Hawaii...maybe
So it's been awhile since I've posted here. I've had alot on my mind. My cousin and his wife are both in the military and are going to be stationed in Hawaii for 3 yrs. They had a baby back in Oct of last year and have offered me the job of being a nanny. There offering me a paycheck, free room and board etc. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a huge decision for me. It would mean giving up my apartment, my job, my car, and being away from family and friends. But it would also mean having an opportunity to experience something new. I've never had to make a decision like this before. I'm planning on accepting there offer. What do you guys think?

Blue Eyes, this does sound like a wonderful opportunity! A few questions I would be asking myself.... How much do I like/value my present job/career and how easy would it be to get back to it later, if things didn't work out? How well do I get on with my cousin and his family, as they will be the only ones I know in a new place? Melissa will be able to advise you more on military life, but if you decided it wasn't working, would you have somewhere to come back to? If you're positive about these things, then I say GO FOR IT! Life is what you make it - grab it by the throat! :hug

That's a tough one! Impulsively, I'd say "go for it!" because it sounds like a wonderful opportunity, but it is not that simple. I join Stevie in saying that I were in your shoes, questions I would be asking myself are How much do I like/value my present job/career and which prospects it offers? How ow easy would it be to get back to it or find another job, if things didn't work out? If I decided it wasn't working, would I have somewhere to come back to? How well do I get on with my cousin and his family and how easy it is for me to make new friends, as I will be leaving the rest of my family and all my friends behind? If you're positive about these things, go for it! :hug

I join Stevie and Frances in their questions about your job, family and friends. Is there not a problem for your job when you will be back ? Will it not be hard to look after a baby all the time because that is more difficult than a normal job. It is not your baby and you must be there for it in every situation. Are you very close with the wife of your cousin and can you tell her everything what is on your mind ? If you feel very good with them and you feel that it will work and that you will be happy, then I should say, go to Hawaii, you will not have a second chance of going to Hawaii for three years. Let us know your decision. :hug

I 100% agree with Stevie and Frances. This is a HUGE decision. I made a move like this once a long time ago. In my case, I didn't think things all the way through. I moved somewhere where there were no opportunities for anything. It turned into a nightmare experience for me - because I didn't think things through. I just made the decision and left. It taught me a lot though, even though it was awful. And yes, I had only one friend that I knew in the city I moved to. I left all my friends and family behind. I didn't even get to see my friend that often because of our work schedules. So definitely weigh all options, think about all the points Stevie and Frances have made. And always ALWAYS follow your gut instinct. Your gut will never lead you wrong! Good luck to you!

Hi Blue Eyes, I think you've received some very wise council from these ladies,and if you have the time to carefully think it through,and the answer comes up to go for it-----by all means,do!!! Keep us posted,okay? Love, Ship

Ok, I know everyone is giving you suggestions and your head might be spinning, but it is a big decison and requires some thought. Here are my questions and suggestions - Make sure you have always money for a return ticket either from them or in your savings. Perhaps arranging for the time for one trip home throughout the time period would be good. Make sure you have some time off to enjoy the area while you are there. and try to make some friends. Will you be on an island or location that has easy access without a car? If you live on base, many of the emenities are not available to people without a military card, unless they are a guest of someone with one. Here's another option - Have you considered giving them a year's commitment and if it is working for all parties; extend it. There are huge plusses which you've probably already thought of, but here goes. You are young - that is the best and easiest time to take a major chance - no pension to lose - it's easier to make new friends in a new location - you may not get an opportunity like this again - you may discover a whole new direction in life and have the time to follow it. If your parents and family are in relatively good health, it is easier to be away than if they are elderly or in ill health. If you've thought through your decision carefully as those above suggest and you still want to go. I say go for it! Secretly I'm wishing I had the opportunity and could take it.

Thanks for all the replies girls. Yeah my head is spinning. It's incredibly overwhealming to make a decision like this. My current job right now is ok but I know it's not where I want to be for the rest of my life. I work in a grocery store and I feel like I'm wasting my life there. We would be living off base and my cousin is planning on adding me to his insurance so I can drive there cars so I can get around on my days off. I get along very well with this cousin. He's always been like my big brother, protecting me and standing up for me. My main motivation for going to Hawaii is in the hopes that maybe I'll be able to get some sort of military job, and to get out of Yuma. I dont want to come back to Arizona and work in a grocery store again. It's hard to know what God has in store for you but I feel like I was given this opportunity for a reason. I'll keep everyone posted and let you know what happens. :hug

With those answers, it sounds like a very promising opportunity. As you say, it may open new avenues in life. Let us know what you decide.

I agree with GG, Blue Eyes - if that's your situation, then it sounds like a marvellous opportunity; both for a different way of life and the chance of a new career. Go for it, girl!

Gaff had some really great questions and things to consider for you Blue! And as she said, you're young. I was really young when I did my move - it takes nerve. Nerve only the young have. So I second what Gaffer's Girl said, if it all lines up right then you should totally go for it! I envy you the location too by the way. Ten times better than Indianapolis. :roll: :oops: