So. I have finally found a job!
It’s full-time which is definitely not what I was picturing at this stage of life. (I haven’t worked full-time since I was twenty-one.) It’s also my first job in 40 years where I’m in the corporate world instead of the church world and the first job in 40 years where Steve and I will not work together.
So to sum up: it’s a full-time, church-to-corporate, non-Steve job. Lots and lots of adjustments to be made.
I have written before that I’ve worked a few temp jobs since arriving in Charlotte, which was an entirely new adventure in itself. Big city, crowded freeways, unfamiliar working situations, new people, All the things that make the heart of an introvert quake. But it was a good adventure for me and an excellent stretching experience which we all need from time to time.
One of the companies I worked for started to ask for me specifically when they needed a temp for a few days. I was happy that they liked my work and enjoyed going back to a place that was familiar.
And then a while ago, I got a call from my temp agency letting me know that that same receptionist position was coming open on a permanent basis and they wanted to know if I would be interested. I was tempted by the really great pay and full benefits. But I was not looking for full-time and told the temp agency I wasn’t interested.
About a week later, I got an email. The company was checking in to offer the job again. Steve and I talked about it but we agreed to say no again.
I continued to diligently check online job sites daily and put in applications. I was actually offered a job several months ago which seemed like the absolutely perfect position; three days in the office, and two days working remotely. However, after I went in for orientation to get a look at what I would doing, the job just didn’t feel right to me. Which made absolutely no sense then but I realize now that no new employer was going to give me 2-3 weeks off from work to care for a husband post-surgery. It just hadn’t been the right time for a job.
But now that Steve’s surgery and recovery are mostly behind us, many of the house renovations are done, Sarah and Gage are on their own, and Nathan and Meagan are settled into their house, I had been doubling down my job-hunting efforts.
After spending many hours over the past few months looking, I had no luck. I don’t have a college education and my resume is a little threadbare so getting a job has been more of a challenge, especially at the age of sixty-one.
And then last week? I got another email from the temp agency. It basically said, “We know you’ve already said no two times, but the company wants us to check in again and see if you might have changed your mind. They really like you.”
Well, that gave me pause for thought. I have searched for so long and turned up nothing. And this was the exact period of time when I had said, “Okay. Now is the perfect time to get a job.”
And a job was being offered to me for the third time!
I had liked the work I did there but thought I wouldn’t have enough to do to keep me busy just answering the phone. But as it turns out, there are many administrative tasks involved as well so I will be kept busy multi-tasking. Also, being in the middle of the ebb and flow of the company appeals to me.
And the pay? That also appeals to me too since we are now embarking on a long list of expensive, have-to-be-done repairs here at this house. That includes removing an enormous tree (which will destroy half the deck), replacing an HVAC system, eradicating squirrels from the attic, updating the whole electrical system, and having $30,000 of repairs done to the foundation/basement wall. (Due to damage caused by the roots of the tree and also some moisture issues.)
Long story short (I know, too late for that, right?) I am now officially an Administrative Assistant at a company in Charlotte. I leave the house each day at 7 a.m. and get home around 5 p..m. I spent all last week training and today is the first day I will “fly solo.” A little nerve-wracking not having my teacher at my side but I’ll give it my best.
I have really liked the job so far. The building is new and modern and I sit in a lovely, well-appointed lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows. My co-workers (about 80 in the building) have been friendly and welcoming.
Steve and Debbie and Randy dropped by last week and Debbie got a couple of pictures.
I’ll have my own nameplate soon.
I have to say that after not being around people for many months, it is heartening to be a part of a work community. I actually have conversations with folks and get to see something besides the walls of our house. It’s a job I am well suited for and I enjoy all the chances I get for people-watching, one of my favorite past-times.
I had mentioned before that I was hoping for a job where I could have a chance to comfort people or at least be a calming, non-anxious presence, like at a hospital or a funeral home.
At first, I thought that this job wouldn’t allow for any of that but, as it turns out, I work in a building where many people pass through in the process of interviewing for jobs and/or showing up for their first day on their new job. My mama’s heart is always touched when I see shiny young men and women from all over the southeast, all dressed up and nervous, come to my desk and say, “Hello. I’m here for an interview with Mr. So and So.”
I do what I can to say encouraging things and hope I can send them on their way through the day knowing that someone behind the front desk is pulling for them. My wonderful predecessor and teacher told me over and over, “You are the voice and face of the company. Always have a smile in person and on the phone.”
So I’m glad to get to be the first person people see and that I get to start their visit off with a friendly, encouraging word.
Wish me luck on this newest adventure!
Steve is continuing to make steady progress. He only uses his cane if he is going a little distance, but around the house, he is cane-free. He is still working on balance and strength; sometimes he’ll totter a little bit unexpectedly which is unnerving. But considering where he was eight weeks ago, he is doing fabulously!
He has always helped around the house, but since I got this job, he’s upped his contributions considerably, picking up groceries, taking care of laundry, doing the dishes, running errands, emptying garbage, and–of course–keeping up with his endless list of repairs, fix its and todo lists. He’s definitely keeping busy as he waits to see what his new season of life will look like.
This is Nathan and his family in their Easter photo at their Florida church. I’m sure it’s quite easy for you to tell that those two little fellows are just a little bit full of energy.
The whole crew.
What about you?
Tell us about a time when you did something outside your comfort zone. How did it turn out? Were you glad you did it?
What do you have going on this week?
Congratulations on the new job!!! Good luck flying solo. I’m sure you will do great!
Glad that Steve’s recovery is going so well and that he’s able to help YOU out now. Things always work out, don’t they?
We are in crunch time mode on our basement bathroom. We gutted it about 6 weeks ago. Kids and grandkids will be here Memorial day weekend so it WILL be done by then and this house that looks like it blew up will be back in order. 😁🤞
LeeAnne,
It’s always helpful to have a hard deadline to get things done, isn’t it? Just two more weeks and family will be there and stuff will be put back together. Hooray-ing for you! 🙂
Congratulations on the new job! You must be amazing for them to have pursued you relentlessly (but we already knew that)! I hope it’s a wonderful experience!
So glad that Steve is continuing to heal!
Are the grandchildren being homeschooled due to the move? It seems like it would be tough to relocate at the end of the year. You may have mentioned this but I don’t remember!
I am out of my comfort zone often but I try to use it as an opportunity for growth. Sometimes it’s just an opportunity for tears though – lol.
This week we have SO MUCH going on – we are on baby watch for grandbaby #2, a new car for me (which I both love and hate), and we’re leaving on a super exciting 2 week vacation. Hoping we can accomplish everything we need to and that the baby comes before we leave the country!
Enjoy your week!!
Suzanne,
Meagan has been been homeschooling last spring so that has certainly worked out well with the big move.
That’s a good way to look at being out of your comfort zone–as an opportunity for growth. (And yes, sometimes growth is accompanied by tears. That’s how you know you are really growing.)
I understand what you mean about new cars; you love the newness of them but hate having to get used to all the new stuff. Congrats on the coming grandbaby!
Congratulations! Sounds like the job is a great fit in every way. You must be tired though, albeit a happy tired. So glad Steve is coming along.
As far as going outside my comfort zone, my whole 25 year nursing career was outside my zone. It fit the bill as far as flexibility and finances but was way too stressful for me. I stuck it through until the boys graduated college. If I had to do it again I probably would have as it allowed me (as a single mom) to attend all the kids’ school activities, sports games etc as well as Sarah’s therapies, hospitalizations and to homeschool her. So, yes, it worked out but at a cost to me physically and mentally.
Now finally I am in my comfort zone LOL, home with Sarah, every day. Fine by me after years of chaos and stress. A bit more alone than I’d like but she and I cannot mess with covid.
Love the atmosphere of your office, so neat and bright and cheery. I hope the commute is not too long 🙂
Lesley,
It’s funny. I’ve been telling myself when I get stressed with all the new things on the job, “Well, at least I’m not a doctor or nurse. That would be really stressful!”
The fact that you were a nurse, a single mom, a caregiver, and a homeschooler for all those years is amazing! I can only imagine how much you must cherish quieter days. My hat is off to you for doing some “uncomfortable” for so long, all for the good of your family.
Nurses are my heroes!
P.S. My commute is about 20 minutes in the morning and 30-40 minutes in the evening.
Congratulations on your new job! I think you will find ways to minister to many others in your new role. It is pretty clear that the company really wanted you to reach out multiple times so you must have done a great job when you temped there.
About a year and a half ago, the preschool director at church asked me to serve in the baby room one Sunday a month. Children stay in this room until they become mobile and start walking out the door. 🙂 I wasn’t too keen on doing it but told her I would give it a shot. Basically, it requires feeding, rocking and changing babies with an occasional strolling down the hall with one or more babies in a double stroller. I am so glad I said yes to this as I have truly enjoyed most Sunday’s I was in there. There’s only been one Sunday early on when I wondered what I had gotten myself into. Long story short, very colicky baby who went through three of us before he went to sleep.
Last Monday started my 4-month rotation of counting offering so I was at church office this morning. Last week was the first week we started scanning checks. Thankfully this week was much better. Other than that, I have blood work tomorrow and that’s about it. I did just complete our Ministry Safe training online that anyone that works in the children or youth area has to complete periodically. And I scored 100% on the quiz. Some of the statistics I saw were truly heartbreaking!
Phyllis,
Good for you for volunteering in the nursery! We know from experience that it can be very hard to find volunteers in that area. I’m glad it’s turned out to be a positive thing for you. Those babies are so precious.
Glad to know your church is following the guidelines of background checking workers; so important!
I can see where a receptionist job would be perfect for you! I’ve worked in law firms for 42 years and receptionists were always super important — they were the first face seen by a client which is key. Congratulations to you and them!
Karen,
Somehow I didn’t know you worked in law firms. You must be a smart cookie! And yes, I can see that legal receptionists would be a really big part of the team.
Good for you, Becky! I’m an introvert too, so I get how scary all that newness can be. And I’ll confess that driving in a city like Charlotte strikes terror into my heart. We live in rural Idaho, and our entire county doesn’t even have a traffic light! But just to prove that Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me) is true, AND to prove that our God has a great sense of humor…
After I retired, I heard about an international disaster relief ministry opportunity with Samaritan’s Purse. We checked their website to see what was involved, and the first thing it said was, “Do you thrive under pressure?” I said, “HA! HA! HA! and we closed that browser so fast it would make your head spin! But through a series of God-ordained events, I eventually decided to give it a try. Since the fall of 2020, I’ve deployed to Lebanon, Germany, Wisconsin (Afghan refugee resettlement program) and twice to Ukraine. It has stretched me WAY beyond my comfort zone, but has been such a blessing. Everything SP does, is done in Jesus’ name. The goal is to relieve suffering, and in so doing, to hopefully to open doors for the Good News of Jesus Christ. Every time I’m called, my heart rate goes up and I think, “REALLY, God?” My husband has been super supportive of my new venture, but I still have to “pray through” the panic right up until the time I get on the plane. But God has proved Himself faithful every time, and I’ve had the privilege of being the hands and feel of Christ alongside brothers and sisters from all over the world. What a joy!
Jenny JoT,
I loved hearing your story! And I can definitely relate to closing that browser in a hurry when it talked about thriving under pressure.
But you did it! You took that step out of your introverted comfort zone and what a fulfilling experience you’ve had ministering in the most desperate situations. I’m proud of you and I barely even know you! 🙂
My dear friend, Greta, also is called out on missions with SP. She absolutely loves it, too.
Thank you for what you do.
Love your updates. Sending a prayer for your first official full day on the new job. Wow. Admire you for jumping into that. They are lucky to have you! 😊
Cheryl,
So sweet of you to take a moment to comment. Happy to say my second day went better than my first.
Many years ago I took a job in a winery that I was very unsure about, but was a job which at the time there were very few jobs available. My prior job ended when they sold the business. Lo and behold I loved it and they served lunch three times a week and had chefs on hand. After a year they sold the business to a huge corporation and I thought I was going to have to job search again. The purchasing company was giving interviews and they hired me, but not my boss. She was very angry and it made me very uncomfortable until they moved the new finance department to another location. I loved working in the bottling building where I could meet the actual hourly employees, even though communication was difficult as most of the staff were Hispanic. After being in that location for over ten years I moved to another location with all the financial staff. That is when I moved to Sonoma so my commute was shorter. After another ten years I had enough after dealing with my boss in CT. So I called our department head and told him why I was going to leave and letting him know I would stick around for three months to train my replacement, send all the paperwork to corporate and then I would be done. He felt so bad he gave me a $10,000.00 bonus. I also had worked there long enough that I received lifetime health benefits. Best move I ever made!
I am so happy for you and know you are a real asset in your new job! I am sorry about all the home repairs the two of you have to take on.
Cindy
Cindy,
What a winding path your career has been but it sounds like you ended up in a good spot, indeed. And also, it sounds like you enjoyed most of those years, except for a few of those inevitable people that make life a little more difficult.
I’m so glad you happened upon a job you enjoyed and were so good at it. I know that must have been very fulfilling.
Hoping spring comes to visit you soon!
Congrats on the new job and blessings on your work. I have not taken a job out of my comfort zone, but had to do some volunteer work for a class many years ago. I tried several organizations and was turned down as I only needed 2 days work. I ended up at a assisted living facility, which was way way out of my comfort zone. I actually enjoyed it, not enough to want to work there, but years later when my mom moved into the same facility, I was comfortable in it.
This week is a slower one for us. Sunday we got to see out great granddaughters baptism and I got to hold her for awhile during lunch! Next Sunday we leave for DC to see out granddaughter graduate college. Always fun with the grands which we don’t get to see often.
Patti,
How cool that your mom moved to the same facility you had worked in all those years ago. I’m glad that getting out of your comfort zone turned out well for you. Comfort zones are such safe and cozy places, aren’t they? 🙂
Holding a great granddaughter during lunch sounds like heaven on earth. Enjoy that–and the graduation, too!
Congrats on the new job but a big UGH on the home repairs! Foundations are important – did you know about the issue before you moved there?
Glad to hear Steve is doing well, too – and the totters would definitely be unnerving.
We’ve been in England for the last week, and as much as I love driving – I’ve never driven here. Until yesterday. I finally got WAY out of my comfort zone and drove us from my in-laws’ town back to the little village where we are staying! We made it safely, and I didn’t hit any curbs so YAY! And yes – I’m very glad I did it, because now I know I can.
Today is the bank holiday for King Charles’ coronation (we were in Hyde Park in London watching the coronation on one of the giant screens in the pouring rain), so I am NOT driving — so many cars on the road — to visit Lincoln Cathedral. I’m sitting here watching the world go by and trying to figure out a place for us to eat a late lunch when we get there. 🙂
I’m excited to hear more about your job and to see the great tree removal adventure photos!
Did you enjoy watching the coronation?
I watched it in Denmark on tv
Katrina,
I watched bits and pieces of it. Quite an amazing production. Glad you got to see it!
Stefanie,
Yes, we did know about the foundation before buying the house but we were committed to the house–no matter what. Maintaining precious memories can be expensive.
I’m proud of you for driving in England. I’ve often thought about how disconcerting that would be to have everything reversed. I would hope that if I am ever blessed to visit there, I will be able to at least do a little driving in the country. That would be heaven on earth!
And how fun to at least be nearby for the coronation–even though it was raining. Definitely a great memory.
Welcome to the corporate world. You will be amazed how many times your experience in ministry will be needed in this new role. I made the transition about 20 years ago from full time ministry to corporate. God’s anointing is still with you and he will continue to use you in this new phase in your life.
Barbara-Jo,
I hadn’t realized you’d been in corporate so long. I bet there aren’t many things that come your direction that you don’t know how to handle. Someday I’ll be at that point but right now, well, let’s just say I’m not there!
Thanks for the encouragement.
You are beautiful and I know you will be a great asset to your new company. What a blessing when it all comes together and you can see God’s hand in supplying for your needs. May God continue to bless and keep both you and Steve as you continue in this time of transition and healing. Many new adventures ahead.
This week I have to work and then vacation days ahead. I am looking forward to being off for a few days and getting down to the beach for some sunshine.
Donna,
Thanks so much for your encouragement; definitely a new adventure.
Hooray for an upcoming holiday and days on the beach. It’s always more fun to work when you have a vacation coming up. Enjoy!