career change

 

This is the first time in 15 years that I didn't experience a "back to school" season.    Zero school for my own children and zero preschool for myself.     In a way, there is SO much relief in that..... especially with all of the crazy regulations and changes due to Covid-19.  I consider myself, and my boys, blessed that we didn't have to navigate all of these changes.   It's been astounding to hear the various stories from friends and families as to what they are having to do for their young children.  It's such a shame for our society and I fear that the younger kids will be picking up the pieces for years to come.

This is also the first time in 23 years that I haven't worked with children.   Be it full time daycare, the 7 years as a stay-at-home mom, or my 13 years at preschool.   My "career" has been kids.  Every day.... kids... in some shape or fashion.   

I always wanted to be a mom.... and I went to school to work with kids.  My entire adult life has revolved around caring for children.

Suddenly I find myself with grown children and working at a fast food restaurant.  
When I applied for the new job, I listed "career change" on the application.    And now it hits me that YES, this is quite the career change.... or better yet.... a life change.

What better time than mid-life to try something new?  Right?!  lol.

I knew going in to the job that I was older and perhaps a bit much slower than the young kids that I work with. I  quickly realized that it would a huge adjustment.  But seriously.... the first week.... I wondered what I had gotten myself in to!  It was much harder than I expected!

On the night of September 10th, I came home after a 9 hours shift.  Greg asked me how my day was.... and it was the FIRST time I was able to say "...... Great!"   
Turns out that September 10th was EXACTLY one month since I had stared on August 10th.    It took me one month to feel comfortable at a new place.  One month to learn faces and names.    One month to be confident with a few of the responsibilites.   There are still SO many things for me to be trained to do, and to learn.... but I am so relieved that I am feeling settled and more confident each day!     
Turns out that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!  

I guess I can call it a win that I have taken everything I've known for my adult life, thrown it out of the window, started fresh, and somehow still manage to feel a bit settled after just one month.   
Not gonna lie.... it has been a HARD month... But I'm hopeful for the time ahead of me. 
We'll see what shakes out.

an amazing square

My ten year old has been begging for weeks for me to take him to Amazement Square.   Amazement Square is an amazing place the first time you go.   But after a year long family membership (which was a gift after Thayer's death... and very much used and very much appreciated).... the place got old and boring.

 Since Lucas' recent excitement seemed to be fresh, I took him and a neighbor for a magical visit to the museum today.   Interesting enough... except for one exhibit... the place was exactly as I remember it from 2009/10.

I tried to get some kind of discount for a "parent that would not be involved at all during their visit".... but alas I had to pay full price.   I knew that the boys would lose me in a heartbeat as they made themselves scarce in the climbing structure.     Lucas told me where to wait and they disappeared.  I wandered around a while and then sat in my designated location.   I knew without a doubt that they would show up again if they were hurt, hungry, thirsty, or bored. 

I'm not sure that the facility has awards for folks like me (the ones who let their kids run rampant).... but I found that ALL of the parents were letting their kids run rampant, but I was the only one smart enough not to run around looking for them.  (I was smart to wait in the 'designated meeting place') 

As I sat in the lobby for two hours I was amazed at what a stressful, uneasy environment this kind of place can be.   I was physically uncomfortable as I watched frantic parents looking for their kids.... screaming up into the 'tower' looking for little Jack.... running up the stairs to retrieve darling Adeline... watching Adeline reduced to tears while being reprimanded for running off by herself.

I was also amazed that for every one child that entered the doors, they were accompanied by atleast three or four adults.  Parents and grandparents.   The moms usually toting a smaller sibling and the grandparents looking flustered and confused.  
And even with an entourage of chaperones... the kid goes missing. 
Same story for two hours.
It was exhausting.

Some of the parents looked they they had it together until I realized that they actually were trying to wrangle 3 other kids out of the play structure.   Their assumption of control was a facade because clearly the kids were calling the shots.   I had a rare glimpse into some of these families because I was the fly on the wall.   So many wild eyed kids ran through that lobby.  And I kept thinking, "only in America".   geez. 

Then it occured to me that I used to be one of those parents!  I must have been.  I had two small children at one time...and I frequented crazy kids' places too.   At the time,  I thought I rocked the mommy thing... but apparently I was just as lame and crazy as the people I observed today.

And here I was.... sitting on the bench in the lobby relishing the thought that I had 'been there' and 'done that'.    Yet, also knowing full well the the kids that I should have been watching were playing havoc on four floors of fun.
I'm not sure if I should be proud of myself for making it through the early years.... or if I should feel guilty for enjoying the 'older' years a little too much.