For the next few weeks, actually, months, I have guest posters lined up to share what they are most thankful for in the Thank You Journal. If you’d like to be a guest blogger, drop me a line. I’d love to share my space with you.
Please welcome Jana, from An Attitude Adjustment.
Jana constantly has a book (usually fiction) on her nightstand or coffee table, loves red wine, and enjoys spending time with her son, daughter, and husband in suburban Philadelphia. She began her blog, An Attitude Adjustment in January, and has been addicted to blogging ever since.
Over the past month, I’ve had to look for a part-time job. The prospect invaded my dreams. I’ve established a routine in my house with my three-year-old and eight-month-old, I routine I’m loathe to change. I enjoy quiet mornings sipping coffee and reading blogs, catching up on the laundry. I’ve started to write more, something I’ve longed to do for years. Would I be able to maintain the needs and desires of my heart if I had to give in to the needs of my wallet?
In the past when I’ve looked for jobs, I let my ego take over. In the effort to get a job, I have lost sight of what it is I’m looking for in my career, what kind of place is a good fit for me. I just wanted to succeed, to score. And too often, I’ve let money get in the way–a job that pays well, or at least better, must be the better job, right? Wrong.
After two or three weeks of soul-searching and job-searching, I finally, and thankfully, reached an equilibrium. I’ve been fortunate enough to return to being a college adjunct (part-time instructor), a job I had two years ago when my son was a baby. The pay is awful, but I love what I do. I engage with adults of all different ages and cultures, talking about fiction, poetry, and life, while reluctantly sharing my expertise on MLA format (snore!).
I started my blog, An Attitude Adjustment, back in January, and I am often astounded by how much my attitude really has changed. Perhaps, as my yoga instructor said, setting my intention is the key. From the time I lost my full-time job last year (truly, a blessing), I have decided to look on the positive side of life, to appreciate the many things for which I have to be grateful:
- I could have complained about having to get a part-time job, but I trusted that I would find something that still allowed me to put my family first. And I did.
- I am teaching a night class, something that a couple of years ago, I might have dreaded. Usually, my peak energy is in the morning, and goes downhill from there. Nights are my time to relax, to sip wine and read or watch a movie. But I recognize that by teaching at night, I have no childcare costs for when I work. What a relief! (Also, I’m shocked by how many people are actually out and about at night. Did you know that not everyone is curled up on the couch by eight o’clock?)
- Looking for a job has made me more appreciative of the mundane, yet special moments throughout my day. While a couple of years ago, I felt weighed down at the prospect of being home all day, alone, with kids, I now feel uplifted. I approach domestic tasks cheerfully (truly, a shock for this feminist). I look forward to my cup of coffee and a playdate or a walk to the park, a trip to the library. Looking for a job, even a part-time one, has helped me reflect on my priorities, and I know I am exactly where I want to be.
I am truly thankful.
And thank you, Alli, for sharing your space with me!
What are you thankful for this week?
Link up and share your Thank You Journal. Please make sure that you link back, or even better, use the Thank You Journal button. See all of the official rules.
P.S. If you find a post that really speaks to you, share it on Twitter with the hash tag #ThankYouJournal. Please help spread the word about my new blog carnival.
Did you know that you can save my recipes in your very own recipe box, courtesy of ZipList? Just click on the link above, under "recipes" to get started. Want to learn more? Hop on over to read about this awesome new feature.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
What a lovely post, filled with such thanks that many would not be able to find in having to find part time work. Thank you Jana
As always, a lovely read!
It is a wonderful experience to be reading what other people are thankful for; it sorts of remind us to be thankful too.
Jana is certainly an inspiration for us. It is a challenge for a lot of people to find the work that they really enjoy and not just to be tied down by the paycheck.
Yay! I love Jana! So glad to see her in this space.
Jana, I’m like you–curled up and IN for the night by 8pm. I’m impressed that you kicked your comfort zone to the curb and took on the teaching job. Your students are lucky to have you.
@TheKitchenWitch, Don’t be too impressed. I needed mula! (But luckily, I have some great students.)
Jana, your perspective truly is enlightening and something I need to remind myself often. Thank you so much for sharing! I can’t wait to check out your blog.
Ugh, lost my comment but just wanted to say that you have a wonderful perspective, Jana!
Jana, of course I’m delighted to find you here, with your usual wisdom and honesty.
I’m struggling these days with my career choices. Someone recently asked me to look deep inside myself and ask whether what I thought I wanted was really what I wanted. Because you see, it’s always been the same thing, so I never questioned it, I just went with it. I’m discovering that what I thought worked for me (pardon the pun!) really might not be ideal at all. It’s hard for me to reach this point, and to be so unsure of what comes next.
But I love the perspective here, that sometimes what comes out of a hard decision, is something really good! Here’s to that and hoping I’ll find the same.
xo
@Christine LaRocque. I do think that what comes out of a hard decision can be good. I try to think of it this way–it all becomes history. I take comfort in the idea that eventually, it’s behind me.
@Christine LaRocque, Hey Christine, I just had to jump in, I didn’t know that you were second guessing your career. I know exactly what you feel like. Now that I’m at home, I’m always thinking about what it will be like to (eventually) go back to work. Will I do the same thing? Something related? Something brand new? It’s scary and exciting at the same time.
Looking at the positive side is so hard to do sometimes….but it sure can be rewarding when you are successful!
Congratulations on a perfect moment in your life to see the good!
I would love to take a poetry class with you as the professor! I’m so glad you found a position that works with your schedule and helps you find inspiration in laundry-folding. =>
@Stacia, Thanks, Stacia! It is funny, but inspiration comes in strange places these days. (More in emptying the dishwasher than laundry folding. I just don’t like folding laundry. Never did.)
I taught college for part time once and like you, it appealed to me because I still could have adult conversations and cultivate my passion in literature. I’m hoping to lose the full-time job some time in the future (soonish) and I’d really like to explore going back to academia. It’s a space that seems to embrace my entire being, not just parts of it.
Glad you found something that works for you, Jana. And great seeing you here at Allison’s blog. Always nice to find familiar faces in familiar places.
@Justine, You taught literature, too? Wow, we have to chat! (I love academia. Some don’t, but I do.)
{ 2 trackbacks }