A loving support system

I overheard my father talking on the phone to my cousin the other night about me moving to California.  He said, "Well, I've always wanted for Alexis and Courtnie to have the freedom to follow their dreams." His sentiment is characteristic of him and I know he is being honest, but it amazes me nonetheless.  

The hardest part about pursuing the career/ life path that I have chosen over the past year has been the impact on my family. Without a husband, children, or a mortgage, I know that I am in a better position than most to put everything on the line to work for a startup. However, I would be blind if I did not see the toll that my choices have taken on my family.

I have not met two people who love being parents more than mine and they don't have their egos wrapped up in whatever success my sister and I achieve. Their success has been measured by the health and happiness of their children. You can imagine their sense of relief and accomplishment when I was on a career trajectory, both as a healthcare policy analyst and professional dancer, earning my MBA, and settled in a fabulous apartment in the heart of Washington D.C. I was healthy and happy, so they had fulfilled their primary goal as parents, and could focus on my younger sister and their own future.

That is, until I decided to change course, ultimately ending up on my current path. 
I have absolutely no regrets and am without a doubt the happiest I have ever been, but the impact on my family has been enormous. My parents have they had to deal with my financial instability, the uncertainty of what city I would actually settle in and increase in my stress level. They've also given me space in their house to keep my belongings and are even keeping my dog and cat until I get settled.

I hate that I've added so much stress to their lives. I hate when I see concern in their eyes, despite their best efforts to hide it. I am 29 years old and they should be able to get on with their lives.  At times, I've wanted nothing more than to cut ties and spare them the burden of the life that I have chosen.  

They, of course, would never let me do such a thing. Along with my sister, my parents remain unwaveringly supportive.  They cheer for my victories and listen to a ridiculous number of stories about Bandsintown, startups, and music and technology. And even though I know they aren't thrilled with my move across the country, they even bought my plane ticket to California as a gift.

Having a family that encourages me to pursue my dreams is remarkable in and of itself, but having a family that actively helps me achieve them is something that I am incredibly grateful for and never, ever take for granted.

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