Starting something new

 I started something new today.  After 11 years of working from home (yes, often in my PJs), I am starting the process of finding work outside my home.  I’m not sure where I will end up or how we will work things out, but I feel the time is right and I’m moving forward.

First let me explain a few things.  Hubs has been teaching at a private, Christian school for 12 years.  It’s a lovely ministry – wonderful people and a blessing to our family in so many ways.  Unfortunately, it’s experiencing a some low enrollment and this year they could no longer provide health insurance for their employees.  Fortunately, our children have insurance but that leaves Hubs and I.  And, Hubs is a diabetic who sees the doctor more than the average person.  This isn’t the only reason I’m looking for work outside the home, but it is the moment I knew it was no longer an idea for my consideration, it was time.

After praying about it, I told my current employer of my need.  They have been wonderfully supportive and understanding.  They simply aren’t in a position to meet this need for our family either.  They’ve agreed to allow me to reduce my hours to part-time and reduce my responsibilities too.  Well, that last part is a work-in-progress 😉

Today I went to our local one-stop (they house employment services and many other services in one central location) to take a test.  Afterwards, I inquired about other services they might have available and was whisked into a workshop for people interested in working at our local state university.  It was very helpful and encouraging!  The HR recruiter asked me to send her my resume as I indicated I’d be interested in temporary services in the administration arena.  She said that 80% of their temporary employees move into permanent positions.  🙂

And, not only that but I found out the one-stop offers a 3-week course to help people looking for work.  The first part of the course focus on your skills, personality, strengths and experience and helps you craft a plan for employment.  Then they help you create your resume, practice for interviews and then the last week or so they assist you in searching for work.  The downside is that the course is 9-4, Monday through Friday.  And, it starts next Monday.  Wow.  Nothing like jumping in with both feet.  But after praying about it, it feels like I really need to move forward since the opportunity is here.  It will take some coordination and my organizational skills will be put to the test, but with some cooperation from my family, I’m going to try!

As I have time, and energy, I will post here and share what I’m learning.  I appreciate your prayers and support.  Can’t wait to see where this journey will take me!