From the Mitten to Silicon Valley to the city that encourages people to "Keep Portland Weird"

In 2012, I graduated from college and eagerly took an exciting job in Silicon Valley, California in search of a career and self actualization.  Growing up in a suburban middle class neighborhood, under the careful eyes of self-dubbed helicopter parents, I saw the west coast as as my equivalent of an Australian Aboriginal Walkabout.  Having true freedom for the first time, I wanted to soar with my newfound wings and experience all that life had to offer.

Silicon Valley at first glance is captivating-this was the land where all of the brightest, most bright eyed and bushy tailed computer geniuses flocked to.  I was so eager to be among the brilliance and partake in my share of the silicon valley experience.

My first summer there was amazing-having been from the cozy womb of the suburbs, I got the opportunity to experience action packed activities that my cautious parents would have never agreed to.  From rock climbing off the cliffs near Lake Tahoe to surfing in Pacifica(where I later found out that sharks reside in...had I known, I'm not sure I would have so eagerly partook in the surfing so eagerly), I had never felt so alive.  I felt like I had freed myself of materialistic possessions and that I had found meaning in experiences.

Honestly, it was a great life-work was rewarding, and there always adventures to be had on the weekend.  However I think I wasn't ready for that kind of blissful living yet.  I had just graduated from a tough program at my university with a degree in computer engineering.  Even if you were "naturally smart", the intense projects demanded discipline and long hours.  Even if you were resistant, you learned to crave the challenge-you learned that with great challenge comes great rewards.

This mentality made life in Silicon Valley a little confusing for me.  I had landed a great job with an amazing work life balance that I now drool about.  I worked out 2 hours per day in the gym to maintain my newly sleek physique.  But for some reason, I felt like I was destined to do more.  Essentially, I felt guilty and felt like I should be investing more sweat and elbow grease to my career instead of happily living a balanced lifestyle.  I wanted to move up the career ladder quick, and I wanted it now.

My mentor advised me to explore my horizons-I'd only interned/worked at this one company;didn't I want to explore more options?

One day I got a call from a huge high tech employer in the pacific northwest.  They saw my old resume, and wanted me to interview!  Taking my mentor's advice, I interviewed and landed the job.  I felt so much pressure from myself to take the job.  It *was* one of my dream companies, and this was my chance to take it!  I knew that if I turned it down, I would regret it and always wonder "What if?"

Fast forward to the next year.  I agreed to try the new job out-I wanted to explore my options now, before I settled down and had a family.  I moved to Portland, Oregon, the city of alternative living and "keeping it wierd".  I totally fell in love with the city and the people here.  My new job definitely gave me the challenge I was seeking-it's demanding and rewarding.

2012 in Silicon Valley was a year of amazing self discovery.  2013 was definitely a successful year in career growth.  In 2014, I want a balance of the two.  I want to continue the amazing career growth from 2013, but also fit in the daily workouts that I used to so loyally execute in California.

This year, I want to focus on eating healthy, exercising healthy, executing upon my creative hobbies, and applying for grad school(aspiring MBA student right here :) )

Here is my lifestyle blog, where I show tips about how to grow your career, get involved in the community, and life a zesty yet fulfilling zen experience.  This blog is a marriage of my deepest passions-teaching, creative arts, and technology.

Thanks for your support, and enjoy!

Livy <3