Big Decisions

The woman in front of me, Catja from American Language Academy, gives me three options. In one of those options, I'm set on my heels with no job from them. In another, I'm allowed to work illegally, although from the grimace she produces, that's not a pleasant thought for anyone. The last one is the most surprising: she offers me a work visa. I narrow my eyes in suspicion. Where's the catch? The inevitable catch is, indeed, a big one. After months of paperwork, I'll be allowed to start work in January, which means that it would be pointless (among other things) for me to return to the States in June when I've only been working for about 4 months. If I accept this visa, it means an extra year in Spain. This is an amazing offer, and parts of me are jumping for joy at the thought of a legal, extended stay in Spain. Isn't this what I've wanted for so many years? Other parts of me are scared. This decision means a big change of short-term plans and postponing Doctoral studies. How much do I want to be here as opposed to there? Catja laughs softly, realizing that it is a huge decision for me. She gives me the weekend to think it over.