O/T Career advice needed!

[fixedgeargirl]

Until recently I lived in a small resort community with huge seasonal fluctuations of work. In my "youth" (mid-20's) I could ride the tide, work food service jobs during high seasons and afford the twice-yearly 6 week lay-offs. Plenty of time for recreating, I was livin' the high life.

Then I had a baby. I couldn't afford those 6-week lay-offs anymore. In this town of 2000 residents finding a full-time, year-round, inside job is something of a coup. I got one. I started as "Office Assistant" and became "Office Manager". Not something I ever, ever, ever imagined myself doing. Ever. In a million years. And in an industry that I didn't have much respect for. But I wound up respecting, and befriending, my employers (mom & pop biz). She is one of my very closest friends now. The work never really turned me on, but the team we developed kept me coming back. And I found my inspiration and intellectual stimulation in places outside my work. I was content with the whole package, not just looking to my work to fulfill my need for challenges and learning opportunities. The whole town is full of under-employed people who will rate their quality of life HIGH on the scale b/c there is such awesome skiing, mtbing, arts programs, hiking, etc. to fill their off-work hours. Plenty of waitstaff, ski instructors, bus drivers, all with BAs or higher, livin' the dream.

I guess this is just my anecdotal weigh-in on the work/life balance.

On the more practical end, the general unpredictability of life, have you and BF discussed your financial future? Life insurance? Savings? Investments? Disability insurance? Having a plan and a budget for these items may help settle your mind. Knowing there's something there in case tragedy should befall you or him could help you feel less vulnerable (insert grinning smiley here).

[MightyMitre]

It's been fascinating hearing about everyones lives - thanks for sharing.

Time for a quick update...

I was offered the 'career' type job on Tuesday, which comes with a 40 mile train ride each way, and would have been a great job - except for the journey. So after a few days mulling it over I decided to take the plunge ... and turned it down!

This is definetly the right decision - when the agent phoned up and told me they were offering it, right after I put the phone down instead of leaping round the room full of excitement,I just felt down instead. So I decided to go with my gut instinct as I've discovered over time, 9 times out of 10 it's proved to be the right decision. I just need to learn to trust it more.

I can't believe I feel so happy at turning a job down - it means I've finally taken the plunge in following what I want to do instead of what I feel I ought to do, and it feels very liberating.

For the furture - there's a few potential jobs in the pipeline that are in my town, but now I've finally made a decision, instead of going round in circles it feels great. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Watch this space!

[jobob]

I've really been enjoying this thread (I haven't chimed in because all I would have to say is "yeah, what she said, and what she said...")

I'm really happy for you MM, and I agree, after you've considered the options, oftentimes following your gut instinct is the best way. Must be a great weight off your shoulders!

- Jo.

[CorsairMac]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{MM}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} I know how hard that had to have been for you (having been there). I can even hear the "sigh of relief" that the decision is over! Still keeping you in my thoughts and hoping good things for you!!

[nuthatch]

Good for you MM!! It's so nice to hear your excitement!

[BikeMomma]

MM - I'm so glad you're happy, because that's the most important thing in the world to be.

[LBTC]

YAY!! <applause> Way to go, MM! That was brave and I'm proud of you!! Doesn't it feel great???

Yahoo!!

Namaste,
~T~