After almost 10 years in Ottawa, I have decided to move back to Toronto. Originally, I came here for a 5 month work contract. I had had no intention of staying in the city, as quaint as it was. However, 5 months turned into 18. And then I was offered another job. I took that, happy to continue the appearance of regular pay cheques and a chance at a career.
Now, I find myself in a strange position at work. I can no longer pass myself off as one of the "young 'uns", even if ideologically I am more aligned with the twenty-somethings than my own peers. I sailed past that age bracket a few years ago and am fast slamming into middle-age/middle-manager. I am far from being a newbie, so I can't use that excuse for not remembering the HR policy on this silly thing or that silly thing. And sadly, I have been in the organization long enough to watch a number of my friends leave.
Over the last few years, I have had the slowly building feeling that it's time to make a change. I've learned a tremendous amount, and while there is always more to learn, it's time to reclaim newbie status and tackle another steep learning curve in a new job and a new neighbourhood.
About a month ago, I decided to stop waffling and pick a definite date to move back to Toronto. Christmas 2008 is the deadline that I've announced to the universe - job or no job. Gotta act with intent, I say. Some think I am crazy for setting such a short deadline or leaving the security of life here behind. That may be, but I believe in what I am doing and know it's the right thing. I was getting tired of hearing myself warble and complain. If it wasn't fun for me, I can only wonder at how painful it must have been for my friends.
The decision has been really invigorating. I have all sorts of energy these days to put into doing the things that I used to feel passionate about. It's a welcome change after months of dragging my heels. Of course, I am bummed about leaving my friends. They have become an important part of my life. But I can't help being excited about seeing old friends more regularly again.
Growing up my family moved around a lot. We moved house often, we moved countries many times. Nine and a half years is a seriously long time for me to stay in one place. So I guess it's testament to how wonderful Ottawa is that I have stayed this long.
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