Take a chance on travel opportunities

When I was 17, my best friend’s family invited me on their vacation to Italy.

I was terrified. I had never left my family except for five days to attend sports camp in Indiana. Now I’d be gone for 16 days in another country. My mom and I discussed the invitation. She told me I had to go. She explained that a vacation to travel all over Italy is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I couldn’t pass it up. She promised I could call home (collect!) everyday and if by day three I wanted to leave, she’d book me a flight home.

She loves to tell this story. She was so worried I’d be up at night crying, anxious, homesick and then... she never heard from me. I forgot to call home. Illinois, who?

I fell in love with Europe the minute we landed in Paris.

A different language, Coca-Cola Light instead of Diet Coke, skinny jeans... what was this new world? Then we got to Rome. One of the oldest cities in the world filled with the most fashionable people I had ever seen. We spent two weeks on a tour bus that stopped at ten different cities, from Rome to Bologna to Sicily.

To be honest, I learned nothing about the landmarks, but instead I mastered smoking cigarettes, sneaking red wine and talking to Italian boys. My mom likes to say I returned a new person, no longer a homebody. I got bit by the travel bug and I made a point to study abroad in college, twice.

After college, I thought I’d move to Italy, London or New York. However, I got a job in Chicago and met a guy. By the time that relationship was over, my sisters were having kids. I became obsessed with them. (Still am.) How could I leave?

Yet, when I found myself turning 40, very single and with no children, I began to wonder, what’s next? At this point, the thoughts of a big move had faded into the background.

Until six weeks ago when I was given an opportunity to take a new position. But I’d have to relocate to NYC. At first, I thought, no way. My family, my friends, my comedy is here. But then, the 17 year old in me resurfaced.

I discussed the promotion with my mom. She told me I had to take it. She explained a promotion to NYC is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I couldn’t pass it up. She promised I can text (free!) anytime and if I don’t like the job after day three, I can book my own flight home. I have a feeling she won’t hear from me.

Bridget McGuire is a Chicago-based storyteller, stand-up comedian and is a co-producer of “All That Good Stuff,” a traveling comedy show that started on the South Side. of Chicago. Follow her on Instagram at @bmcguire82.