Joy lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not in the victory itself

(Ghandi)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

It's Been A Long Time...

...since I loved anything as much as I love my new job at The Foundation. I've tried unsuccessfully to play it cool and be circumspect, now I have to come out with it!! It's completely wonderful - the women in the office are compassionate and supportive and interesting, the work I will be doing is varied and has purpose, and the office is located in a beautiful riverside suburb. These people think I am sent from heaven - my skills are exactly what they need for the position, and so far my disposition seems to fit with them also. Phew. While I have not yet exhaled, I'm letting my breath out (and my guard down) a little bit more each day.

One of the many things I love, and want to rave about, it the fact that the whole office (between 10 and 15 staff depending on the day) sits together and has lunch. I've never experienced that before...and they talk about all kinds of random things, not just work. The psychologists, execs and office staff sit together and chat. It's weird. But nice weird. People listen to my ideas, and ask questions, and my boss M has said a number of times that she knows it will take me a couple of months to find my feet and feel confident in the job. A COUPLE OF MONTHS!! Not three days! Hooray.

It would seem that the best thing that could have happened to me this year is leaving my last job (both the one where I had my breakdown and the one I got sacked from). Because if ever a place was meant to be MY workplace, it's this. The last couple of days have shown me how miserable I've been at work for a long time. Which is undoubtedly why I indulged my hyperattachment BPD side and spent hours formulating and acting on crushes. I was bored, unappreciated, lonely and goal-less. Every day, now, I do things that help The Foundation to help kids (and adults) to read. It's the opposite of where I was 6 months ago.

I am supposed to be off tomorrow but am going into the office for a few hours for training. My work days will usually be Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, which will give me time to catch up on my online world and also see Dr A, etc. The Good Doc is in America for 2 weeks at a Psychiatric Conference, which is the longest I've been without seeing him since February. Thankfully, things seem to be ticking along nicely. He has backup staff in the practice while he's away but I'd rather not have to start over with someone.

There are two main drawbacks with my new job. One is the travelling (1 - 1.5 hours each way on three buses). The other is the financial aspect. Not only am I reduced to part-time hours, but the hourly wage is considerably less than my last job (because it's a charity). I really don't care, as long as I can survive - which I will once I cancel my private health insurance (which has given me nothing except cheaper dental anyway) and my gym membership. Some other stuff might have to go. But it's worth it for a sense of purpose and satisfaction. The travelling will be tiring, but I was travelling almost as much for my last job (and that was 5 days a week).

The post is incredibly dull, I'm sorry - I mainly just wanted to update y'all on the situation. I promise I will make more of an effort soon! To my lovely friends who are struggling just now -- I hope that there are brighter times ahead for you xxx

9 comments:

Unknown said...

If I had five (5) thumbs to do all thumbs up - I would give you five thumbs...but since I only have two (2)- I'll use the two (2) 2.5 times more thumbs up to make it up!

So ...here is five thumbs up for you!! You know for all that positive effort you do to make things better in your life!

Safe hugz!

Anonymous said...

Gracious Lil - this almost does sound like a fairytale (bar the travelling - perhaps you could find some magical footmen to arrange a pumpkin carriage for you!) I was thinking myself, before you posted this, that there must have been destiny at work in your loosing your last job!
Hopefully over time, the negatives will diminish and evaporate.
So happy to hear of your great news. Keep enjoying!
K.x

Wandering Coyote said...

Woo-hoo! I'm so happy for you, Lil! Everything sounds wonderful - and even the long commute can be an OK thing: you can read on the bus or just zone out. All in all, it's great!

Laura said...

I'm so happy for you Lil. Finding a job that you love is so important for a person's mental well being yet many people never seem to find it. You're so fortunate that it happened for you.

Just Be Real said...

Very good news Lil, happy for your dear!

Ruby Tuesday said...

it's not dull - it's jolly nice to read such a positive post. As for the travelling ... here's hoping that they sort out teleportation systems soon! x

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for you. What a difference a job you really like can make in you life-- and in you as a person. Let this be the opening paragraph in a new (and the best ever) chapter in your life. Reading that a friend is finding happiness and success in life is never boring.

Polar Bear said...

Sounds like an awesome job!! I'm so glad you are much happier here, despite the shorter hours and less pay.

Work is a big part of your day, so it's really important to be happy in one's job.

YAY!!!

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