Big Fish in a Little Pond

Big Fish in a Little Pond

Once upon a time there was a little fish in a little pond. He was not like the other little fish. He had one colorful fin and that made him different. While the little fish was loved by his family, he was not happy. He wanted more than what his little pond had to offer, and maybe just maybe there would be other little fishes that were colorful like him.

The little fish swam upstream to find another little pond in which to live. It was filled with friendly plain-colored fish. But among the, lived a few with colorful fins. These colorful fish kept to themselves. Sometimes the plainly colored fish made fun of the more colorful fish. The little pond even had some rules against having colorful fins. The little fish found that he liked the colorful fish and he made a home with them and that made the little fish happy. Friends always make life in a little pond happy.

Over time, the little fish learned where to find all the good algae to eat. He found a wonderful place to build a little home. He invited all of his colorful friends to come and play in his new home. The little fish held colorful fish-parties and all the other little colorful fish in the little pond loved and trusted the little fish. The little fish went to fish school and learned how to become even more success. He found even better algae to eat. All of the little fish’s success attracted more fish, both colorful and plain, who wanted to make their lives in the little pond like his, happy and successful. The little fish grew to become a big fish and as he grew his colorful fin became even more colorful.

As time when by and the, now, big fish lived his life in happiness, his colorful friends one by one went their own ways. After several happy years the big fish found that he no longer had very many colorful fish around him. As the big fish grew, he found that he was liked more and more by the plain fish and he learned to live with them in happiness. In fact, he was completely surrounded by plain fish. As time went on, they learned that his colorful fin is what made him so happy, successful and big and the plain fish wanted to be near him. Sadly, the big fish wanted to be around more colorful fish and the big fish had grown increasingly larger. He was too big for the little pond.

The time had come for the big fish to find a new pond in which to live. So he told his plain fish friends that he loved them, but that he was not happy anymore. He needed to find a bigger pond. So the lonely big fish began swimming upstream in search of a new home.

TO BE CONTINUED. . .

Restless & Upwardly Mobile

Does your logic and reason ever come in direct conflict with your wants and desires? Have you ever had so many wonderful options that you simply couldn't choose? Have you ever come to a fork in the road of life and simply been incapable of choosing your life's direction? It's like a head-on train wreck. Seriously people! Let's talk brain-drama for a minute. I'm freaking out like a little girl. Oh My God, You Guys!

Here's the situation I am in:

I graduated from college with a degree in Psychology which has little application in the modern world. But it leaves my schedule wonderfully free and open. I am no longer anchored to a morning schedule.

I am becoming more financially liberated. That leaves room for more options to spend (Do I buy a house? Do I get a new wardrobe? Do I pay off my car?)

I have worked in my current job in the corporate world for 5 years. I desire a change in a major way. I want something new and exciting that will challenge me and pay me for it.

There are positions available within my corporation that pay well and offer benefits, but also involved sitting in a cubicle for 8 hours a day.

I really want a change of scenery. I want to be in the service of others.

I am desperate to move to SLC and be closer to my friends. I want to date quality guys who aren't in the closet or under the watchful eye of BYU.

The economy sucks you guys! Jobs are scarce. Upward mobility it stagnant. Nobody is hiring and anyone who currently holds down a good job is a seriously lucky duck. I fit into this category. Do I give that up?

So, Jeromy what's the problem?

Do I risk my current good-paying and stable job to follow my dreams and desires by moving to SLC and getting a less-stable lower-paying job and a house of my own, and thus giving up stability and upward mobility in my current job and living situation?

THAT IS THE QUESTION.

Checklist of personal biases:

• I hate Utah County
• I am usually afraid of change. The idea of moving and getting a new job scares the crap out of me. So moving to SLC would take some big-time courage and willingness to take risks
• SLC is a much bigger pond. Socially I'll be the new guy. (which can be hot in a way, but also lonely at times)
• My taste in housing and roommates is extravagant. Moving to SLC would probably include going cheap on both fronts. I'd have to lower my standards at first, to make ends meet in SLC.

I am afraid to pray about this because I know that I need to be more aware of my own feelings and impressions BEFORE I consult a higher power. I'll be able to approach the Father with more poise and humility if I'm more self-aware. And I'll be more open to new ideas if I've cross-examined myself first. That way a stroke of humility won't be so surprising if and when the Father decides to put the smack down.

This is my situation. Feel free to advise me.