No pressure or anything, right? But I can’t believe where the decade started and where it ended up. Sometimes life is weirder and more unpredictable than fiction, I SWEAR. It’s been hard as hell, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Living Situation:
Who would have guessed, least of all me, that I would be STILL LIVING IN INDIA at the end of the decade (and loving it). My goal is to make it so that I spend 2-3 months in the US every year, and the rest of the time in India. So far, I’ve come to the US at least 2 times every year (on average) over the past decade, so my goal is to just make that more predictable so I can make fun plans with friends and family ahead of time!
I love my life here and have no real plans of changing anything, anytime soon. But as you know, that statement doesn’t really mean much coming from me, lets be real here. I’m always open to picking up and moving if it feels right, but at least for now, I’m good.
Relationship Status:
LORD JESUS HOW AM I MARRIED?! Yeah, anybody who knew me an the beginning of the decade would have to echo this sentiment. I mean, I’m pretty sure I have written on this very blog, multiple times, how I don’t feel the need to get married. And yet here I am.
But I want to clarify something. I still don’t think there’s anything wrong with NOT being married and I loved being single the whole time I was single (which was basically most of the decade). But I think if it’s the right person then being in a relationship/married is great. In February, it’ll be 4 years together, and man. It’s been something. I’m a fan.
Who knew??
Health:
This past decade I have not been great to my body. I started out the decade pretty well, but the end of this decade (the past few years) has been brutal. I think I gained the Freshman 15 ALL OVER AGAIN. Ugh. Oh well.
This decade I’m actually thinking about turning vegan (probably not FULL vegan but definitely more plant based) and I’ve already started working out a lot more. I love working out, I don’t really know why I stopped. I am using this app called Sweat, by Kelsey Wells and I LOVE IT. It’s focused on strength training which is amazeballs and I can already see my arms growing muscles it’s the best.
I have become that annoying person who keeps flexing in the mirror AND IT”S ONLY BEEN TWO WEEKS Y’ALL!
(I think we are creating a monster here)
Work:
Oh work. Work work work. How you have tormented me. We started a company (NextDrop) we closed that company, we restarted another one (also called NextDrop) and pivoted again. I just made our new website (launching this week fingers crossed).
I can’t even begin to tell you all the things this roller coaster of an experience has taught me. I think the biggest thing it taught me is to trust myself. I know what I”m doing, it’s when I listen to all these other things/people/gurus out there that shit hits the fan.
I realised that I don’t want to create a venture funded startup. I want to own and run a small business that makes some impact in the world. Maybe nobody will ever hear about us, and that’s ok. But as long as I know that I have put good work out in the world and I’m earning enough to pay my bills and live the life I want, I’m good. Luckily I have a business partner who feels the same way. That’s like…one of the greatest things in life. When people align on vision. SO HARD TO FIND DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE FINDING A GOOD CO-FOUNDER. (Yes that needed to be in all caps, its that important).
Right now though, my company isn’t making enough to pay the bills, but I work at an amazing place with a really kick ass boss. It’s called the Center for Social & Environmental Innovation (CSEI). I basically do marketing and development (i.e. fundraising) for them. It’s been a month, but I’m loving it. Couldn’t have asked for a better gig.
Before that I freelanced for a few startup’s and I’m really glad I got to do that. It taught me a lot about the space of marketing & partnerships, but through that experience I also realised that in the end, I’m happier when I am working in the sector I’m passionate about (environment!) I’m still in touch with all of them and still try to help out any way I can to make sure they succeed- shout out to Cred and Bright! Amazing people, amazing companies. Will never forget that experience and really hope they achieve their dreams (if anyone can do it, they can).
Finance:
Oh lord Jesus how was I so terrible at this?! But I can’t keep beating myself up over it, I have to just work on getting better. I’m trying to do more research, trying to have better habits. Right now I’m just working on spending less. One thing at a time. A few things I”m currently super interested in : Minimalism and the FIRE movement. I am just learning right now, but I definitely think there’s some core concepts and principles in there that I may want to adopt.
My life is definitely more complicated than the average person, but I don’t think that’s an excuse. I am lucky that my partner is on board, and we’re determined to use this decade to get our ish together! When the finances are in order, I think so many things become easier so I want to use this decade to make it run smoothly. I’m also trying to learn from all the people around me who are so much better at it than I am (read: almost everyone) so thank you to the friends and family who have supported us and also put up with all my dumb questions. Y’all are the best!
Spirituality:
I think this is one thing I’m incredibly grateful for, that I really built over the past decade. I think another thing that tough times provides you is the opportunity to connect to God. It’s very personal and I think throughout this past decade it has only grown. I want to keep developing and deepening this relationship, but I am so lucky that I’ve at least been able to start.
I’m sure there’s a lot more but this is all I can think of at this point in time. I’m pumped for this new decade and I hope this upcoming decade is as surprising and rewarding as the last one!
Lots of love,
Anu
So I Quit My Job and Moved to India 