When I turned 25 I realized that life had not turned out the way I had expected it to. I had a career, a great girlfriend, a nice apartment, and had moved to Chicago but something was still missing. 

As the days passed I realized that each day was feeling drearier than the one before it. I remember having outlets for this dreariness in Santa Barbara (mainly surfing and water polo) but I couldn't do those things as often in Chicago. 

My perspective changed when my girlfriend's younger brother was killed in Afghanistan in August. He was only 20 and would not get the chance to do a lot of the things he really wanted to in life. It was then that I decided that I would reach for my career and life goals.

Life is too short and I don't want to spend my time here on Earth doing a job I don't enjoy and waking up in a bad mood. It's not good for me or for the people that have to deal with me.

Time for a change. 

Where to start?

I was born in Northern California. I grew up swimming and playing water polo from about age 6 on. By the time I finished high school - I was burned out on the sport.

I went to UC Santa Barbara for college, but could never get myself committed and excited enough to get back in to water polo at the  college level. I knew I was good enough, but my priorities had changed.

I graduated with a degree in Geology although I still am not sure why. My passion has always been broadcasting and writing and I naturally assumed that this was the direction my career would go in.

Once out of school, I got a job working as a geologist in Santa Barbara. I did this for two years until I realized that I needed a drastic change. I decided to quit , pack up the car, and move with my girlfriend out to Chicago. I had never been to Chicago but I just knew that this was the place for me. 

Since moving here, I have fallen in to a rut of sorts. I got another job as a geologist doing the same work I hated in Santa Barbara. I work more hours so I have let myself get out of shape.

This is not where I pictured myself at 25 and I want to change.  

I have never had a problem seeing my future as amazing until recently. I am one of those people that was always sure that I would be successful at whatever I wanted to do. This is why my rut is so troubling to me. 

If I can get my goals back on track, I know that I will be doing exactly the career I want in the near future. I know it will take hard work and I am sure I can do it - I just need that little kick in the butt.