Sunday, July 31, 2016

Dichotomy

Dichotomy - isn't that a fun word to say? It means a division that presents two opposing views. Up until a few years ago, I had never heard the word, much less knew what it meant (thus the outcome of being a perpetual student, I learn something new everyday).

Right now now I have a dichotomy of sorts when it comes to my career. Do I stay in hospitality and accept opportunities that are being placed before me, or do I make an exit strategy that involves me changing careers mid-life? Sort of (well, not really sort of but exactly) starting over. Trading the experience and tenure of the last 22 years for the uncertainty of being the "new kid on the block" who has a lot to learn.

The Clash song "Should I stay or should I go?" comes to mind (my husband might be proud that I knew the group, but don't be too impressed, I Googled it). Where would I go to, you might be asking, and the answer is the world of academia. While there are no opportunities any where close to tapping on my door (much less knocking), I am hoping that (if I can persevere) my PhD will provide those. But, the completion of that is still a few years off, so, I am still left to ponder the question of should I accept opportunities of advancement in my current career?

This is all really just food for thought because I know that in time (have I mentioned that I am not a very patient person?) the right choice will be made clear to me. There is always a lesson in the challenges, decisions, dichotomies of life...my lesson is this-

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path" - Proverbs 3:5-6.