A Change of Scenery

“I can’t tell you the details, but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.”

Communicator Mary kept these words from her director in the back of her mind as she made the decision to move across the country to Palmdale, California.

Having spent most of her life in Melbourne, Florida — where she was born, attended college, and interned with Northrop Grumman before joining the company full-time in 2018 — Mary took a true leap of faith in packing her bags for the West Coast. At the time, she didn’t know the full details of her new role because she wasn’t yet cleared.

But Mary, who had previously expressed interest in relocation to her leaders, was ready for a change.

Now, one year after Mary’s relocation, she said moving to Palmdale was one of the best decisions she’s ever made, and that she feels settled in her new community on the edge of the Mojave Desert. Not only was her director right about Mary loving the role, but Mary has made social connections inside and outside of work, including through Palmdale’s employee jiu-jitsu club.  

“I have my community here: my work, my gym, my friends, my coworkers, my church,” said Mary. “You get into a routine and make a place your home.”

Although she’d been nervous for her move, Mary said she now encourages others to step outside their comfort zones and voice their interests to their leaders, who may be able to connect you with opportunities you weren’t aware of.

“It’s okay to not feel like you’re 100% ready for something,” said Mary. “It might be a little bit of a stretch from what you’re comfortable with or what you have experience in, but managers give you opportunities for a reason. Fully lean in and own that opportunity because you never know what it might lead to.”