Monday, July 21, 2008

A Glimpse At My Former Life

Yesterday I had a glimpse of my former life.

The company I used to work for (and Bubs still does) started their annual meeting in our city. Its always a great time. They have a race and a garden party at the zoo on Sunday and then meeting stuff the rest of the week. This was my first time attending as a spouse not as an employee and I was excited to just have fun, not schmooze.

As we went to the party I was hoping I would run in to so and so. First because she has an adopted daughter from China so I wanted the girls to meet. And secondly because she worked in a department that if I ever went back to work, I'd want to work for. Well we didn't run into her. But we ran into lots of old friends and had a great time.

As I was talking to the husband of a friend, he was telling me about what he was doing. He said for the first time in his life he was going to have a career, not just a job. I could totally relate. Even though I had gone down a career path, I never really liked it. It was always just a job.

And then it hit me. For the first time in my life, I didn't hate getting up in the morning. Well I still don't like to wake up, but once I'm up I know I'm going to enjoy the rest of the day. Morning snuggle time, alphabet class, dino dancing, what's not to like. (Ok washing the floor and vacuuming before I had my coffee wasn't the greatest, but it had to be done.) Every day is fun because I get to play.

So I made a vow to myself. When or if I go back to work, its not going to be to a job just because I'm qualified for it. Its going to be to something I enjoy and am passionate about, if I can ever figure out what that is.

5 comments:

Christy said...

This post brings up my own fears about returning to work. I used to teach, but I really wasn't happy with my job. But what would make me happy? Ugh.

Buttons and Dots Photography said...

It is so hard to know when you find the "right" job. And, unfortunately, it takes about 4-6 months of working somewhere to figure it out. I am looking to return to work now and I have been on 1 interview so far. I hope to get that position because the hours are perfect for me to still spend a lot of time with my kids.

Buttons and Dots Photography said...

I am in the process of finding my "next big thing" through work and I totally understand your thought process. My mother found her niche' completely by accident and I hope to do the same thing.

Anonymous said...

I chose my current job over a "dream" meeting planning job so that I'd have a better schedule with flexibility (basically - family friendly). But I don't love it. I don't hate getting up in the morning (maybe because I do enjoy me some kid-free time), but I'm not passionate about it and I don't feel like it really defines me. I will stay with this job as long as it suits my lifestyle - but I'm always on the lookout for something just as flexible that I can really love. My next job will have to be a career. Great post!

EatPlayLove said...

I recently decided to go back for my master's in literacy (this fall!!!). I thought I was done teaching, but I truly am passionate about it and the schedule will be perfect, someday.

Figuring it out is truly the hardest part. Best of luck!