Thursday, May 29, 2014

Never Say Never


"When will I get to the age when I can do whatever I want?" Bridger asked in exasperation after a challenging day at work.

"I don't know; I'll let you know if I ever get there," I told him.

Oh, the hard lessons we learn about life once we begin our first job. I can't imagine many satisfying jobs available to young people who are without skills or education. Those first jobs teach us valuable lessons about commitment, work ethics, and drive. The biggest lesson my first job as a manual laborer in a large orchard/nursery business is "DON'T QUIT SCHOOL."

Bridger happened to ask this question after a challenging day at his own work, on the very day I had been busy with re-licensing for my teaching certification. Yes, the teacher who glibly gave away all of her teaching possessions, donated her extensive classroom library, and cheerfully chucked all of her professional documentation, has decided it's time to return to work.

NEVER SAY NEVER

Although retirement has been lovely, and probably freed me up to survive this last year better than I ever could have managed if I had been trying to hold down a job, it is now time to get serious about securing some financial security for myself, and obtaining medical coverage for my son. It has been a wonderful year without many obligations, and it freed me up to do those things I've been meaning to do: get organized, start my blog, and take better care of myself.

The realities of life demand that we not do whatever we want. How different the world would be if we all took that attitude. 

Most of my adult life, I have been a collector of the whimsical graphic illustrator, Mary Engelbreit. Several of her designs are included in the treasures I keep in my Happy Box. This morning I pulled out my box, and found my favorite quote of hers on a note card I had saved:
"To be happy, don't do whatever you like; like whatever you do." 
As they say, life begins at the end of your comfort zone. It is certainly where the most learning takes place. Now that I have felt blissfully happy and comfortable for a moment, it's time to shake things up a bit. 

So today, I have my first job interview in 31 years. I'm a little nervous, and more than a little excited. If I am going to be a teacher, you can rest assured I'm going to be happy about it! Wish me luck.

21 comments:

  1. If your experience is like mine, you are going to find that you will go to your class with fresh ideas and new energy. That is what happened after I had some years away. Of course, I hadn't reached the contract stage yet when I took my break.

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    1. Linda, I hope you are right. I'm planning on it!

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  2. Good luck! I can't imagine anyone NOT wanting to hire you immediately!

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  3. How exciting, Denise! I know you'll do great at your interview!

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  4. Denise, what a blessing it is that you have had this time to get your home organized and develop the routines that make your life easier. You have made a good name for yourself. The love and energy you have for teaching is evident to anyone who has been fortunate enough to have you be their teacher or taught their child. Your goals to be more financially secure and provide insurance for Bridger are honorable. May you be blessed with what you need and experience joy while doing it for all the right reasons.

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    1. Julie, thank you so much. You always say the kindest things. So, WHEN ARE YOU COMING???

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  5. Yay! Good Luck!! I love the quote you shared.
    -Annie

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  6. Oh. My. Goodness. Luckyluckyluckylucky school! Love you, sis!
    (Couldn't figure out how to put my name on here, so anonymously, this is Joelle!)

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  7. So very exciting! Keep us posted.

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  8. Lovely. Wishing you all the luck.

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  9. The right career choice can make all the difference. If you are happy in your job, it will effect other aspects of your life, so it is important to figure out what it is you want to do, and then find what careers are available within that field. You'll be better off for it.

    Celine Goodson @ RMS Recruitment

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    1. Celine, I agree wholeheartedly! Thank you for stopping by.

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    2. Celine, I agree wholeheartedly! Thank you for stopping by.

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