Am I making a mistake?

Thursday, 22 Jun 2006 | Leaving the Netherlands

When I tell someone about my move, he or she is often very surprised. The first question usually is “for work?”, which is ofcourse not the reason. Most people admire the decision I made. Some are really interested and ask some critical questions, only to find out I’m actually quite well prepared. Most wish they could do it too. Those close to me or people that have known me for a while, often tell me they completely understand and that it makes a lot of sense for me to do this. I get nothing but support from most. And I really appreciate that support.

There is one exception. One person who is close to me has been very quiet about this whole thing. I got a comment here and there, but it was never really discussed. I felt she was just sad to see me go (as I will be about leaving her) and that I should not pour any salt in the wound. But for some reason, I felt I needed to ask about her opinion tonight. It matters to me and I would like her support. She says she can’t support me. She thinks I’m making a mistake, thinks it was an impulse decision and feels I will not be happy there. I was sad to hear this. But I don’t think she is right.

I do agree that I made the decision based on nothing more than a feeling and without a solid argument back then. But over time, I’ve increasingly felt I made the right decision. And now, I am very confident in saying I’m doing the right thing. I’m doing this because I’m looking to discover what else is out there. I understand that giving up a very nice and comfortable life, the security of owning a home and an incredible job to some may seem alien. For me, there is more to life. I want to be challenged by new surroundings and discover what other cultures are like. I want to expand my horizon.

Who knows, she might turn out to be right. I might not be happy there or I might not find a job there. Well, there really is only one way to find out. But to not do this because of ‘what might be’, I think would be a mistake. And even if this should turn out to happen, I’ll come back to Amsterdam having gained an undoubtedly incredible experience and learned a whole lot.

Ofcourse, I’m no fool and I do realize this whole thing is not without risk. I’ve tried to minimize this risk as much as I can in preparing this properly. And I feel I have prepared myself as best possible.

I’m confident. And I’m ready to go.