Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Should I?

Here's the quandary:

Should I stay in Tennessee and keep working in a menial but lucrative job at a GM plant that will almost definitely close in the next 4-5 years leaving me stuck scrambling for a job AGAIN but this time with no relocation or opportunities...

OR

Should I sell everything I own, house and cars included, and take a low paying job in Costa Rica that I know I am perfect for and I am far more likely to enjoy than the hellhole of pay-cuts and unhappy coworkers I currently endure?

It's a bit like jumping off a cliff, sincerely believing that I can fly. There's uncertainty in every direction. I'm incredibly lucky to actually have options in today's world. What seemed like a stable and happy situation in Tennessee has turned into another quagmire of questionable oncoming situations. Or am I imagining a future more grim than will actually occur?

If things were just barely, slightly, the tiniest bit worse here, the decision would be easy. The opportunity is real, and it looks like an amazing life. But it's an adventure, and it will require a great deal of sacrifice and hard work. I'm in my 40s now. Am I getting too old to be this adventurous? I don't feel like I am, but am I blind to my own age and limitations?

At any rate, my world and imagination are alive with possibilities and opportunities, and I'm loving it, even if the answers terrify me.

7 comments:

leathej1 said...

"When you come to a fork in the road - take it." - yb

Regrets are almost always about things you did not do. I suggest you walk in the direction opposite of complacency. After all, you are only in your 40's, and not tied down with kids.

I was in a similar situation in NY. I had just built a huge house on lots of land, I had a cool tractor and a pond, friends and family nearby... and I gave it up to move into a little house in AZ. And yes, I was right to take that fork.

SirFWALGMan said...

Never to old to do something adventurous. Good luck whichever way you go. Seems like GM are fuckups but might get their asses bailed out due to the strong political union. Who knows what will happen in 4-5 years.

Ignatious said...

costa rica is one crazy country. better brush up on your spanish -- you'll need it. :)

TripJax said...

Go with gut.

Unknown said...

The big question for everyone in your situation. Can I sell this house for any way near the original value?

Human Head said...

Go. As fast as you can.

jremotigue said...

I know nothing about the cost of living in Costa Rica. But if you can live comfortably, absolutely go for it!