Why I Value Working in My Hometown.

This past week I attended my local Young Professionals Group meeting and a group of us got on the topic of why we returned to our hometown. While the obvious answer for all of us was to be near family, reflecting on it, there are so many more reasons that I am happy with my decision to return to Galesburg and begin my career here.

After college I wasn’t sure where I wanted to end up. I applied all over the county. At one point I was even planning on moving to Florida to work at Walt Disney World with their college program. When I was offered a marketing job in the Quad Cities I decided to take it. The biggest factor in my decision process was that I would be able to stay near family. My best friends had a young child and I wanted to be around as she grew.

Three years later, I am happy that I stayed near family as my best friend will be giving birth to her THIRD baby at some point this week. I wouldn’t trade the memories that I have made since I returned to Galesburg, but there are so many additional reasons that I am grateful that I am working here. If I were to have stayed in St. Louis or moved to another large city I would not have been able to have the impact that I am making here in Galesburg. First, there is no way that I would already be a Director of Marketing at an organization in a larger city at this point in my career. Furthermore, since starting my job in town I have joined the Galesburg Kiwanis Club and began working with the organization that I had the honor of volunteering with through junior high and high school. It is so fulfilling to be able to work with members of the city that I personally grew up in to try and make a difference for the children who are currently growing up here.

Another wonderful thing about working in Galesburg is the amount of networking that is possible for young professionals. I am currently working three jobs. One of these opportunities would not have been possible without the strong community network that we have and the amazing bonds that I have already made since returning. It also blows my mind how often someone will mention that they know who I am through either my work on social media or my radio advertisements. I had someone apologize to me at a Young Professionals meeting for not recognizing me even though we had never actually met in person.

The best part about working in my hometown is how much people genuinely care for one another here. I might be biased since I work for a nonprofit, but I have witnessed firsthand how the Galesburg community is such a caring community. Whether it is through different organizations in town or the kindness of neighbors, people are continuously stepping up to help others. It warms my heart. It took me moving away to realize what I took for granted while growing up.