You’ll be glad to know that we are continuing to keep our new home clean and clutter-free.
Steve is at work in the den painting the ceiling and crown molding and putting the last coat of paint on the walls.
He is also hanging a ceiling fan once he takes the old fixture down. I like this photo because it looks like he has a shadow helper. (And no, this particular maneuver does not make his shoulder happy.)
We’re hoping to have the painting done in that room and the overall mess cleaned up by the end of the week. Oh, happy day!
I posted last Monday that I was headed into a new job. My boss-to-be (a chiropractor) had asked me to come in last Monday and spend a couple of hours at the business before we made everything official. That would give me a chance to look around and see what the job entailed.
I was so impressed with the whole setup. I spent some time with the front desk person and the boss and I felt like it was a job I could do well.
Everything was great. Fine and dandy. Hunky-dory.
Except for one thing.
When I went out to the car to drive home, for some reason I had this weary, blah feeling. It made absolutely no sense since this was a job custom-made for me. (Right down to getting to work ten of my hours at home doing graphics and social media for the business.)
But all the way home, I felt more and more unsettled. When I got home, Sarah offered to make a late lunch for me; I thanked her but told her I was going straight to bed. My energy had vamoosed.
When I awoke I started examining those feelings and talking them over with my oh-so-patient family members. I’m not in any way saying there was something wrong with the chiropractor or what he was doing there. He was great!
I was just looking ahead to the next 3-5 years that I will need to work and trying to be sure that this was something I would be fulfilled doing for that period of time. And it wasn’t.
Bottom line? I decided not to take the job.
I know that probably sounds crazy. But I am a firm believer in listening to my gut instead of just listening to logic; my gut was telling me a really big NO.
So. No new job. I’m back to the drawing board, back to filling out applications, and back to temp work.
One thing I have been thinking about is trying to find a clerical, office-type job in a hospital setting. I’ve always had the desire to work in a hospital (probably because of my experiences with Sarah) and that would be so fulfilling to me. So I’ll point my search in that direction while keeping my eyes open, of course, for other opportunities as well.
Saturday was Redneck Day at the Smith House. Sarah got her car stuck in some mud in our front yard and although we could have called USAA to tow her out at no cost, there was no need. Lawn Tractor Steve had arrived to accomplish the task.
Sarah put the car in reverse, gave it a little gas, and presto! Success. Steve’s mission in life has been accomplished. He got to bring his tractor to bear on an intractable problem. (See what I did there? Tractor? Intractable?)
Steve bought the lawn tractor used and then bought a used turbo leaf bagging system. He’s spent a couple of dozen hours buying parts, returning parts, modifying parts, and doing online research in order to get the tractor and the leaf collector to work together. It was a big day when it finally all came together. Here is a short video to celebrate the triumph.
What about you?
Are you more prone to used purchases or new purchases?
Have you ever had a gut feeling and followed it, even when it didn’t really make sense? Tell us about it.
What a great blog edition! I especially enjoyed the video of Pastor Steve and his lawnmower!
Fred and Lucy,
Yes, Steve definitely loves his lawnmower. Glad you enjoyed the post! 🙂
We women really do need our sixth sense – to tell us something is wrong or something is just off the target. My story is too long regarding something similar, but after saying no, I had such a release. I do understand and know that your longing to do something else and someplace else, will happen. Your Steve is one smart cookie as they say. Such a handyman (I have one too) and very thankful for the ability they have to do things that might otherwise cost and arm and leg to have or to do.
Sharyn,
Yes, there is a sixth sense, isn’t there? Can’t really be described in words, but it definitely exists.
I know you’re as grateful as I am about getting to live with a handyman. We’re blessed!
I prefer to buy things new, but will never ever pay full price for anything! I love a good sale and bargain and will do my best to find the best price out there!
I love Steve’s Shadow helper. What a great picture!
I enjoyed the video of Steve and his lawn tractor. Someday we’ll probably have one of those if we end up buying an acreage somewhere.
We have always followed our gut. Even when raising kids and deciding whether or not we’d let them do something. Did it feel better doing it? Or not doing it? It has never let us down.
Good luck with the continued job search!!
LeeAnne,
I’m right there with you. Paying full price definitely goes against my gut feelings. 🙂 As we’ve been renovating/furnishing our new home, Facebook Marketplace has been m best friend; I have found some really amazing bargains.
Following your gut is a great thing when raising children especially when there can be soo many pieces of conflicting advice and information. You just have to know yourself, know your child, pray, and then follow what you feel to be the best thing.
As my 5 year old granddaughter likes to say, “Follow your guts.” What a morning you must have had, going in to see what the job was about, thinking it could be great, but realizing otherwise, that it just didn’t seem right. No wonder you went straight to bed when you got home. That whole morning and realization sounds just exhausting, really.
When my husband and I were first married in the mid 80’s, he was in college in Chicago. I, a country girl, was going to be the breadwinner for a while – as a preschool teacher, in a new city. A big, BIG city! I got a job offer at a nice looking place in the suburbs. I accepted, but then my “guts” spoke to me. It just didn’t feel right. As I think about this, so many years later, I remember sharing my reservations with my new husband. He totally understood, and encouraged me to look on. I eventually got a job in the inner city, with a huge mixture of very needy children. That job opened my heart, and mind, to a whole new world. It set me on a far different path than I’d envisioned, but I’ve carried the philosophy and lessons of that preschool forward with me in raising my own children, and working with others.
Bravo to you, for recognizing and acting on your feelings, and your family, for their strength, support, and encouragement. The right spot is out there for you!!
Ann,
That’s a smart granddaughter you’ve got. Love her using the plural of gut. 🙂
I always love reading people’s stories from lessons they learned back in the day, especially when those lessons and decisions inform all the rest of the days of your life. Thanks for sharing that. So glad you got the support from your husband to turn down the seemingly perfect job and hold out for the job you were meant to have.
Thanks, too, for your words of encouragement on my decision. Although it might seem foolish to some people to turn a perfect job down, it was the only thing that made sense to me.
Becky,
So glad you felt your gut feeling! I hope something that will feel right for you. What was the first job you ever had?
Also I really enjoyed the video of Steve!
Is Sarah doing well btw ?
Katrina,
I think my first job was cleaning hotel rooms at the small hotel my friend’s parents owned.
Glad you enjoyed the video of Steve; he had fun making it. Sarah is feeling and doing well!
I feel for you Becky! I just had a job offer rescinded as circumstances at the company changed, and I know that feeling of dread thinking ahead toward all the interviews to come. We can do it!
Robin,
Yes, we can do it!
I’m sorry the job offer was rescinded; that must have been so disappointing. But whatever skills got you that original offer will get you the next one. You’ve got this.
Oh Becky, you are so right to trust your gut. I am not sure how many times I have had to learn that same lesson but I think I am finally there! I tried on a new career several years ago but when I had finished all the qualifying courses, it just didn’t feel right. I had done so well on the exams, my head said “this is for you!” I also had a lot of cheerleaders in my life (no mistake, for whom I am grateful!) who encouraged me to pursue this path. But whenever I thought about the next step, I just felt kind of sick. But I ignored my gut and opted to think practically and logically… Although I was quite successful, after two unhappy years, I finally hung it up and could not have been more relieved and happy. As my daughter said “Just because you are good at it, doesn’t mean you should be doing it!” Ironically, I had given her the same advice a few years before, but neglected to follow it myself!! I know there is something out there for you that will make you feel fulfilled and content.
Anne,
Thanks for the encouragement.
Sounds like you know exactly the feeling I was talking about. It would be especially difficult in your situation since you did so well on the qualifying courses and exams and then also found success in the actual job. Isn’t it crazy when what seems to be exactly the right path isn’t always?
Hoping my path quickly leads me to the right job I can love for 4-5 years.
Becky,
In my opinion, there is no doubt that the Holy Spirit was speaking to you. The plans, that seemed to fit your skills and your needs, didn’t jive with your spirit—or the Spirit in you. He gave you direction and your family concurred. I love when that happens. It makes me feel seen and loved by my Heavenly Father (who I know always sees me but sometimes it feels so clear!).
I think following your thoughts about hospitals is a great idea. I have a nursing degree but haven’t used it since our first child was born. When our youngest was in and out of the hospital for a few years due to a brain tumor and seizures, I remember thinking often that if I had to work again I would want to work at the children’s hospital we were in and out of. It was a wonderful place.
I pray that God will lead you to just the right spot for you!
DeLynn
DeLynn,
Sounds like we are on the same track when it comes to working in a hospital. I have been so blessed to have had good interactions with staff and nurses and I know how much that meant to our family. I would love to be in a position where I could have the chance be able to assist patients and families who are stressed and worried. We’ll see where the path leads!
Thanks so much for your encouragement.
I think you are wise to go with your gut. I also think you would be great in a hospital setting with all of your experience with Sarah and also your own experience. Also, I think there are probably a lot of job openings in that area.
I almost always buy new. I’m not that handy when it comes to mechanical things so don’t think it would be cost advantageous if I had to pay someone to tinker with it.
Good luck in your job search. Like someone else said, maybe you will get a temp job that could turn into a permanent position.
Phyllis,
Well, one of Steve’s favorite things is messing with mechanical things. If it was just me, I would have to get all mechanical things new because my brain turns to mush at the sight of a screwdriver or a schematic for fixing something. I’m thankful he’s so good at it.
Your back yard looks like a PARK! What a lovely, lovely space!
I’m like Patti – I buy clothing and books at Goodwill or other thrift stores (mostly). But cars, mowers… anything with an engine or a motor… those are purchased new – just for the warranty and the peace of mind.
I hear ya on holding out for the “right” job. I once took a job that I though was my DREAM job – the firm I’d always wanted to work for, in the building I’d always wanted to work in… Two days into it, I knew I’d made a terrible, awful, horrendous mistake. 🙁 I stuck it out for 7 months before I found another job and gave my notice. I worked there EXACTLY 8 months, and they were not fun or happy months.
Good luck on your job search! My retirement job-dream is to rock babies in the NICU. 🙂
Stefanie,
Thanks for the compliment on our backyard. That is always been one of my favorite things about the house, right down to a creek running through the property. The inside of the house has its issues but looking out the window pretty much erases them.
Ouch. Your story about holding out 7 months on a job that was a mistake to take makes me hurt for you. It’s a bad feeling to get up in the morning and have to head out for a job you very much dislike. Glad to know you stepped away from it and have moved on. And yes, rocking NICU babies would be fabulous!
I say always follow your gut, that has served me well in the past. Have patience on your search for a permanent job, it takes time. Perhaps along the way a temp job will be a long time fit for you. That happened for me and I stayed there for over 15 years.
Love the tractor demo, Steve was really in his element! How I miss all of you in the past years! If you ever want to take a road trip to Saint Cloud all of you would be more than welcome, I just don’t recommend winter! Yesterday I managed to flip and flop at my back door after a trip to the grocery store. I managed just fine until I got to my back door and slipped and went down. If you all ever want to freeze with me you are always welcome, as long as the back door doesn’t freeze shut. Just kidding, not that bad but close this year. Hurry up spring!
Cindy,
So thankful you weren’t injured with your flipping and flopping. That is scary!
Yes, Steve truly loves his tractor. It gives him something to tinker with.
Come on, Spring!
I think Steve needs some earplugs to go along with that dream machine!
Janet,
You’re so right. He does have a pair of ear plugs he uses; otherwise, it’s just too loud for long-term driving.
I love the “Shadow – helper” really neat pic. He needs angelic help many times, I am sure! Fun to use his lawn tractor too. Ruth
Ruth,
Thanks. I liked that photo, too.
He truly does love that lawn mower. I’m sure Levi can relate. 🙂
While I love buying used items such as thrift shop clothes, books, and trinkets, for mechanical things I tend to buy new as I don’t want the mess of trying to fix them up or buying others problems.
I do follow my gut, but can’t recall a situation where it was as strong as you felt. Sorry it didn’t work out but when it is right-I pray you have a strong positive gut feeling about it.
Patti,
Yes, if you’re going to buy something mechanical that’s used, you have to love tinkering with stuff the way Stee does. He was in his element doing all of that; it would have driven me crazy!
Definitely waiting for that positive gut feeling.