Just about a year ago, to the date, we shared the big news that we were packing our bags and moving across the pond to embark on a great adventure.
In order to accommodate both of our careers, we ended up establishing homes in two cities – Geneva and London. Bo pursued his career in finance with his current company while I moved into my new global role with Procter & Gamble.
People often asked us which city felt more like home and we would always answer that we were doing our best to make each feel like home. Even though our London flat came furnished, we spent time stocking a proper kitchen and adding a few prints and pieces of furniture to make it feel more homey. We have made some wonderful friends in London thanks to blogging and have spent many a weekend enjoying long runs, workouts, double dates, and brunches with these friends.
As much as we tried to make both cities work it was tough. We went to great strides to ensure we saw each other every weekend, taking more than 60 flights in the 9 month period and waking up at 4am on Mondays in order to get back to our respective cities in time. While our relationship was stronger than ever, neither of us were completely happy with the situation. We both missed having a friend and spouse to come home to in the evenings. This in addition to the fact that Bo found the environment at his company’s London office to be very different from New York which he loved. So after many hours of discussions, talking with loved ones, evaluating options, and prayers we have officially taken a leap of faith together.
Bo has left his role in London and relocated to Geneva!
What does that mean for us? Well, it means that I have the joy of seeing him everyday which beginning yesterday was pretty amazing! For now he’s focusing on learning French, making some improvements to our flat, taking some time to evaluate his next move and considering options. Right now our plan is for him to start applying for financial positions in Geneva next month but we’ll see what happens. If something comes his way sooner, fabulous. We are being realistic about the situation and are thankful for the savings we’ve put aside for years which help make this move possible. This is the first time off he’s had since graduating from Georgia Tech in 2007 and we both believe it is the perfect time to consider career options.
While saying goodbye to London is difficult, we’re both thrilled with the fact that due to its proximity, we’ll be able to see our friends frequently either in London or during fun travel weekends throughout Europe.
Cheers to the unknown and establishing our life TOGETHER in Geneva!
How exciting for you two!!! 🙂
Aww congrats! I’m sure it’s so nice to have your husband back in your city!
I am SO happy for you! Your marriage will NOT regret this move one bit! Way to make the smart decision!
Congrats!!! How wonderful for you to that you are able to make this leap of faith happen. I’m sure Bo will land an awesome position soon, but it’s nice for him to enjoy some time off. Financial jobs are no joke! Good luck, you two!
Thanks Caitlin. It’s a scary time but we’re excited to be together and see what’s next!
Congrats! I am sure you guys are thrilled to be connected 7 days a week now. I give you both so much respect for going an entire year, I am sure it’s hard. I can’t imagine! Best of luck to Bo!
Very exciting!
It will be so nice for you to see your husband more! My husband is currently gone Monday through Friday for his work as well, and we are also making the switch. It’s worth going through a little financial dip to be together more often!
Yay! This is all so exciting, it is so nice to be together. Good luck to him finding his path.
WOOHOO! Go Bo! That is really exciting for you both.
And T took 2 weeks between his last firm and this one. I found he was a new, refreshed man after just some time off. I imagine that Bo will feel the same and the right opportunity will come up in no time.
Best of luck to you two and enjoy Geneva!
Thanks! I can already see a new Bo in just two days of relaxation. 🙂 Good luck to you two as well as you embark on your next moves! Thanks for the kind words and support!
Ah, congrats! That is exciting. I’m sure he’ll find something soon as you both seem to be pretty successful in your careers. And being together is more important than $$.
Thanks Lauren! We totally agree that being together is the most important thing!
So happy for you guys!!
Thanks Haley!!
Ash and Bo, managing a dual career life is always challenging (my Donald and I have been at it for 27 years now!) but I love that you two are prioritizing valuing your happiness as a couple/family over non-stop career growth. It’s so much more important to live each day/week together and happily/healthily than anything else. Really…it just IS. There are ALWAYS trade-offs and tough choices to make, especially once children bless you. But, life is precious and short so make the career plans that will result in the Ash/Bo life that is most excellent for you both and the kids you may once have …the money will work out…
Lynne thank you so much for the kind words! It wasn’t an easy decision but we know it is the right one for us!
I can’t wait until Big News – Part 3: moving back to NYC!
Congrats to you both! I know it must be so nice being together. We love you both and can’t wait to hear more about our Geneva adventures together! Xoxo
Aww thanks AKA! 🙂 We can’t wait to see you all again IN PERSON and keep the WhatsApp photos coming!
Hi ashley,
I am a regular reader of your blog but has never commented before. I decided to comment today because our lives seem to be following the same trajectory. Firstly, I moved to Switzerland at the same time as you and it was fun to discover the country through eyes. Secondly, similar to your husband, I also took a leap of faith and left my job right before relocating. I had been working for the United Nations both nationally and internationally for 10 years but unfortunately the working environment was no longer conducive to me fulfilling my goals. So, I resigned and moved to Switzerland for an open ended vacation as I called it lol. It was the best decision I had ever made because not only did it allow me to relax after 10 non stop years but also really reassess the direction I wanted my career to take. The benefits (physical, mental, spiritual etc) that I gained from the experience are immeasurable!!! I hope your husband finds the same level of fulfillment I did. Now, I just accepted my dream job which would have never happened if had I hadn’t opened myself to other possibilities. I couldn’t be happier!! I might be spectating the race in Geneva, so I’ll keep my eyes peeled for you. Good luck to both of you.
Thank you so so so much Sylvie! I will definitely be out there on Saturday and Sunday so scream if you see me. I’ll be wearing P&G team gear! I am so glad you’ve found happiness here in Switzerland!
Good for you! It sounds like a much better option than trying to live between two cities at once. And I bet this way you will both get to really enjoy your time in Geneva and Europe that much more. I have to say I am a little bummed that you won’t be in London anymore as I am moving there this summer! I’ve enjoyed following your travels and training in Europe and look forward to seeing more. 🙂
Thanks Kathy – we are so so excited! I’m sorry I’ll miss you in London on a regular basis but I’ll be there for races and girls weekends! Also, you have to start running with my lovely ladies – they are awesome!
This is great news. Really happy for you both.
Congrats guys! I’m sure it was the best decision : )