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I've been at the new job almost two months.  Since I'm super part time.... I still feel like such a newbie.  I continue to learn each day, and have gotten a grasp on the simple procedures and happenings.  I'm eager to learn new tasks and I'm still so appreciative of the directors who take the time to explain things to me.  Everyone continues to be so gracious and patient.   Such a lovely group of people.  I am so thankful.   I hope that I will grow to become an asset to the team.

I'm still adjusting to a "slower" lifestyle that came along with the job and trickled over into my personal life as well.   I'm working fewer days- which leaves me at home a few days each week.  Instead of overbooking my free time, I have learned to stretch out my lovely morning routine, keep the house in order, attempt to meal plan, run errands, and work in the yard.    Honestly, it's been such a refreshing change.    I am so thankful for my circumstances.  I don't want to take any of these moments for granted, since I'm aware things can change in an instant.
This feels like a new chapter, and I hope it's a long one.  

new wardrobe

The new job..... is at a funeral home!   Like I said.... entirely new for me.   It's been two weeks of part time work and I am very hopeful.   I come home at the end of the day feeling h a p p y!  I am learning a lot and I hope that I'll be able to settle in as time progresses.   The folks there have been super patient with me, and I am so thankful for their willingness to show me the ropes.   I'm not too sure of my schedule.... so I often joke about whether the boss will ask me to return for another day.    I'm set to show-up two more days this week, so I consider that a good sign.  

This is a HUGE change in pace for me and I'm slowly adjusting to the new surroundings. 
I was telling a friend that I still feel like a person at the end of the day..... not a tired, grouchy minion.    Since I'm not covered in sweat and milkshake splatter at the end of a shift, I'm able to run errands or do things after work.   Dressing in normal clothes is a welcome change, although a bit stressful as I piece together a wardrobe that will pass as funeral attire. 
All in all, I'm feeling like a productive person again! I'm excited to learn, to contribute, and to become a part of a new team.

next

Here I am, after only a year and a half of employment, gladly burning the ships, again.   I stewed over my situation these past few months, and I couldn't be happier with my decision to resign.   
I've told everyone that there is probably a much longer discussion to be had about finding my purpose and having a job with meaning. 
But in simple terms, I think I just got tired of peddling chicken to people addicted to MSG.

I left without having another plan in place.
I am fortunate enough to have a very capable husband and provider that allows me to have some freedom in choosing what comes next.   Last night I jokingly mentioned to him that I feel like I want to be one of those 40 year old kids in the basement who are waiting for the "right" job to come along.    I LOVE being a housewife and socialite.  I want to take my time and find something that I can be passionate about.

But the truth is.... after only three days of being jobless I am uneasy.  I know Greg wants me to work somewhere.... not only for my sanity (because I need to get out of the house each day)... but also to fund my social activities (when I leave my house each day). 
It's a catch 22.  :)

I'm not a fan of uncertainty and I've been a antsy not knowing what to expect each day.   
I put in an application last week and was just getting ready to check on that status when I received a phone call from another guy I talked to a few weeks ago.   
Looks like I'll be clocking in to try something entirely new on Monday morning at 10am. 
The only thing this new job has in common with CFA is that people are always dying to get there.
I'm excited to see if this new opportunity will be a good fit.

More to come....

burn the ships

I sat in a group interview and declared "change of career" as a reason for pursuing the job.      

I have never considered myself a career oriented person.   

Leaving my job of the past 13 years is a huge decision and I guess it IS a career change.    

I went to school, ages ago, and obtained that early childhood development degree so that I could work with kids.  That's all I've known for....forever.

The past 13 years I haven't logged many hours in a building but I have logged countless hours of planning, thinking, preparing, and bearing the weight of emotionally supporting children and families.   

I've been teased for "not working" because of my easy schedule, but I am also fully aware that I worked harder during my 18-20 hours in the building than some people work all week at other jobs.

My co-workers were fabulous.  Every day.   Best group of ladies that anyone could ask for.    

After my resignation I came to terms with just how important these ladies have been to me.     These ladies have been a part of my entire story.    They grieved with me and supported me following Thayer's death, they encouraged me during my years of solo parenting, they celebrated with me upon my new love and marriage.   My co-workers- friends-  have been a steady force through all of my big life changes.

It was a huge decision to leave my job and my co-workers.  To leave the comfort and predictability of everything I've known.  However, I have a complete peace about it.
God has been playing the song, "Burn the Ships" by For King and Country, in my mind for weeks.   It has been such an encouragement as I move forward.

The song is based upon the artist's personal experience as well as the histoical incident during the Spanish conquest of Mexio in 1519 AD, where a Spanish commander landed his ships on enemy shores unaware of what awaited his arrival.  To ensure that the men were committed to their mission, he proclaimed, "Burn the ships!".   This song is "very much dedicated to the whole concept of no retreat, to very aggressively leave the past in the past and move forward." *

So....here I am...."burning the ships" and starting a new adventure.   I'm thankful for where I have been but I'm looking forward to my next chapter!

*song background from Wikipedia :)