I'm in a strange place right now. Actually, physically, I'm in a very normal place right now — sitting behind my desk here in the palatial Student Weekly offices, writing this Editor's Note. But mentally I'm in a very strange place.
In case you're wondering, I'm not drunk or on drugs or anything. I'm mentally in a strange place because I am currently in the last Monday here in my career with Post Publishing. A week from now, I'll be at home, packing boxes and suitcases in preparation for my departure to the US.
I've been here at SW for more than 10 years, and it's really weird to think that after this Friday, I won't have this office or this job to come to anymore. It's also weird to think that I'll soon be in another continent in another hemisphere in less than two weeks' time.
This is one of the biggest changes I've ever had in my life, and I'll admit that I'm a little freaked out about it. Moving to Thailand was a bit scary. I left all my friends and family behind, and I moved here with just what I could carry. That was in 2003.
A lot has changed since then. Now I've got a spouse, two dogs, a house and lots of belongings to worry about. So that's just what I'm doing — worrying.
I don't know what will happen with the house. We're hoping to rent it or sell it. We can't bring the dogs with us right away, because the airline doesn't allow dogs to fly as cargo from June to September. So I'm worried about those things.
I'm worried about leaving a job that I've always been happy with. I'm worried about how my mother-in-law will cope without us around and with two big dogs to take care of for three months. I'm worried about paying my bills. I'm worried about a new job in the US.
And all of those worries are just the tip of the worry iceberg.
The best that I can do is just to get on with it. I also have to hope for the best and believe in myself and my heretofore cat-like ability to land on my feet.
I have to keep reminding myself that life is nothing without challenges. This is going to be a big challenge.
Whenever I start second-guessing my decision to leave, I have to remind myself that I had and have good reasons to be going now. I have to remember that a true gentleman (or lady) always knows when it's time to leave the party.
Never overstay your welcome. Leave them wanting more. Know when it's time to bow out and let somebody else have their time.
But until I board that plane across the Pacific, there will be plenty of things to worry about. So that's what I'll be doing.
Sean Vale
Editor
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