One of my kiddos is home sick today. Nothing serious but enough to keep the both of us home today. As I am sitting here with the sun shining through the window on this beautiful fall day I can't help but think about how much has changed this past year.
In addition to us moving, Sara starting Middle School and Emily starting preschool I have just finished up the first month of my new job. For the first time in 18 years I am no longer working as a Child Life Specialist in a hospital setting. To be honest something I thought would never happen, being a Child Life Specialist wasn't just a job for me, it was a huge part of my identity. The Child Life field was what I dedicated my adult life to. I loved it and was good at it. My new role is the Director of a Pediatric Daycare and Preschool, still working with medically fragile children and their families along with typically developing children. In a previous life I was a preschool teacher so this is the perfect combination of my skill set.
I always thought my career path would head in a different direction. I thought I would retire from a hospital. I am not that touchy-feely, religious or crunchy but I honestly think the universe was trying to tell me it was time for a change. Giving up the security of my job, the health insurance, the comfort etc. was a bit daunting but the mission of the new project made it so easy get on board with. The school is named after one of my dear friends and it is an inclusion school for children and families from all walks of life and abilities. Something Linda was passionate about. It really is a privilege to have a small part in continuing her legacy. I truly feel her spirit when I am there everyday. So though no longer working as a traditional Child Life Specialist I feel this is exactly where I am supposed to be.
I can honestly say that my life is really good right now. Really good. It is like everything has fallen into place they way it was always meant to be. I love working for someone who respects me. I love being able to help create something new and innovative. I love how happy Sara is in Middle School. I love that Anna has so many friends in our new neighborhood. I love that Emily is making her own set of friends in school. I love not being so stressed all the time from a toxic work environment. I love how strong my marriage is. I love my life right now. It is a really, really good place to be.
***Trigger warning--Some people may not like the next paragraph--too bad, so sad--my blog, my words, if you want the happy ending I suggest you stop reading here--if you want the truth read at your own risk***
This was not a career change I originally sought out but one I am so grateful I made. The past 7 months I have come to realize sometimes things you think you want really aren't always what is best. While still working at my former job I was asked to step in to a new role. I did and really gave it my all. Though I was receiving a lot of positive feedback it quickly became obvious I was just being used as a place holder and completely being taken advantage of by someone I thought I knew. For future reference; typically when you f*ck someone like that you should at least buy them dinner. There were others who despite me defending and advocating for, felt it necessary to screw me over-one while sitting on the board of an organization I helped create. Hope my coat tails are comfortable sweetie! For the record; I know who actively supported me, who claim to have supported me but sat back and watched me get screwed while saying nothing and those who stabbed me in the back. Though I may forgive, my memory is like a steel trap. Like the saying goes; during trying times you see who your true friends are. A shitty experience to go through but despite it all I am happier than I have been in years--so for that I am grateful. Oh, and if you think this paragraph is about you, it probably is. Muah!
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