The Siberian American: Life Update: One Year After Match Day

Monday, March 21, 2016

Life Update: One Year After Match Day

This time last year, I felt lost. I spent months anticipating Match Day, and the results were a big shock to us. We had spent so much time discussing radiology residency, so his prelim year location was a bit of an afterthought. We had hoped to stay in the Dallas area for at least a year, so I could stay at my job for at least a year. Obviously, that didn’t happen.

When I found out we were moving to Chicago, I cried. I was leaving my dream job to move to a city I had never visited…only to move back a year later. At that point, it felt like the worst case scenario. A year later, I know I will cry when we leave Chicago. It took me about two seconds to fall in love with the city, and our adventures here have been better than I imagined. I have been honest about how hard this year has been, but I will never feel like it wasn’t worth it.

The best piece of advice I received after finding out about our Match Day location was “you can do anything for a year.” At the time, a year in Chicago sounded like forever, but here we are, talking about where we want to live when we move home. As much as I will miss Chicago, I am also super excited to watch Chris become a radiologist.

I am part of an online group of doctors’ wives, and before joining that group, I had no idea how many people don’t match every year. It has really put things in perspective for me and made me appreciate where we are, and where we will be in the future. Throughout the whole process, I never had a worry that Chris wouldn’t match, and now I understand what a blessing that is.

What I thought was a major plot twist in our lives became an opportunity to enjoy a new part of the country. This time last year, I was mad at the Match process. Today, I’m thankful for all the unexpected blessings.

24 comments:

  1. Match day is so scary! I work T a hospital and watched the mes school next door's on Friday and man there were a lot of emotions. Glad that you are where you are!

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  2. I'm sure it was hard but you've been seriously taking advantage of your situation this past year- that's for sure!

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  3. I'm glad that you are settling into Chicago nicely. I'm sure it wasn't easy at first. But that is such great advice, you can do anything for a year.

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  4. yayyy i'm so glad it worked out for the best and i had no idea so many people didn't match, that is so scary! glad it worked out and you fell in love with the city.

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  5. So glad that the situation ended up being a good one! It's always a nice surprise when that happens.

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    1. So true! The unknown is scary, but it can be worth it! :)

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  6. I'm so happy that y'all have grown to love Chicago! It sounds like you went through a lot of the same things that my friend went through when she found out where they were moving for the air force. I think your friend gave you the best advice about you can do anything for a year, and y'all have really done so incredibly much!

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  7. Definitely a great way to look at your time in Chicago!! Do you have much longer left?! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  8. LOVE your philosophy about doing anything for a year - so true! I love that you've grown to love Chicago, it is an amazing city.

    Meg, Borrowed Heaven

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  9. That's amazing. This time last year we were moving to Chicago for a new job and I had no idea what to expect. It's been an amazing year and I wouldn't change a thing, though. We should have met in person!

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    1. We really should have! I'm so glad things have turned out for the best for you, too! :)

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  10. I'm sure it's so stressful not only to find out if you matched, but where you match. Just remember everything happens for a reason and each place is a new adventure. And just like you said, anyone can live someplace for a year :)!

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  11. on to new adventures! Moving is tough. So do you move again soon? It sounds like it from the post, but you didn't mention if you had found out about a new placement or not.

    liz @ j for joiner

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  12. i can't believe it's been a year already! It's unfortunate you had to give up your dream job but luckily Chicago ended up treating you nicely and it was a great experience to try in your lifetime.

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  13. I'm happy to hear in hindsight this all somehow became a blessing and an adventure to you! That's always a good outcome.

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  14. So glad you were able to find support with other doctors' wives. When do you leave Chicago?

    Ashley
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

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  15. Life can be so unpredictable sometimes, but it sounds like you guys made the best of the situation! Glad you enjoyed your year in Chicago and it'll always be there to visit after you go home :)

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  16. Wow, I didn't realize either that so many people don't actually match. I just assumed pretty much everyone that wanted to did somewhere. Crazy.

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  17. Great perspective.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  18. amazing how life can do that!!! And what an adventure you have had. I think it sounds so exciting to open that envelope and find out where you're going. Incredible.

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  19. It seems like you've taken advantage of being in Chicago in the best way possible, and it seems like it worked out just as it was supposed to! We'd love to visit Chicago, it seems like such a beautiful and interesting place to live.

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  20. Wow I can't believe it's been a year already! So glad you fell in love with Chicago, I mean who wouldn't - such an amazing city! But yay for going back home, can't wait to hear about your new adventures <3
    Green Fashionista

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  21. I love that you can look back on this now and see all the blessings that have come from this move! That has to be encouraging when you look forward to uncertainties in the future!

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