Cha, Cha, Cha, Changes
Sometimes week long breaks from the blog happen. This time I’ve got a good excuse (I think).
I started a new job.
This isn’t the first time I’ve switched jobs. It isn’t the first time I’ve felt an attachment to my boss or my coworkers. But, it is most certainly the hardest time I’ve had letting my boss know that I was leaving.
When we arrived in South Dakota I was operating on a constant zing of uncertainty, and acceptance of letting myself float through my life, until like a feather in the wind, I found a place to settle. I had no idea what to expect of our new home. I assumed that my “career” in a sense, was over. Not that there weren’t job options in Rapid, but there just weren’t many, if any, that were at the level of the job I left in NC.
At the time I relished in the opportunity to not work for a while, and eventually to work part time, which allowed me to travel with Husband, to spend some time focusing on my own hobbies, and, as is so important to my poor OCD mind, to keep our house and lives in proper running order.
My part time job allowed me a little bit of creativity now and then, a great 20 hour a week schedule, amazing coworkers, and some extra play money each month. It was exactly what I needed and wanted.
But like every human, satisfaction is short lived. Especially when you realize you aren’t living up to your full potential. So eight months later I found myself needing and wanting a little more. And like magic, the perfect opportunity popped up in my email.
My boss at my previous job was an incredibly unique person. I loved working for her. Although at time it presenting it’s challenges and tested my patience, it was an experience I will never forget. I can’t thank her enough for being so flexible and understanding. And for all those reasons, I made sure to apply waterproof mascara the morning I had to give her my notice. Business is business, and a job is a job, but the people that you encounter along the way mold and shape you into the employee, and person that you are in your professional life. As hard as it is, there comes a time (or multiple times) when you have to think about yourself for a moment and make decisions that are right for you, even if they are less than desirable for others.
I left her office shaking that morning. I was also nervous thinking about the new job. It had been two years since I had worked under close supervision (thanks to my previous work from home job and this part time gig). Two years since getting to the office by 8:00 was mandatory, not voluntary. Two years since I had the pressure of deadlines, potential long hours, and possibly lots of expectations. I hoped I was truly qualified to be successful in the position. I hoped I could live up to the claims I had made in my interviews. Above all, I didn’t want to be a disappointment…to my new employers, but more importantly to myself.
That’s the problem with with not living up to your potential. It’s easy to forget just how great that potential is. It’s easy to let self doubt fester within your heart. To find excuses to further prevent yourself from reaching great achievements. You can become your own worst enemy.
I walked into my new office with a slew of emotions playing through me. I was nervous. I was excited. I was curious. And to my surprise…I was ready.
My new job is full time, fast paced, and oh, it so perfectly combines my love of photography, writing, people, and getting to know our community. Did I mention it’s with a great publishing house?
My new boss’ actually asked me about my passions, and my dream job. And although this position isn’t necessarily defined as those things, there is a possibility of being able to put some of them into practice on occasion, and contribute to the publications.
My first day involved a lot of training videos, and orientation type activities. But by day two I felt ready to go. I was actually able to start working, and by the end of the day I found myself with one of my bosses pounding out some new ideas for one of our websites. It was kind of exhilarating for me.
Yesterday as Husband and I lunched at our favorite German restaurant in Hill City, I told him I was feeling much more like myself than I had since we moved here. I didn’t think it would be possible to find this kind of job here. It’s only been two days, so I don’t think I should make great revelations, but I will say, for now, it feels good to invite a little change, once again, into my life.