The reason is as old as life itself, I cheated.
Judge me if you must. I got a job.
I know I know.. the whole point was that I quit working. And I meant it.
I really really thought I would totally be a quitter until at LEAST the fall.
But then I realised I was bored. I had no fixed place to go, or coherent thing to do. Volunteering 2 days a week just wasn't enough. And it REALLY wasn't about the money.
So, when a friend of a friend asked if I'd like to "have a chat" with the guy in charge at a well respected and fun Not for Profit, I thought, "It will be good practice, what have I got to lose?!"
I thought it had gone well, but they were looking for full time, and I knew I wasn't up for that.
So I was floored when, coming all sweaty out of a spin class the next week, they offered me a job.
Part-time. Pay was within the ballpark of what I expect working for Not For Profits. On 3 days a week (21-24hrs) I figured that I would actually pay all my bills, and still have time for my other volunteer gigs and school.
I really had nothing to lose.
There have of course, been teething pains. I have worked a little more and volunteered a little less than I would have liked in the last month. I have had to learn how to make new friends, deal with new systems and fit in time with my partner. I haven't cooked as much as I would like.
But I quit the lifestyle that was making me sad and sick. And I have no intention of going back. I am busier than ever. I am paying my way while actively contributing to community in both my employment and my volunteering. It's a balancing act, and I'm just a little lopsided right now.
I have no regrets. I don't consider working part-time at a Not For Profit as giving up on my dreams. As evidence I would submit the photos below, the triathlon I completed in March and smile on my face.
Will I stay there forever? I doubt it.. but this is a step in my path to finding my dream life.
I'm not sure how I could ask for much more than that.
Take a Hike Moonlight Snowshoe February 17th, 2011
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Seattle Trip Hucky's 40th Birthday March 11-13th, 2011  |
