Change

 
Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I’m back from a much needed break with family and friends in the Florida sunshine.  I can’t tell you how much good a change of scene did me.  We had a wonderful time with extended family (a rare and special event), spent much of our time in the water, went alligator and bird watching, kayaked with dolphins, collected shells and enjoyed the company of good friends in their beautiful new Florida home. I know that I am indeed very priviledged to have such amazing experiences. I had been feeling stuck in the mother of all ruts for a while, largely brought about by a combination of the daily grind of winter, a frequently travelling (ie absent) husband and uncertainty on the job front.   Hence the lack of posting or creative endeavours lately.  I just haven’t felt like it.

So here we are, back after a spring break in the sun, a perfect tonic for my winter woes.  Well rested, batteries recharged and the big question mark hanging over the future of my job finally answered.  After exactly 3 years, my great 25 hour a week, 10 minute commute gig is over.  Naturally I’m disappointed and it has not been pleasant (bankruptcy) but it’s not the first time I’ve been through the experience.  Right now, it simply feels like a huge relief to finally know (the not knowing was the most stressful part) and move on.

Despite feeling somewhat overwhelmed by such a significant change in my day to day life, I am very lucky that I have time to figure out what’s next.   I stayed at home with the children for five years before this job (and loved every minute of it) and I’ve never taken that opportunity nor indeed the choice to work part time for granted.

Comments

[Vida]

I am sorry to hear that you lost your job. I lost my job when I was pregnant with my first child. Now that I look back I know that this was the best thing that could happen to me. (I didn't see that that way then). Good luck! I hope that something good will burst out of that.

[Nancy]

It sounds like a very well-deserved trip. I'm sorry about your other life-changing news, I'm sure it's been very hard. But it's inspiring to hear your upbeat, page-turning attitude.

And I hear you about the frequently travelling husband. Sometimes I think it's easier now that the kids are older but it never really is.

[Pen at Oliver Boliver]

It sounds like the spring in your step is back which is good to hear/read. I agree that it's the not knowing that is the hardest part. Someone once told me:: Who knows what the future holds; the fun is in finding out! Good to have you back. X

[Petit Filoux]

Sorry to hear about your job - although I completely understand when you say the worst part was the not knowing bit... I've been there!
Anyway, hope you find something else that makes you happy!

[Gina]

Wishing you well whatever direction you now move. I hope you find something else that will make you happy.

[dottycookie]

Oh, Lina, I am so sorry about the job. I remember your excitement when you first started (has it really been 3 years?!) You're right though, uncertainty is just the worst.

I'm glad you can take the time to work out what to do next. I'm sure there's another great opportunity out there.

[Sew Create It - Jane]

Sorry to hear about your job... Change is hard, but I can just tell that you have a great attitude and that something will come your way. :o)

[domesticali]

Bleuch - I know just how that job thing feels. So sorry you've had to go through it. But if you've come back from a good holiday in a postitive frame of mind, I'm sure that will help set you up for the beginning of the next chapter. Enjoy!

[Monda]

I'm a strong believer in everything happening for a reason. I've been made redundant twice, and each time it happened, it was because the next chapter (a better one) was starting. Enjoy your new chapter.

[nina - tabiboo]

It sounds like you needed the break.

Welcome back....and home.

Nina xxx

[Lina]

This is actually my third experience of redundancy so you think I might be used to it! Thanks for your support!

[Lina]

I know, it's hard to believe isn't it?! Thank you for being so kind.

[Lina]

Thanks Jane, transitions like this seem to be harder for me as I get older...but I'm looking forward to having a break ;)

[Lina]

It sucks doesn't it? I'm quite a loyal person and would happily work somewhere for a decent 10 year stint!

[Lina]

Redundancy seems like an unfortunate fact of life these days...thanks for your words of support!

[Lina]

Hi Vida, thank you for kind words!

[Lina]

Thanks Nancy, having been through it before, I know that it's not forever and that I am very lucky that I have a choice to work!

[Lina]

Love that quote! Thank you xox

[Lina]

Thank you Gina - just looking forward to a break for the time being!!!

[Lina]

Thanks Nina!

[periwinkle]

Sorry to hear about your job but I couldn't agree more about the not knowing being the hardest bit . At least now you know you can plan for your future, there might even be some more awesome trips to Florida hiding in there somewhere, fingers crossed :-)

[Joanne]

Ah nuts about the job. At least the uncertainty is done with and in a minute you'll have proper spring on your own doorstep. Here's to green shoots.

[Lina]

Thanks Joanne - and you are so right about the spring thing, being laid off in winter would have been dreadful indeed!

[Lina]

Thanks Lisa. We have fab weather in the summer here, so there'll be plenty of economy camping I should think ;)

[French Knots]

Knowing is such a relief, when I knew I was being made redundant it was a weight off my shoulders to know. So I could start planning.
Three years seems to have gone very quickly! At least in your refreshed post holiday frame of mind you are in a good place for thinking about change.