Choices. Often people cannot make them and remain paralyzed by uncertainty until fate determines the choice for them. A choice has been made for sure, but perhaps not the best one. You showed in your story the struggle of making a choice. Either path you chose would have consequences. You had to have the courage to decide which consequences you were willing to live with. It would seem to most readers that you made a good choice. You were weighing your future against present rewards, and your future won out.
You do a good job of pulling us into your emotional turmoil. You offer conflict, and a clear resolution. Well done (good story arc).
Thank you for sharing this with us, @jeclyn60.
Thank @theinkwell for honest review. I keep getting better and I can't wait to reach that height I have always wanted.