First Day Back
I started a new job two weeks ago. A few months ago I wrote about Transformation, and how so many positive things were happening in my life after abruptly losing my job. Life has been full of big changes ever since. What I didn’t mention in that post is that I was pregnant, which I found out 1 week after losing my job. And not just pregnant, but due on my hubby’s brother’s wedding day! I mean, you couldn’t plan that if you tried!
At first I thought the timing couldn’t be worse, with being unemployed. But then I realized, it was actually awesome. It was the first time in my life that I had made a conscious effort to carve out more “me time” and spend time doing what made me happy, instead of working for someone else. So, the next few months were spent making jewellery and baking, two of my side gigs that I hadn’t really had time to focus on consistently. I spent lots of time alone, with my daughter and hubby, and lots of time with friends. It was divine.
Then one random January day, my hubby brought in the local newspaper that gets delivered each week in our driveway, and almost always gets thrown away without even looking at it. I don’t know what prompted him to bring in the paper that day, but I’m so happy that he did. During breakfast with C, I opened up the paper and started looking through. All of sudden, I came across a job posting that seemed right up my alley – like the job was made just for me. Plus, it’s a contract position that I could complete before baby #2 arrives. Perfect! I’m extra excited because I had worked from home for the past 4+ years and it had become quite isolating. And we live in Muskoka where it can be tricky/impossible to find quality jobs. It was all very serendipitous. So, I applied and I just had a really good feeling about my chances.
The next challenge would be to find daycare for C for the 1 day a week that my current provider isn’t available. I didn’t think this would be easy, as finding quality child care is challenging anywhere, but even more challenging in Muskoka where there are lots of people without care. To my surprise, I found someone almost right away. Gotta love great recommendations from friends! Again, very serendipitous.
I had my interview, which I was really prepared for and excited about. I had to go shopping to get a blazer that fit and would conceal my growing baby bump – seriously, I started showing almost right away with this one. The interview went really well. Nailed it. And I’ve never been comfortable in an interview before. I don’t know if it was the pregnancy hormones making my focus laser-sharp, but whatever it was worked in my favour and I was offered the position.
Although it’s been tough to set an alarm and get out of the house on time with an almost threenager, I’ve been loving this transition. Especially working in an office with other people after spending so much time alone at my previous job. Fingers crossed that it will lead to a permanent position in the future. For now, I’m going to enjoy this new chapter.
xo Leigh
