So, here I go with the next phase in this crazy thing we call life! It's funny how you look back & categorize these phases: your school days, college days, when you start your family, or when you worked at different places, whatever. Well, as most of you know, I took the last 5 years "off " to focus on being a stay at home mom (I say that figuratively since I was probably busier than ever & really was never "home" too often!). But, the main focus was being more available for my kids as much as possible. Not to say the Dad's role is any less; but, let's be honest, it's generally the wife/mom who are essentially responsible to take care of the household, and to get kids where they need to be, etc. (and luckily Doug is really good at helping there too!). As much as I loved working for Fidelity, it wasn't exactly easy to work around your personal/family life with odd shifts, lots of continuous OT & virtually no flexibility! This time off gave me a chance to certify as a Jazzercise Instructor, and be able to do what I love to do, at the same time. I'm glad for that...we always need to take care of ourselves too, so that we are a better wife/mother! :} It allowed me to be on the PTA Board & be much more involved in the kid's school. This past year it gave me the opportunity to help with Kaley's class each week, which is something I would really look forward to. Helping 6-7 year olds with their words & learning how to read is so fulfilling! :} Of course there were many other pros to this; but, as the saying goes, "The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side". There's always the good & bad to both (like not having a decent steady paycheck would be one of the bad sides to that :}). During this 5 year time frame, I did still take on a part time job eventually to help out & glad they could be flexible with me for all my needs; but, it wasn't exactly the happy career choice I'd been dreaming about! :} And if I was going to go back to full time, I had to be sure it was somewhere I wanted to be (for being at work that is! :})
So, needless to say, here I am back in the corporate world again....hence, time to begin the next phase. This time around it wasn't about the "status/job title" or just finding any job. Again, it was about finding a reputable place that is known as a good company to work for & where I believe I would enjoy working. It's been a tough process....let's face it, jobs are not as easy to find these days with our current economy. I had a few friends go to CompHealth (a medical staffing company) from Principal (my job prior to Fidelity)...they were in the same building. They all tell me they love their job. That in itself tells you something (and hey, bonus if you get the chance to work with some good friends too :}). I also read in the Forbes Magazine how they were listed #26 in the Top 100 Companies to work for in the country. That told me I needed to try & get on here! I had to be patient, it took numerous interviews & 6 months of trying to get on; but, here I am! One week into it so far & I can honestly say, at least so far, I love my job! (which, if you care, is to find housing options for traveling physicians, in a nutshell). The people here are great (including one of my besties, Connie..aka: Jonesy, as well as Laci-Loo, Neener, Coley, Natty-Poo (from Oregon that is), and other previous co-workers! :}). CHG's (CompHealth) #1 Core Value is "Putting People First" & I believe them in just the little bit I've seen so far! All companies should have this kind of mindset. I realize they're "just words"; but, it's important & that is exactly the kind of company I was hoping for!
So, here I go again to longer days. Let's be honest, I all ready miss my "Morning Jazzercise Ladies," oh how I loved starting my day with them; "alone time while kids are at school"; being with Kaley's class each week (those cute little stinkers made me feel so loved on my last day..just love that age! :}); and sleeping longer some mornings (oh, it's been a while since I was up before the break of dawn!). But, such is life...do what you've got to do, right? And this is what I had to do at this time in life....so, Let It Be, as the Beatles would say! :} Wish me luck!
Oh.....and I know due to all this, and finishing the other job, and dance competitions, and all the other family stuff & madness in our lives; I am pretty behind again on all the happenings of The Coleman Five. But, give me 'til May & I'm on it!! I have some darn cute pics to include too! :}
