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Thursday, May 10, 2012

Winds of Change

I've mentioned before that for the past 30 years I was a professional caregiver. I loved being a caregiver and worked hard at building my career. Unfortunately, the stress of corporate healthcare was a big part of my downfall. I am going through some serious burnout and can not return to that line of work. Just the thought of it causes anxiety. Since that was all I ever wanted to do with my life it has been hard to figure out where I go next.

I have been so incredibly lucky that Musicman has been able to give me the time and support I needed to figure out what I wanted and to go after it. It truly has been the best gift he could have ever given me, the gift of time. The gift of his unfailing support and encouragement when things looked so bleak. Starting over at middle age isn't easy and the current state of the economy hasn't helped.

One of the things I realized quite awhile ago is I no longer want a career. I don't mind the idea of having a job, I'm pretty high energy and need something to do. The income will help ease some of the burden from Musicman also. We live a pretty simple life, we don't need much and we like it that way, but some sense of security is nice too.

What I do want is balance between my work life and my home life. I genuinely enjoy taking care of my home and family. Musicman likes the fact that I enjoy pampering him, cleaning and cooking and baking for him. It means alot to me to be able to do that for him, and he deserves every second of it.

The work/job issue was the trigger that sent me spiralling last week. It is the one last piece of the puzzle I needed to be able to really move forward with my life. I now have that piece. I finally found a job.

I am not sure yet when I will start, probably next week, but I'm so excited about it. It is a stable company, which was super important to me. I have been laid off four times over the course of my career and I'm tired of starting over. It has everything I was looking for: close to home, so no long commute, flexible hours which will really help me maintain the home/work balance. It involves working with the public, I'm a people person and need that kind of interaction. There is alot of oppurtunity to learn and grow and move up in the company if I choose to do that. And, it involves cooking and cleaning, two of my favorite activities.

It is a part time position, with plenty of oppurtunity to pick up extra hours if I want them. That is one of the main things I was looking for. After years of working full time and raising my kids and caring for disabled relatives I want more time to pursue my own interests. Now I will have it and still be able to contribute financially. Musicman won't have to work as much as he is now, which means more time for us. That makes me very happy.

The winds of change are blowing, but they are blowing in a good direction.



35 comments:

  1. {{{hugs}}} so glad things are looking and feeling better!

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    1. Thank you June, I'm very hopeful about this change :)

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  2. Brilliant news!! :D Congratulations

    Dee x

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  3. Congrats! Positive steps forward! abby

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    1. This a huge step and I think it is a positive one :)

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  4. Congrats! It is great to hear some good news.

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  5. We all have to weather the storms, for after the storm is peace, tranquillity, a fresh and vibrant new start. I am so pleased for you!!! xxxxxxxxxx

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    1. It does feel like a fresh, vibrant new start, thanks for the kind words :)

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  6. Jobs are good in that they give us deliverables during our day. Moments when we can say, yes! I finished something! It is harder to get that in real life, but it is a little lift we all benefit from.

    Congratulations on your job!

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    1. Thanks Kitty, I've been working on this issue for over a year, so it's good to have the conclusion I was looking for :)

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  7. Congratulations! I hope it's fun for you!

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  8. Great news! Enjoy your new job and new peace of mind.
    Joyce

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    1. Thanks Joyce, I am already enjoying the peace of mind. It has been a long hard road getting here.

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  9. Woo-hoo! Congrats Faerie!

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    1. Thanks Grace, sometimes change is a good thing :)

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  10. I once told a co-worker that careers were highly overrated. Despite the fact that I was in the process of firing him for poor performance, he has since told me it was the best advice he's ever been given.

    I was once the Chief of Staff to an elected official, now the only thing I command is my Serafina. I couldn't be happier! You did your part in a high stress environment for a long time, I've been there and done that too, but now it's time to enjoy my/your life a little more!

    I tip my cap to you!

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    1. Thank you Sir, I believe I am going to very happy and satisfied with the job.

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  11. Faerie,
    I was so glad to read this post. This all sounds great.
    And, Part Time is perfect to start out. So, so happy for you!!! You go girl!

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    1. Thanks SNP, it will be a big change from a full time career to a part time job, but it is a change I needed to make :)

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  12. I am so happy for you. Congratulations.

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    1. Thank you my friend for all your kind words and support through this process :)

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  13. That is great news. Sounds like it is exactly what you wanted and needed. Congratualtions

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    1. Thanks Blondie, I believe it is going to workout quite well :)

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  14. Congratulations! I'm happy to hear you found a job that suits your needs. :)

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    1. Thank you Riley, another fork in the road of life negotiated, lol.

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  15. Finally...blogger is letting me leave you a comment.

    Excited for you. Hope that this is exactly what you need to fill that part of your day where you need to help and be with others.

    Please give us an update after your first day!

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    1. I am feeling very contented with this decision and very hopeful about getting started.

      I'll keep ya'll updated :) I am the self proclaimed Queen of TMI. LOL!!!

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  16. How wonderful! I hope that your job is everything you hope it will be...and more. :)

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