I filled out a job application yesterday for my former school district here in Tennessee.
For some reason, with all that’s going on in my life, starting a job after THREE years at home with my children suddenly seems like a good idea. I mean I have NOTHING ELSE going on right now AT ALL.
(Except for the fact that we just moved, we close on our house in one week, I have ZILLIONS of things to do for the closing, once moved in I’ll have to unpack my entire house in lightning speed to get ready for Christmas, CHRISTMAS HOLY CRAP IT’S IN A MONTH, A MONTH!, Christmas shopping, Christmas decorating, Christmas parties, Christmas baking, and finding childcare because I’m GOING BACK TO WORK.)
I feel a little like yakking in the bathroom.
Three months ago, I’d have never dreamed that I’d be sitting in my kitchen in TENNESSEE, filling out an application for a JOB. Yet, here I am, filling out a job application, talking to my future boss on the phone about the schools that need a speech pathologist and the hours I’d work.
Originally, being a stay-at-home mom was something that I thought I’d do until the kids were in Kindergarten. Eventually, I pushed the timing back to *maybe* junior high. I’ve never even left my kids with a babysitter. But the thing is, I really think I NEED this.
The universe is on my side (so far) on this, too. Every time we’ve moved before, I’ve had to jump through about a gazillion hoops to get a teaching certificate. I recently discovered that my Tennessee teaching certificate is still valid, so there are NO HOOPS. Several of my former co-workers have emailed me and told me how desperately they are in need of Speech Pathologists. Randomly at a birthday party last weekend, I ran into a special education preschool teacher who begged me to come back to work. I was pulling my hair out in frustration trying to answer specific questions about the number of semester hours I’ve completed for the job application and realized that my mom works in Admissions at my former university and can get me all that information.
You have chills now, don’t you? I KNOW! It’s like I’m being guided by some unknown force into returning to work.
I really don’t think I have a choice.
But it doesn’t mean that opening this can of worms isn’t also opening an enormous ulcer.
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Today’s Reader Appreciation giveaway is yet another way the universe is telling me that it’s time to return to work. Well, sort of, if you think really, really, really hard about it.
Who’d like to win a brand new laptop messenger bag from Tom Bihn.com, exactly like the one below…
One lucky winner will win that laptop messenger bag!! Tom Bihn has lots of great bags, messenger bags, laptop bags, backpacks, briefcases, to choose from! I’m thinking that I’m going to NEED a new bag for work!
To enter, leave a comment on this post!!
Comments on this post will close at 7 AM, EST, November 22, 2008.
Comments closed, Thanks for Playing!
Ooh, I love that bag!
Good luck with starting work again… sounds like a perfect opportunity and I’m looking forward to hearing about how everything goes.
Amy´s lastest post..a hoarse is a hoarse, of course, of course, and no one can talk to a hoarse, of course
Oooh, this would be super awesome fantastic to win! Please pick me!
I hope it all works out. It sounds like you might have flexible hours which would be really nice. Even a part time gig would be cool. Getting out of the house really does wonders to my psyche every day.
Lori´s lastest post..From Youngest to Oldest
LOVE that bag!!
Good luck with your job hunt.
Amy´s lastest post..I love Leno
Good luck. I hope that everything works out for you.
Hope everything goes well for the new job!
I’d love to win this bag.
here’s you trying to get an SLP job and me?? trying to get out of it.
it’s nice to have a job that’s needed, though, isn’t it?
jen´s lastest post..favoritism DOES exist. it’s the spin cycle!
Your post today is almost my situation to a T- lots of things lining up for me to do something I didn’t think I would be doing for a while. Not sure if I want to, either… we will see!
Love the bag!
Wow – you sound like me – just when you think you can’t take any more, you add something else to your very busy life! I think working will be great – and it sounds like you’ll be able to call a lot of the shots if you’re in such demand. It’s so crucial to have flexibility built in when you have young children!
And I totally LOVE that bag! I would be so happening if I won it!
ragtopday´s lastest post..Deep Purple
Sounds like all the stars really are aligning to push you out of the house. Working + kids is hard, but it’s nice to have adult interactions. Plus, I’ll excited to see my little guy at the end of the day.
P.S. That bad is sweet. I wants it!
Julia´s lastest post..Ms Ray of Sunshine here
your stars are aligning, hon. never look that gift horse in the mouth…
and i CRAVE that messenger bag.
just sayin’
the planet of janet´s lastest post..Birthday dinner: more fun than a barrel of monkeys
So you’re originally (more or less?) from Tennessee and you’re a teacher/speech therapist. 2 things I didn’t know. Cool!
And I really don’t need this bag, just a random comment!
Krista´s lastest post..Yellowstone Part 5: A REALLY Long Day
I am shocked to hear you are going back to work! I know when I took my (very part time, but still) job, I enjoyed motherhood much more. How many hours will you be working???
Also, I’d love to win that bag. =)
Marie Green´s lastest post..What To Do About The Food
What a cute bag!
I had a meltdown on the phone with my mom this morning. I, too, am heading back to work (part time) in January. I’m so stressed about childcare and figuring out who I am in the workplace again. But look at the bright side–we totally get to buy new clothes!!!!!!
Jen L.´s lastest post..I got nothin.
Sounds like the world is working in your favor. Congrats, best of wishes.
I have three little girls, ages 6, 4, & 3. I actually went back to school to finish my degree when I was pregnant with my third. I tried staying at home, but I was stir crazy.
Sometimes I still wish for those days when I could stay at home, but it isn’t possible now that I am a single mom. A little secret… I actually enjoy the peace I get while at work
And again, best of luck!
Great giveaway… now all I need is the laptop, and I’m all set… So when’r'ya giving one of THOSE away… LOL
May the power of Wonder Woman descend upon you to get unpacked and holiday-ready by Christmas!
Good luck with the job and hey, I don’t have a babysitter yet either–20 months later, so I understand! Completely. It’ll be ok, you’ll find someone great (or at least someone you don’t cringe about leaving your kid with!) and eventually you’ll remember what it’s like to be in the Land of Adults. Good luck!
Good luck!!!
That bag is super cool.
Mags´s lastest post..Thespians in the making!!!
How exciting! I love when things work out the way that you want them to (even if you didn’t know that was what you wanted until it happened).
And what cute bags! I feel the need to add onto my Christmas list now…
Maggie´s lastest post..Summary Saturday: Project 365, Week 44
I think if you NEED it, you must do it – or you’ll start to resent. And, that is not the right thing to do to the tykes. I hope you are feeling better. I’m still here if you need me.
Anglophile Football Fanatic´s lastest post..Giveaway Day 3: Helping with those lists.
Ohh!! I want that bag!! It’s so cute.
I know the feeling. Initially I expected to want to become an administrator when my kids were in college. Now here I am with two kids 4 and 2 in a Master’s program. My timeline now? Maybe 5 years, once eClaire is in 1st grade. What’s wrong with me! Needless to say, that bag would compliment my computer and my new school schedule very nicely!
Cool bag!
supermommy´s lastest post..Wordless Wednesday: Getting Ready for the Holidays
I would LURV a new laptop bag!
Good luck. I am a little jealous, I love Tennassee
I am so proud of you-is that weird, since we barely know each other-but seriously, girlfriend, it sounds like work might be just what you all need to kind of balance things out right now…good luck with all of it, and keep us posted!
flickrlovr´s lastest post..Concert Mania
Wow – I haven’t been checking out your blog world for long at all but this is a big post! I have straddled between the work world and stay at home world ever since I had my first kid (of 3) six years ago. When I’m working, I feel guilty for working and when I’m at home, I feel guilty for yelling so much. ; – ) Still looking for the ultimate balance on this crazy tightrope walk…good luck on yours.
Lee the MWOB Queen´s lastest post..The journey makes us one.
Ooooh — I’m “working” on my new laptop right now and boy does it need a spiffy bag like that! Pick me pick me!
Okay, really now. Back to work! (I mean me. You don’t have to — except it sounds like you do? I have to, and I like to, and I wish I was at the park with my boy right now and I’m enjoying the quiet and… sigh.)
Julie @ the calm before the stork´s lastest post..he said “da”
AuPairCare http://www.aupaircare.com is a fantastic au pair agency that many families in my area have been very happy with. Especially if you’ve never left your kids with a babysitter, live-in help is the best way to go, and au pair are half the cost of nannies. AuPairCare’s online au pair matching system make it really easy to view lots of au pair profiles and find the best one to meet your childcare needs. Plus I have only heard raves about AuPaircare’s local service/support.
It really does sound like you are heading in the right direction…
Angella´s lastest post..I don’t mind you saying My name, but not after you stub your toe
Sexy bag! And good luck with the job.
Good luck and good for you for going back into the job force. I am terrified of reworking my resume and getting back into the 9-5 scene with 2 kids.
The christmas stuff do not worry about. I moved into my house 7 days before Christmas, hosted christmas and gave my son a birthday party at our home four days before Christmas. We had a tree and everything. I didn’t sleep but … you know. It worked. Good luck.
Jennifer, that’s awesome!
I really did get chills. I’d say things are definitely falling into place.
Wheeeee! It’s amazing how we think one thing and then another happens.
That’s great that you will be going back to work! I go through a back and forth fight with myself over going back to work. Then something always happens to make it seem like it just might not be the best idea.
And here I thought we were cutting it close to Christmas when we moved from VA to CA and weren’t supposed to receive our household goods until Nov 3rd. Good luck getting everything set up – I’m sure it’ll all come together.
Kelly´s lastest post..I loathe minimum days
Good luck, I wish you the best in whatever your future plans are!!
It can be scary when life pushes you into something so forcefully. Even when it’s a good thing! (A couple of years ago, thinking of maybe sometime perhaps buying a condo, I decided to just look around and see what kind of places were available. About 6 weeks later, I signed the purchase and sale. Whew: what just happened!)
My advice: just keep breathing. You’ll get through it.
ccr in MA´s lastest post..Some of the things I am tonight
Wow, this is a new development. You sound excited about the possibilities of returning to work though. And just imagine…adult interaction again. Although I realize you work with kids there too, but still coworkers. Ahh! Good luck with everything.
It seems to be what you are supposed to do! Can you do it part time?
sonja´s lastest post..Wordless Wednesday
Good for you. Just follow the karma. If it isn’t right it wouldn’t be falling into place so easily. Good luck on the move and the unpacking.
Good luck! I hope everything works out for you.
Leah´s lastest post..I Can’t Help Myself…
that bag is bee-yoo-tee-ful.
you will do great…good luck!
phyllis´s lastest post..Thanksgiving Rituals
I could sooooo use one of those bags…
carma´s lastest post..Something’s Squirrely
I’m on the fence about going back to work myself. I’m getting kinda bored with my wonder twins in preschool, and me at home, twiddling my thumbs. Good luck to you!
I’m in! and Good luck!
I can’t believe how close Christmas is too! I usually do what most people do for shopping.. go on Black Friday lmao. Goodluck!
That messenger bag is really cute =]
Always a tough decision the going back to work out side the house thing. You do what you have to do when you have to do it.
Good luck!
Shannon´s lastest post..Breathe
Sometimes the universe reaches down and clears the path for what is right. My son is dyslexic, and the speech pathologist helped so very much in the early days. There aren’t enough to go around in the school districts. With all the headaches involved in going back to work, the value you’ll add to someone’s life if invaluable. truly. Good luck.
I’ve been reading your blog for sometime and haven’t commented before. It’s your fault I’m addicted to Stumble.
Happy Friday!
Catootes´s lastest post..Shut Yer Lips
[...] forget that you can still enter to win the Laptop Messenger Bag from Tom Bihn until tomorrow [...]
I am glad that you elaborated on you tweet from the other day. I say if it is meant to be it will happen. Hugs!
Heather~Domestic Extraordinaire´s lastest post..sure anybody can pick the winners…
Wishing you lots of luck on the back-to-work thing. I can only imagine how exciting AND stressful that is for you right now. That’s a lot to deal with at one time, but if anyone can do it, it’s you!!
PsychMamma´s lastest post..Coming Home
So where did you move from? (Seeing as how I’m new here…)
Moriah @ Please Pass the Salt´s lastest post..Oh, the sweet innocence of youth
Maybe you should keep this one for yourself. It would come in really handy if you do go back to work.
T with Honey´s lastest post..Imagine if everyone could see the world through her eyes