Robin, i wish you only the best in your new endevor! i really hope that you enjoy the new path you are starting on!

First, huge congratulations are in order!

Second, this: "i stopped on the path i was on, took a moment to look around, realized that i didn't like where i was headed, and decided to go off of it and in an entirely new direction." >> I have this feeling often. Wanting to step off the trajectory, but then I stumble because I'm not sure of where to go. I think I may actually be on my way to figuring it out, though I almost don't want to admit it to myself, if that makes sense. And understanding that nothing happens overnight.

Third, this: "i still want to write about California tattoo history, but i do not wish to do so in the realm of "academia". i want to write it as part of this community, for this community, and i want those who are interested in knowing about it to have access to it, without broadcasting it to those who would potentially exploit it." > Just well said is all. And sounds like the only way to do it.

This is super positive and, dare I say, inspirational. Good luck, godspeed, etc.

Hey Robin, Looks like some exciting things in your future....very jealous of the kittens. I used to foster kittens. They are just the cutest things!!

Looking forward to your series ;)

Alana, thanks! i feel pretty stoked about it so far but it's going to be a lot of work!

Pat, i sort of took Shawn's advice and waited it out a bit, to see if something would come to me, and it did. i didn't realize how it was going to manifest itself (i didn't expect to be given the choice to be laid off or to reapply for my position, and then have another job just line up so perfectly), but it's worked out. i knew i wanted vet tech experience, to help with wildlife rehabilitation down the road, and it just happened to work out that i will be getting some of that training right away, which i think is a good thing. i think it paid off (at least so far) to keep my head up, and my eyes and ears open, but to not rush anything, and to wait it out until i found a position that felt right in my gut.

and thanks! i heard from friends and from strangers about changing careers in their mid-20s, and it was really inspirational to me. the times where i felt anxious about making this choice, i remembered this one particular story that was told to me by a co-worker who i've become friends with. she has a friend she met while living in Guatemala (and who is also American), who is blind and who had dropped out of college because he felt it was too challenging due to his disability. he decided to go to Guatemala on a whim, though on top of being blind he also didn't know spanish, and while there, he began volunteering for human rights organizations. after returning to the states, he landed a job with Amnesty International, and decided that he wanted to become a HR Lawyer, particularly working on international cases, but realized that his education had limited from moving towards that goal. So he went back to school and graduated this last spring with his pre-law degree, and he is 38. He applied for several law schools this year, but did not get accepted into any, so he plans on applying next year again, and is continuing to do work through AI. if he can do it, so can i, and so can you Pat.

Tammy, yes, yes they are! i have fostered one, and he was adorable! we called him bug, and he was the runt of a litter, so he was super tiny and loved to hang around on your shoulder (he was only 4 weeks old when my family and i took care of him) and curl up on your chest or neck if you were sitting on the couch watching tv or something. one of the best experiences of my life by far!

That is an incredible story. Thanks again, Robin, for sharing. Seems like you're making the right moves.

You did it, Yay! doesn't it feel scary and exciting and crazy and great? Best wishes!!

NEUTER,SPAY,NEUTER,SPAY........ love cats espessially.

Dee, it does feel crazy!

and Shannon, yeah educating others on the importance of spaying and neutering will be a big part of my job.

Love cats, and love it when people follow their hearts. Happiness is in your future!

If you don't post 100 pictures of those sweet baby kitties while they are still teeny-tiny I will never forgive you!!!

thanks Ross,

Perez, i'll post them all on your page!