This week I started telling co-workers that I'm leaving. That's usually followed by an explanation of what the Foreign Service is. I say something like "I'm joining the Foreign Service. I will be working for the State Department, working in embassies and consulates"
Reactions vary a lot. Some of my favorites (paraphrased, obviously):
Co-worker: Do you need to relocate?
Me: Yes. Virginia for a few months, then an embassy or consulate somewhere, according to the needs of the service.
Co-worker: Cool, maybe it will be someplace exotic, like Hawaii
Co-worker: Aren't you a little old for that sort of thing?*
Me: Yeah, it's a mid-life crisis.
Co-worker: So desperate to get away from Dallas that you need to leave the country?
Me: No, wouldn't say that. I've had a good run here. I'll likely have to deal with things like TB or Malaria. I'm probably increasing my risk.
Co-worker: They have shots for TB and Malaria. There's no vaccine for this place
*I'm 44
Note to grammar enthusiasts: If this blog were widely read, this post would likely generate comments criticizing the use of the hyphen in co-worker, followed by more comments defending the hyphen. I did careful research ( spent a minute googling it) and there is no consensus. AP guidelines say use the hyphen, Chicago Manual of Style does not use the hyphen.
Reactions vary a lot. Some of my favorites (paraphrased, obviously):
Co-worker: Do you need to relocate?
Me: Yes. Virginia for a few months, then an embassy or consulate somewhere, according to the needs of the service.
Co-worker: Cool, maybe it will be someplace exotic, like Hawaii
Co-worker: Aren't you a little old for that sort of thing?*
Me: Yeah, it's a mid-life crisis.
Co-worker: So desperate to get away from Dallas that you need to leave the country?
Me: No, wouldn't say that. I've had a good run here. I'll likely have to deal with things like TB or Malaria. I'm probably increasing my risk.
Co-worker: They have shots for TB and Malaria. There's no vaccine for this place
*I'm 44
Note to grammar enthusiasts: If this blog were widely read, this post would likely generate comments criticizing the use of the hyphen in co-worker, followed by more comments defending the hyphen. I did careful research ( spent a minute googling it) and there is no consensus. AP guidelines say use the hyphen, Chicago Manual of Style does not use the hyphen.
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