<p>So far doing well with my new life.
Rent aa apartment, sent my D to college, got a job offer, waiting for the new house closing…
Everything seems good, but I’m not happy. I felt helpless all the time and no confidence.
My friend in Germany offer me to stay with her for few months, before my new home ready. I’m thinking about it seriously, I dream about Europe every night.
But I can’t make the decision:</p>
<ol>
<li>Money. Expensive, I need to withdraw the money from lump sum which was panned for investment and retirement.</li>
<li>I’m not sure if I can Tavel along in a total strange country by myself. I don’t speak German or French. Will that be OK for me?</li>
<li>Job. I got a job offer start from Sept. It’s a part time entry level office job, low pay but cover insurance. I applied this job because it’s simple, so that I can have time to study for some certificate program. Should I turn down this offer? Will i be able to get another job?</li>
</ol>
<p>My advice: Do not spend your retirement money on anything short of a life-or-death emergency.</p>
<p>Plan a short vacation later to visit your friend, after you can pay for it without sacrificing your future health insurance and retirement savings.</p>
<p>If you are on a tight budget, don’t go to Europe, as you know already its more expensive than here. You can visit there some times later in your life when you are ready.</p>
<p>Have you thought of volunteering at a nearby boys and girls club? Or at an after school program in a very low-income neighborhood? You obviously did a great job with your daughter and there are numerous children who could do with your parenting and wisdom.</p>
<p>Same would be true of being a foster parent. There are tens of thousands of waiting children who could really benefit from who you are. Helpless is a child with no forever home and no parent to care for them. To that one child you could make all the difference.</p>
<p>Been where you have been and did the above. Made all the difference to me.</p>
<p>It’s possible that traveling to Germany alone will make you feel more confident, which would be a point in its favor. Many Germans speak English. But I would certainly advise you to take the job you have been offered, and then begin job training and a more thorough job search in a few months. It is always easier to get a job once you have a job.</p>
<p>Take the job. Use the health insurance to get a thorough checkup, particularly for depression. Sounds like you’ve been under a great deal of stress and many changes, which can be overwhelming for anyone.</p>