Big Steps to a Little World
Well things have been quiet here, and in a way for a very definite reason. 
I have wanted to blog, I have wanted to talk to you and ask advice, but silence was needed for a while.
After 7.5 years in Media, I have handed in my notice and will return to study at the end of September.
Some might argue that walking away from a job i know back-ways with a fab paycheck in a great city in the middle of a recession, is bordering on madness…. there are times I agree. However, the “office job” was supposed to be temporary and now its day has passed.
My job is great and like I said comfortable and salaried, relatively stable and poses no great challenge. But its not what I love, and moving to another company showed me that in dayglow colours. The vast majority of my 7 and a bit year stint was in Dublin in a place that became a second home to me, I loved the people, the job just allowed me time with them. The job here … was the same stuff, minus the family, so in essence it was a husk of the old world.
I am glad of it though, the opportunity to move to this city and make a new start for myself. Being here has been amazing. I have to say I’ve never clicked with somewhere as quickly. I adore Amsterdam. Its a fantastic place rich and diverse and in constant contradiction with itself. It is very settled in who it is yet constantly rebelling against the preconceptions of what those who throng its streets and canals think of it.
Again for me it was the people, I have met a group of people here that are outstanding. In 18 months I have met people I feel as if I have always known. Truly I have been very very lucky.
But it was not meant to be permenant and the door has opened to a new part of my life and I’d be a fool to close it.
I applied for and was accepted to do a postgrad in Montessori method teaching for 3-12yr olds. I begin on 29th September in Dublin.
This will remain Elf-in-Amsterdam, regardless of the Elf’s coordinates on the planet, a large part of her will remain in Amsterdam.
(plus I have loads of drafted crap I have to put up here relevant to Amsterdam, that I havent finished as I wsa to busy enjoying the place)
Awesome for you, congratulations
Hey Alan!
Thanks mate, it will be a new world for us both soon!
Wow! A new beginning, how exciting for you.
I wish you well with the studies and look forward to catching up with you at some stage when I am down in Dubland.
Yippee! A meetup with GM!
Looking forward to it lady.
xxx
Right back at ya!
best of luck to you, clair! i know you will do well in any path you choose! =)
all the best,
v.
Ah dear Vils.
Its just not the same without the people like you and Sue!
Coming to Ireland soon?
Brilliant, just brilliant!
I’m delighted you’ve gone for it. Not enough of us go for what we really want out of life for whatever reasons.
The very best of luck, enjoy every minute.
Yes it will be new for us all soon!
LilFitz cant be having all the fun.
My mate’s who are also expecting in your town are trying to convince me to come back when trained and be a childminder!
Oh I got his mail too with his childcare info, thanks for that.
Congratulations Elf! I wish I had your moxie. If only I could figure out what it is I want to do with my life.
(Moxie’s a real word right. )
Well its terrifying… I hope I’m doing the right thing.
Keep thinking … what if i get there and hate it.. but shure I have to risk it!
Moxie is a real word…. now..
you will be missed.
good luck elf!
Awh Kitty
I’ll miss you too!
Hey, good luck!
If it’s any help, I did practically the same thing. I originally studied planning/urban design, worked for a while, then realised I wanted to be an architect. It was pretty scary looking at another 6 or 7 years of being a poor student when all your friends are moving up the career ladder…
Anyway, I finished my first degree last year, am just finishing my year in placement (with the summer over here in Amsterdam) and in about a month I head back to Newcastle to do 5th and 6th year.
And I swear, despite everything I gave up I wouldn’t have swapped it for the world… Nothing beats doing what you really want to do with your life. Enjoy!
awww we never even got round to a meet up here! Anyways I reckon you are doing the right thing
The very very best of luck to you XX