Long time lurker, now posting, done the program, yada, yada, yada...

It's kind of ironic, my latest bout of anxiety has been brought on, not by some horrible event or failure, but success.

I have a pretty good job and have been at the job and in the city for a year and a half. A friend tipped me off to another firm in a city a couple hours away where I went to college and I interviewed with them. I don't have an offer yet, but think I will get one.

Here's the rub: in the 3 days since the interview, all day, all night, my mind has been racing comparing the relative qualities, both personally and professionally of the two situations. I don't have any family in either area, so it's purely a personal decision. I just have this continuous nagging fear that whichever decision I make will be the wrong one and considering what I might miss out on if I either stay or go. I'm going to talk it over somewhat with friends and family, but have a diffcult time opening up about some things.

Even at the gym today, I couldn't get my mind off it.

There are other issues as well, but if I didn't have those, I wouldn't have found the program and this site.

Gotta love anticipatory anxiety.....

Thanks for reading.

Turmabar,
For sure anticipatory anxiety is a real hoot. I understand completely decsions and comfort zones and change. I think you know what you want to do, its right there in your gut. My dad told me once when unable to decide, go with your gut feeling, its always right!! We can pro and con our decisions to death, but the only way you kn ow for sure, is if you make the decision. Sounds to me its a win win situation regardless what you decide.. Best of LuckNelly

I'm in a simular situation, looking to start a business and leave that comfort of a "regular" job. the best part is this has taken my mind off other things and made me feel more alive. I'm not sure right now what will happen but I've enjoyed thinking about the possiblities of success instead of worring about staying stagnate

Thanks for the replies.

It's interesting, so far the pendulum has swung back and forth a few times from being very anxious (negative) to very excited (positive). I'm just trying to let it go and not let it overwhelm me, at least until I actually get an offer.

It's not like staying at my current job would be a panacea. After all, there are no safe places...

Just wanted to share an insight my counsellor gave me.

If you're torn between 2 choices and both have equal pros and cons don't worry yourself to death over whatever choice you do make because whatever you decide will be right for you simply because there were positive reasons that you chose it...ie)say you're trying to decide whether to go on a road trip with friends or stay home on the weekend. If you go with your friends you'll enjoy your time with them but if you stay home you'll enjoy your time with your family and the quieter, slower pace. Either way you'll enjoy yourself.
I know I always tend to look at things from a more negative perspective and try to choose the safer option or the "lesser of 2 evils". This really is a biased perspective but obviously I can sympathsize with your struggle. I'm trying to adopt my counsellor's more positive angle.

You say it swings between anxiety and excitement. They are very similar feelings. maybe if when you feel what you think is anxiety you could just label it excitement. Your body doesn't know the differnce, youre in control of your thoughts. good luck

Thanks for posting this. I am also an overthinker. I'm always envious of people who can make a quick decision and not think twice about it. I analyze everything to the smallest details. Sometimes it's helpful but if it starts to affect other parts of your life, it's too much. I try to just make a decision and not look back and say "what if".

Thanx for bringing this back to a post so I can read others angle on the over thinking issue. I am currently seeking a job after being off for almost a year and a half! I keep looking for the same type of position becuz of my software knowledge, but can't stand the politics of the work place. I always expect the same thing and it worries me, so I suppose I'm overthinking again. I guess if it's meant to be it will be, if not I shouln't worry, right?

Jodi-5 mopars

bet the $$$$ they bring in from this place will make them feel better no matter what they do to other people.........take some advice ( i wont even charge you $500!) seek professional help not some one w/ a magic cure