coming out here my life was going to change in every aspect possible. And I take a look at my surroundings every day, even just the drive to work, and I cannot honestly believe such beauty exists. But don’t take my word for it. Just take a look at some of my pics. That is all.
A good friend of mine said he hoped I would still continue blogging after moving out here, as he said I had inspired him. (He’s even going meatless some days of the week and considering changing to vegetarian!!) Oh hell yeah, I’m going to keep blogging! (I wasn’t so sure about the inspiring part – I just write what makes me feel good to write and on topics that I think resonate with some folks.)
So yes, folks, I will keep talking about getting out of debt (just a different kind now) and chasing simple dreams, and all that good stuff. Please stay with me! Thank you for reading!
Chasing Simple Dreams 
Congratulations! It’s gorgeous out there! Seems like you’ve downsized the bills so that this will all work out. I left my banking job to get a masters in library science but couldn’t find work…so went back to banking. My dream would be your old job! 🙂
It’s funny how things work out that way, Dawn, isn’t it? What one person wants, another doesn’t. And yes, I have downsized dramatically. Just got my one student loan fixed the other day which will help tremendously. I had budgeted for all the changes, it was just really interesting to see that number for the first time in front of me in black and white!
Hi, Terri,
Hang in there! Sounds like mega-culture shock to me, in part at least. Hope you can find some kindred spirits – I bet that would really help! Till then, I hope that the animals and the natural beauty (and emails) will sustain you.
HI Ginny, definitely working on finding my local kindred spirits, indeed. And yes, talking to friends from home, seeing the gorgeous surroundings, and having all the animals of my own and at the sanctuary, it’s all good. Great, actually.
Wow. I am so happy for you ! You are so brave and so smart to do this. Truly you are an inspiration and I cannot wait to read your future posts 💗💗
Thank you so much!! Yes, I am definitely getting into more of a routine, and have already started another blog post i hope to publish today or tomorrow. I always save “brave or crazy, there’s a thin line in between them!”