Flash back to March 2011, where I'm sitting in the HR office at NPS working through my acceptance paperwork for a job offer. The tone of the office quickly turns from laughter guessing the miles between the current duty station and new duty station to somber when my pen lands on the line for signature accepting a 3 year tour.
3 years? That means I won't be in DC by 30.
3 years? Sure I can do anything for 1 year, but 3?!
3 years? I don't even like Italian food.
3 years? Oh, I really want out of Monterey, but is this how I should do it?
Well, those 3 years flew by- all in Naples. Somehow I even managed a second OCONUS location, and now that year 4 is complete it's hard to believe that the silly 5 YEAR RULE may now actually play into effect with my overseas tour. An extension has been requested as I work to update my resume and start testing the market. Fear and anxiety get the best of me when I think about having to move back "home."
See, the funny thing is most days the idea of moving back stateside terrifies me. Truth of the matter is when I'm feeling "homesick" I realize it's Naples I'm missing. How then am I going to fit in? Will I be able to afford to travel? How can I live without the local culture?
Then the reality kicks in...Katie. Are you kidding? You are American. You will still travel. If you afforded it a GS-5 you can afford it now Miss GS-DoubleDigits. They have the internet back at home, use it to find local events.
Truth of the matter is, I've loved every minute of being overseas, yes, even in Rota. True it's been challenging at times.
Okay, more than a few "times," but to have this experience is worth more than the costs of long frustrating work hours, car issues, traffic jams, late dinner times, and limited social groups. In all honesty one weekend tasting tuna tapas before dancing in the streets to a neighborhood band erases the miserable week at work. And guess what? It will be the festival I remember, not the week of work.
Being over here has taught me so many lessons that I can't even begin to list them but I'll try just the same: patience, flexibility, resourcefulness, communication, cultural understanding, bargaining, trust, confidence, introspection.
It's true that every location isn't a one size fits all, but I've said it before and I'll probably say it until I go to my grave- EXPLORE EXPLORE EXPLORE! There is so much more out there than your neighborhood, city, state, country. You may find that you like where you come from even more once exposed to other countries or, you may find that as much as things are good where you came from, there may be a better or preferred you pick up while traveling. And when you can, ditch the weekend crazy itinerary (still need to learn this one) to slow down and explore the back roads! There's always an adventure to be found there. I promise.
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Make sure you book your room(s) at Nico's B&B. Bar Nico has been restocked with Spanish wine and nightly entertainment is provided by local celebrity Olé. We'll be open for business until we're not...May 2016 is the next mile marker we're currently looking at.
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