Move countries/new job? 22 > 12

[birch_tree]

Hi,

I am currently working abroad and the ideal job back home just opened. I'd be an excellent candidate, but leaving my current position would not be easy (even suggesting I was considering it would be held against me), so I want to make sure it would be a good choice before applying.

I asked the I Ching what the effect would be on my happiness should I move back to work there, which in my mind means not only work, but overall happiness living in the city. I got 22.1.3.4.5 > 12, beauty > blocked.

I interpreted it as now I am in a good place and moving would be a negative impact on my life. A friend disagreed, thinking the IChing was trying to tell me I would be moving into beauty, but blocked or stagnation could happen. Then we had a conversation if how you plan to interpret an answer would affect how the answer is given.

For reference, I rather feel that my work here has stagnated. The location is quite nice, but I have not found the community for which I had hoped.

Thank you in advance for any advice you may have.

 

[birch_tree]

I did a follow-up reading for long term happiness, and got a 8.2.5 > 7. That's unity, changing into collective force (the army). I am concerned that both readings indicate good at the beginning but not a long lasting happiness. The job I am considering is about to have a change in leadership too.

 

[Tohpol]

Birch-tree, I find H.22 a much more profound hexagram than it first may appear. It's about grace, beauty, simplicity, and form. it's also about the persona, artifice and superficiality. Often the overall idea is not to confuse the form with inner worth (or lack of it). The maxim "all that glitters is not gold" is quite fitting too.

Although others will hopefully chime in on this as well, I don't think there's anything in the lines to say absolutely do not take this job! Rather, the Yi is offering an image of choice between that simplicity and natural flow and being aware that sometimes what may appear to be a God-Send is actually not as fantastic as it may seem. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't go for it, only to see things clearly and weigh up the pros and cons.

Line 1: No free lunches. Slow down and weigh up your options. Will this really give you want you want? If so go forward knowing that you made your own way to your goal without undue influences of others.

Line 3: This is often about something that is alluring, seductive and not necessarily the wrong path. But it may not be as sparkly and shiny as it seems...With that awareness take your chances.

Line 4: This can be a call from your inner self - your essence that takes you where you need to be. Again, simplicity or beauty? Looks like you are attracting attention. How does it match with your inner goals? What's truly important here?

Line 5: Can be a reiteration of line 4 in that it is ultimately inner quality that counts rather than the form or external displays of status and material gain. In that sense, it may seem that you don't have much to offer - or perhaps you do - but this isn't about profit or finding that ideal. Our authentic self must determine the choices we make if we wish to grow at all levels. And if we do that, there is no wrong choice.

The background hexagram is 12 which could illustrate wrong-thinking, the direction that you are contemplating and / or the feelings you are currently harbouring concerning where you are now.

So, in summary my feeling is that the Yi is saying, yes, you can go for this if you want but are you sure this is going to give you what you need where it counts? If so, all is well. If not, then wait a little longer and be patient.

I've often found 22 quite ambiguous at times, I don't know how others find it. So, I'd also be interested to hear some other interpretations on this.

 

[Trojina]

Hi,

I am currently working abroad and the ideal job back home just opened. I'd be an excellent candidate, but leaving my current position would not be easy (even suggesting I was considering it would be held against me), so I want to make sure it would be a good choice before applying.

I asked the I Ching what the effect would be on my happiness should I move back to work there, which in my mind means not only work, but overall happiness living in the city. I got 22.1.3.4.5 > 12, beauty > blocked.

I interpreted it as now I am in a good place and moving would be a negative impact on my life. A friend disagreed, thinking the IChing was trying to tell me I would be moving into beauty, but blocked or stagnation could happen. Then we had a conversation if how you plan to interpret an answer would affect how the answer is given.

For reference, I rather feel that my work here has stagnated. The location is quite nice, but I have not found the community for which I had hoped.

Thank you in advance for any advice you may have.

My take is similar to Topal's except I think there most certainly are free lunches. I had one only the other day.

With a number of moving lines I look at the change patterns (the hexagrams made by changing only the changing lines, yin or yang) here they are yang 37, yin 40. These are the gateways to the reading. 37 as that sense of belonging here perhaps and 40 is quite clear, if there is something to be gained then do it and of there isn't then don't but don't hang around delaying the decision. Hmm I guess change patterns often show the obvious. Yet with this cast I wouldn't jump into it, it isn't saying 'don't do this' but 22 and 12 together just seem a step to the side of the question.

Whilst I don't trust 22.3 much I very much like 22.4. In 22.4 we often can't believe something will be as transformative as it purports to be, but it is. 22.5 often seems to describe a sense of unworthiness that can block one.

This cast reminds me of beautiful fireworks on a dull dark night. You know what ? I'm thinking, I'm wondering,, if this job in your home town is not so much to the point as simply getting back there. That is the job may not last so long, it may not be all that you want, but the thing is it releases you from 12 and it gets you more where you want to be.

You know like some things are stepping stones. In themselves they may not be terribly strong but they serve a purpose ? You asked Yi about the job and I feel Yi may be saying that this job is an opportunity to move on from the 12ish place you find yourself. Yi isn't promising this is a fantastic job but it lights up the sky (22 is fire on the mountain) and it allows you to live there again which seems to be the important thing.

I did a follow-up reading for long term happiness, and got a 8.2.5 > 7. That's unity, changing into collective force (the army). I am concerned that both readings indicate good at the beginning but not a long lasting happiness. The job I am considering is about to have a change in leadership too.

Long term happiness ? can we ever be guaranteed that ? Not sure what the question was relating to, moving or the new job ?

8 draws you effortlessly towards where you belong, but you aren't compelled (8.5) Generally people get happier the more they go towards that with which they naturally feel drawn to. I think this cast asks you that question. Where do you feel naturally drawn ? The change patterns make me think there may be all sorts of ups and downs here but nevertheless if you discern where your heart draws you then overall your happiness stands most chance of increase that way.



I think you have answers that pretty much put the ball in your court. BTW the relating hexagram 12 is not the future, it's the overall ambience surrounding the question, the backdrop containing past and present as well as some future sometimes.

 

[birch_tree]

Dear Topal and Trojina,

Thank you so much for your very thorough and thoughtful replies. Many apologies for not have written yet.

Topal, thank you for pulling apart each line so clearly. As I learn more about the job (and the enormous changes that have happened in my city since I lived there) I have realized even though I first thought of it as the "ideal job," nothing is ever perfect. Your interpretation that "the Yi is saying, yes, you can go for this if you want but are you sure this is going to give you what you need where it counts? If so, all is well. If not, then wait a little longer and be patient," really struck me. My issue, I have realized, is I don't know if I am willing to risk my professional life (and financial security, which is a daily stress) in order to increase the possibilities of getting what I want, which is a relationship. I know those two aren't usually put in the same sentence, but I know moving back to my own country would make dating a lot easier.

With that in mind, Trojina's image of stepping stones is perfect, as is the interpretation that maybe this isn't about the job but just an avenue to get me closer to where I should be.

I know asking about long-term happiness seems unrealistic, but the reason I specified long term was because I have moved a lot in my life, and I know the first year is always rough for me.

I did end up applying, and then I felt great. I realized it was because I had finally made a decision, which is always a difficult task for me. I had an interview, and I have a second soon, so now I feel worried again. I still haven't told my current employer I have applied.

Anyhow, that is where I am right now. I haven't asked the Yi for advice again, because I think I need to work on what is the best question.

Topal and Trojina, did you study the Yi on your own? You both had such wonderful insights. Thank you again.

 

[Tohpol]

"I did end up applying, and then I felt great."

Obviously multiple areas of focus lay behind that initial question ... But I'd say keep the "greatness" and see where it leads. And with more information it certainly gives 22.4 an added dimension...

Keep us posted on how it all develops.