Are You Guys NUTS? Nah, Probably Just Misunderstood

There have been more than a handful of people who are shocked that we are making such a big move when we don't have jobs lined up in Chicago yet.  I understand their shock, which is mostly concern and worry, so we understand.

What's disconcerting is the minute percentage of people who believe we are truly certifiably crazy without truly understanding all the reasons we're moving.  Some of the questions are:

"You're moving WHERE? In the WINTER?" (Technically, it's still fall, but you get the picture...)
"Why on Earth would you move to a  new city when you don't even have a job there?"
"Aren't you scared that you'll get up there and not find work?"
"WTH is wrong with you guys?"
"Why not just stay in Jacksonville and continue to look for work in town and nearby?"
"What, is Jacksonville not good enough for you?"
"WTF?!?!?!"

These are actual, honest-to-God questions that have been asked of us, and believe us when we say we've considered all the aforementioned questions and then some... probably hundreds of questions have crossed our minds and been discussed.

And my personal favorite isn't really a question at all - it's more like a statement of fact.  "You two are batshit crazy and certifiably insane for moving to Chicago without jobs during the coldest time of the year.''

All of these questions and concerns have been calmly answered to those asking them, as we asked ourselves the same exact questions before making the final decision to move.  The decision was difficult and we're not just flying by the seat of our pants here.  We submitted well over 350 personalized resumes, cover letters and portfolio samples to potential employers in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Gainesville, Daytona, Tallahassee, Orlando, Tamp, Miami, Atlanta, Charleston... you get the picture.  We didn't submit a total of 350 resumes - we submitted over 350 EACH... even more for Justin, who has been unemployed five months longer.  Employers with hourly positions don't want us because they are concerned we will jump ship once we find something new, and they aren't entirely wrong in that assumption.  We agonized over our options for digging out of our economic and employment quandary for months and months, looking for jobs and the cost of living in well over 20 locations (mostly in the comfort of the South), and after crunching the numbers (and wanting to crunch in one another's skull), Chicago made the most sense on multiple levels.

Justin spent most of his life growing up in Chicago and is extremely familiar with the city, culture, economy, political environment, suburbs, housing market, people and all the other tangible and intangibles of a large city.  He could easily teach me the ropes, although I've spent time there and fully believe it's the most incredible city in the United States (don't hate, lovers of other big cities).  We have loads of personal and professional contacts in the city, Justin's family and friends, which gives us an immediate support network should we need one - and I'm sure we will.  In addition, it is one of the meccas for marketing and advertising professionals, which is the chosen field for both of us.  Our education and experience in international marketing will suit us well in a global city, unlike Jacksonville, which is still struggling to identify itself.  The opportunities professionally are endless, and for someone like me, who thrives working for multi-national organizations, it just makes sense.

What also makes sense is that we have somewhere to live for very little or no cost until we find work and are standing on our own two feet again.  Justin and I have each experienced two layoffs (EACH) during the past 18 months, which has not only knocked us on our financial asses, but also had a profound effect on us personally.  Having a wonderful place to live with plenty of space for us and our dogs with a family member who wants nothing more than to see us succeed will be very nurturing and supportive, which is what we need right now.  This cannot take away from the fact that my own mother has allowed us to live with her since January and has helped and supported us in every way imaginable, and we could never pay her back like she deserves.  The woman is a saint, she really, truly is.  Thanks, Ma... we'd be homeless, living in a cardboard box, dumpster diving and absolutely insane if it hadn't been for your support these past months.  You have been beyond incredible and again, I have no idea how we'll ever be able to repay you.  Will a grandchild do? :)

The move was not a decision we came up with one day under duress or born out of frustration.  The decision was made after an excruciating analysis of what our life has become during this time of economic turmoil throughout the country and world, and although neither of us considers ourselves a selfish individual, it's time to be selfish or we may not survive.  Heck, our relationship may not survive if we don't make some big changes.

So, some may think we're off our rocker for leaving this beautiful, warm, lovely state of Florida for the frigid Midwest (no doubt - it WILL be difficult), but we prefer to look at it as an incredible adventure with limitless opportunities to not only rebuild our lives, but redefine ourselves.

The most difficult aspect of moving will not be adjusting to new surroundings, the cold weather or the unknown, but leaving a place we both love dearly, leaving family and friends we cherish with all of our hearts, leaving our beloved ocean and we'll both admit we're a little nervous of the unknown.

With all this said, if you're concerned or think we're crazy for moving, please put yourself in our shoes for a minute, although I admit you may or may not know ALL the reasons behind the move (and there are more reasons beyond financial and employment, but those reasons are personal), so that may be difficult.  Perhaps you wouldn't do the same, and that's ok.

We all handle adversity differently; however, we're taking a giant leap of faith together and it's taking this adventure TOGETHER that's the best part of all.  We are so incredibly fortunate to have one another.  No words can describe the bond we have, and this move will strengthen our bond even more, if that's even possible.  We will emerge stronger and more in love than ever.  And, we WILL return to Florida.  You can bet on it.

All we ask of our family and friends is understanding and support during this tough time, and to trust our decision, have faith in us and know that we will emerge stronger.  We love you all so much more than we could ever show, even if you do think we're batshit crazy, which you should already know. ;)