Kelly’s portable “office”
At my old office, I surrounded myself with framed quotes. They helped motivate me and, I hope, inspired some of the people who came and went in the little non-profit I managed.
One of my favorite quotes was this, by William G.T. Shedd: “A ship is safe in harbor, but that is not what ships are for.”
I had to come to terms with my own “shipness” (it’s not a word, but I’m making it so) after the birth of my third child threw my work-life balance into an overwhelming tailspin. After weeks of crying in the daycare parking lot and crunching household budget numbers, it was made clear that something would have to give. That something? The job I’d loved for a decade, the one I never imagined leaving,
I saw a job ad for an adjunct communications instructor at the area technical college. I hadn’t applied for a job in more than ten years, but I enthusiastically submitted my name for the position. A part-time job would allow me to keep my professional life active and free up much-needed time for my three kids, including one with cerebral palsy who logs multiple doctor’s appointments each month.
While I waited, I continued to struggle in my full-time career. Even though I was stressed to the breaking point, I still didn’t know if I was ready to leave.
The day I finally hit a wall at work and came home devastated was the day I received a phone call about interviewing for the part-time teaching position. The relief and excitement I felt was the answer I’d been waiting for.
As soon as the interview was scheduled, I gave my notice at work. I didn’t even wait until I had the job, because I was that secure in the decision. I knew I could no longer “make it work” (said in my most exaggerated Tim Gunn voice). Continue reading “On Quitting – Thoughtful Thursday”
I now sit in the back pew at church and thank God for what He has faced me with. I know that He will never hand me more than I can handle. Having faith in Him took the weight of the world off my shoulders. Seeing the beauty in these gave me the hope I needed to become a stronger woman, wife, mother, and friend.
I didn’t learn a lot in Red Phase, however, White Phase is where I learned that working together and having others’ backs is the best and most efficient way to get a task done. While the training portion of White Phase is all about marksmanship, it’s where the whole idea of being a team player set in, for me at least.
Lesson #1: You can’t schedule life on a farm. The farm will schedule life for you.
Can you relate?
I need my students to know that they are my priority. It needs to be clear that the lesson at hand is the focus. Yes, our objective is to have another year under our belts, but we don’t have to wish our year away.
Do not allow the media to desensitize you.
Do not allow yourself to think you are above the law or regulations established for the protection of our communities.
Intentergy 