Yesterday I met with an job agency that helps you find THE JOB for a fee. It was interesting. I researched them a little before going in and found very limited information. They are in a high rise, third floor, validated parking. I entered the office and starting observing. The reading choices were Wall Street Journal, Forbes, TIME, a Travel book, and Fortune magazines. On the table was a bowl of hard candies and an adjacent table had a number of business cards for the representatives. A list of countries was on the glass wall between the lobby and the empty conference room. The relevance of countries was blocked by a well groomed plant. A water feature and Buddha were in the corner. Nice purple couches and the orchestra version soundtrack of Disney movies played. The reception desk was a window, that was kept closed. I was greeted and waited. The man I met with was kind, funny and complimenting. I found it interesting that I went right into observation mode. Are there cameras watching to see if I pick up the Wall Street Journal or the travel book? Would I be judged on my ability to work if I ate a candy? So funny, I decided on a cinnamon sucker.
I have two prospects through networking that could be quite valid and both very interesting, fun, in ophthalmology. Both have different perks that would satisfy my personal needs. I am enjoying my time at home, my sweet son is driving, it only took a week and he got his permit. I truly enjoy being able to be home with him to take care of this stuff we have been putting off. Hoping for a work from home, part time gig, but after a few weeks of being off beggars cannot be choosers. Networking, networking, networking:)
Last night I spoke with my old job coach, he's not old, but we've known each other for many years now. He knows what I can do and is a believer. He also knows my personality and is good at asking me the questions I avoid asking myself. I shared with him that I was seriously considering working for myself, consulting. Since this is what he does, I figured he would be a good person to start with in my interview phase of, "what should I do with my life". He affirmed that I should be writing my goals, which I started earlier that day and finished this morning.
I was supposed to take the week off to relax and all I could do was worry about this or that. I kept applying for jobs, I couldn't put the computer down. It's been 80 degrees and beautiful in San Diego...what the heck is wrong with me!!! I started to get a rash, I was short of breath, I was angry for no reason. I kept thinking about my goals, what I should be doing, what do I want, how am I going to get it, etc.
So, today I wrote 5 goals for myself, a physical goal so I can love myself. I made sure not to put down I would lose 10 pounds and go on a diet or anything crazy, I simply put that I would make time for me to do yoga, mediate, and sweat doing something. It's only an hour, I could spend an hour in front of the boob tube easy, why not spend it on me. I created a financial goal to help with my budgeting, a career goal to get this business idea started, a personal goal to volunteer more and a relationship goal to avoid me from continuing the behavior I have had since I was a teenage girl.
It's time to grow up, grow a pair, and love myself a little more. I am back to feeling excited. If I think of something else that needs to be done, I'll just add it to the list. Next week is time to really vacation and work on the goals rather than stress about fifty million things that need to happen. When I am stressed out I am a crazy person. When I am relaxed, I am a pretty cool chick and that's what I'd rather be.
For my first week I decided to take a mental vacation. I have been hiking with my dog, sleeping in, and trying my best not to look for work. Instead, every morning I am on the computer in bed with a cup of coffee improving my resume and sending it off to different companies. I just don't know how to not work. Next week I hope to meet with some connections. I really want to start my own gig, but need some input on how to start that. I am excited at the possibilities. When I start to worry, I just go for a walk or take my little dog for a hike. It has been a good week so far. I am thankful to have a supporting family and great friends. Looking forward to the next chapter in my life.
Yesterday I took my lil Daphne on a hike. She was so dog tired and smelled awful....she and I both had a nice bath when we got home. Today it's me and Tanner with some errands. Off to walk the doggies first, then we will get on with our day.
Today is the last day....I will miss my dear team that I work with, even though many of them are very new, they have been great to work with. I will miss my customers, even the cranky ones. I got a full lunch every day this week...this is the most I have gone to lunch in two years. Last night, some of my team took me out for drinks which was quite nice. They are a kind and bright group of people. When I got home I read my separation agreement. It looked like divorce papers, so strange. At least this time I'm the one getting paid:) I will enjoy this day and the days to follow. Until the, so long, farewell, aufwiedersehen, goodbye.....or the more fitting adios, shalom, later!!
Has your boss ever rode to work on a broom? How did you deal with that? When this happens, I get tense, I become reactive. It affects me mentally and physically. I become drained emotionally, I get a head ache that won't go away. I was always taught to check my attitude at the door when coming to work. This was hard when I was younger, but as I matured I learned that lesson. I teach this lesson to my son and I share this with my peers and employees. How do you teach this to your boss? How do you avoid the emotional and physical stress of this. One person told me, "don't let it bother you." I just don't know how not to. Today is day 4 of 5 and after yesterday I am really ready.
Yesterday I was walking around the office and noticed some boxes on the floor, and things in disarray. I thought to myself how I would be directed to that piece of paper on the floor, "be sure this gets picked up by the cleaning crew," the boss would say to me at 8pm after 11 hours on of work. Instead, the new guy is focused on creating procedures and tells the boss, "do you want a procedure for the staff, or do you want me to worry about trash?!?" Interesting. I learn something new everyday and yesterday I learned about me, what I tend to do, what I should do differently. 4 days left, and I'm still excited, no regrets.
Today is the first day of my last week of work. I chose to leave. I worry very little, which I find odd. At first I was so afraid. I worried daily that I would make the wrong choice or I would anger my boss. Often when driving home I felt so helpless that I wanted to just drive off the road so I wouldn't have to go in the next day. I didn't want to die, I just didn't want to go back to that job. It started when I decided we should hire a consultant to help us communicate better. The consultant was very nice, helpful and told both my boss and I that we needed to push our team more. I am my bosses team, my team is a group of people, more than half new to the industry and our company. I pushed, my boss pushed harder, it was a mess. I gave it my all, then there was nothing left. The consultant says, "you are unhappy, why don't you just leave?" I was like, what, are you serious, I am responsible for another human, my child is still living at home, how could I possibly??? Then it hit me, "I want a package, is that possible?" Yes, yes it is. A relief of stress, and the ability for me to say, "I quit," caused this lead weight to be lifted. I am excited, nervous, and cannot wait for this week to end. I have never not had a job in the past 20 years and right now it feels amazing!
Last night I spoke with my old job coach, he's not old, but we've known each other for many years now. He knows what I can do and is a believer. He also knows my personality and is good at asking me the questions I avoid asking myself. I shared with him that I was seriously considering working for myself, consulting. Since this is what he does, I figured he would be a good person to start with in my interview phase of, "what should I do with my life". He affirmed that I should be writing my goals, which I started earlier that day and finished this morning. 
Yesterday I took my lil Daphne on a hike. She was so dog tired and smelled awful....she and I both had a nice bath when we got home. Today it's me and Tanner with some errands. Off to walk the doggies first, then we will get on with our day.
