The notice has officially gone out to the schools with whom I work--I'll not be an employee of ASAI next year. I've known about it for some time since schools' resources are drying up for the "extras" like the assistance our organization offers. So, I'm going to join the ranks of the unemployed--sort of. I've never been completely unemployed thanks to a license here and a hobby-turn-job there. But as far as a paycheck every other week job--yep, unemployed.
Slightly less than a year ago when launching my "50 Adventures at 50", I didn't really plan for this; I was looking for different adventures, but didn't really anticipate this being one of those adventures when I was beginning the trek last summer. I've had some time to think about the prospect of not being in this job, and although I'll miss the day-to-day visits with some interesting, fun, and generally nice people, I'm not sad. In fact, it's kind of fun to think of getting to re-invent what I'm going to do next. I've put my applications in at a few places, and if any of those pan out, that will be fine. However, after being in a virtual office for the past five years, the prospect of being in a virtual office with independent office hours is mighty appealing to me. I've kind of gotten into the habit of getting that second wind in the evening and working pretty well into the night. And even though for some 20 years I got up early to go to work, the idea of it now...wow. I guess 7:00 a.m. exists, but I couldn't guarantee it.
So...where to start? After conferring with husband, son, some friends, and sincerely believing that if I shut up and relax that God and His universe will take care of things and life will flow smoothly, I'm going to just see what happens. I've fallen deeply for writing once again after so many years of putting it on the back burner; I still need to have the camera at the ready, so those two things will always be a part of me. The cooking, the sewing...they all stay around as well and end up usually as a blog item or a photo op. In short...they make me happy...really happy. And that's what this short time on the good Earth is kind of about.
I have, recently, started an online job editing e-books and writing reviews for the books once I have them finished. I just put the final touches on one earlier last week. It doesn't matter when I work, so I can jump into the job when my concentration is in full-force. I contract for the hours, so I can look for other jobs that require other skills to fill the day. For a scanner personality that likes a bazillion different things, this is a breath of fresh air. Literally and figuratively...it's a new chapter. I'm also getting parts together to build a desktop computer for my workstation--Kurt and I ordered the stuff online Sunday afternoon--figure the skills I learn will be marketable. He's also consented to act as my teacher and/or train-wreck fixer on the project.
This turn-around in my work life, of course, gives me a new list of challenges...always welcomed and relished. The reality is that I'll need to do something (more than likely a combination of things) that are lucrative to the point of what I've earned in the current job. I don't doubt but what that can be done--it may look a little wonky to the untrained eye, but contracting out jobs is just a new way of work. If I end up in one place, so be it; if I don't, so be that, too...it's all good.
I guess my best attribute to come from this experience is that this is yet another life-changing event I've had while on this good Earth. And it's okay...really. Thirty years ago when I started my first teaching job, I saw only one job. You got a teaching job, you stuck with it until they handed you the clock at the retirement party. I should've known, even back then, that I wasn't wired for that. So then came the next job...the one where you for sure stay in until they give you the plaque. Nope...that trail didn't get followed for the long haul, either. So, by the time I'd come upon the current job, even though I joked that I would just retire in it, I had a sneaking suspicion that it wouldn't be hanging around come retirement time. And it's not going to be. Probably for the best.
I'm having to stretch my mind in the new area I'm headed; no retirement date needed. Tech and all its avenues will continue on for as long as we do...and it will constantly evolve. And writing? The spoken word, although altered as it may become in the future, will still be essential to our being. And photography? It may turn to holograms someday, but sign me up. I'm there.
So, to any of you who are facing that termination date of your current job, remember that it's just that...a job. A dear friend of mine once made the comment that his vocation supported his avocation. He said that casually, but those words have resonated with me for years. And, as time goes on, they make more and more sense. We're on this planet for a few years in this current body; thinking that a job/career is all there is to this marvelous experiment is futile...we're so much more. We're given the gifts of knowing love, laughter, and joy. I don't know about you, but I can't let my hours at a desk or in a building over-rule these treasures. Whatever I do next, I'll do well to "earn my keep"...however, it is the vacation to enjoy the avocation.
Cheers!
