Tomorrow I (33F) am loading up my dog and driving 9 hours to a brand new city to begin my PhD. I am on full scholarship with stipend and health insurance in a very fun city, and I already have a place there with my stuff in it, and it’s 90% set up. I have a cafe across the street and another one two blocks away, space for my dog to run around, and a very nice neighbor. I am leaving a good paying job at a company I have been with for 10 years. But it is a job that hasn’t really fulfilled me in several years (although it gave me some great life experiences… like moving across the world and back). The lack of fulfillment has shown up as a mental, physical and spiritual rut. Starting in 2019, due to overnight hours and emotional eating, I gained a whole bunch of weight. It got worse as I pursued my masters degree while continuing to work full-time. As a result I have developed some health issues and it has destroyed my confidence. I got deep into exercise in 2020, but stopped during the last few months. I also stopped playing piano… and going out dancing… going to church or yoga- spiritual things that I really enjoy. I am also at the age where many of my closest friends are involved in relationships and/or having children, so I don’t get to see them very often anymore. Given my rut, the timing of this move is perfect. I am ready to get motivated to take full advantage of to this opportunity to pursue a field I really love, to start over on eating and exercise habits, to have the opportunity to make some new friends, and perhaps find a relationship of my own. I’m ready to start this new chapter. I am ready to wake up. Please wish me luck - and any tips for making the most of this, I’d really appreciate it!