I don't like that this part of my life--this having to find a paycheck--gets me down. It focuses on my value of part of my life that is not my whole life. I don't mention these accomplishments during a job interview even though they are a huge part of who I am:
I have value in being a mom to three wonderful sons. Since June 1st the boys have been on a 21 day cross-country road trip, a 4-day family reunion in Florida, and a 12-day family--hopping, Florida-Atlantic coast surfing vacation....and not once do they ask for anything. Sure they get on each other's nerves and sure the oldest has his complaints, but not once do they ask for a souvenier or money for things and instead are happy using Dad's surfboard and their old boogie boards and being in the ocean for hours every day. And having plenty of milk and cereal in the morning.
And I have been married for 24 years (it takes work and skills not listed on my resume--well, there is the fact that I am a good listener mentioned) and Hubs is getting sentimental about the 25th coming up next year and is asking what I'd like to do.
And I drove 10 hours to spend several days with my 90-year old grandmother and cooked up a storm in her kitchen and was told how to do laundry and how to drive, and wheeled her around Walmart and Publix and the Red Lobster....
And I manage our home (and the budget) well--I can look in the freezer in the a.m. and find frozen meat and have a well rounded dinner ready--I almost always cook whole food all the time and know how to feed my family of five well for under $10 for dinner.
I also know how to sign up for a 401(k) when I had the chance last year and know how to cash it out this week because who knows when I will be paid again for the work I do that is separate from this other valuable part of my life.
I gazed at June's full moon over the Pacific Ocean and I saw July's full moon over the Atlantic Ocean on a beach with a mama turtle scurrying back to her ocean home. I had my young bucks (who are growing like weeds) near me and for that I am very glad.
I have value! I have many pictures and stories from this summer that I will post and will make me feel better! But after I post this and check out things in the kitchen I am back on the phones and computer for the job hunt and the interviews in which I discuss my other attributes.
6 comments:
I so wish you could just keep doing what you are doing because dammit! it's of great value and importance.
It is funny, jobs and money are such an important part of our lives, yet they are really such a small part of who we are and the amazing things we do.
Hang in there. Because you have done and will do awesome things, raising good people might be the best part, and the job....it will come.
You are so right that we are so much more than our resumes.
And you are having a great summer.
Keep your chin up about the job search. Five and a half years ago my mom was laid off of the job she had had for 25 years (her salary was too high) it was an incredible low for her. Six months later she took a job she did not want, but was starting to feel the money pinch and almost immediately found the job she has today that she loves!
It is possible and I know good things are out there for you!
Sending lots of positive energy your way.
Aw, you brought tears to my eyes. I know your pain.
You have such great value as a woman, mom, wife. Things have a way of working out, so don't fret. Enjoy each day and just keep one foot in front of the other. And you have every right to post whatever you feel, just as you have every right to feel to what you feel. It will all work out.
Here ends my epistle for the day.
And...you are a GREAT FRIEND! The best! Well, you're my BFF, and have been for, what is it now, 37 years?! I have a feeling that you and I will grow old sharing in the same intensive and loving way that we have been since the day we laid eyes on each other when we were 12. Now THAT'S something of value right there. Sometimes hubs will say, "you should have more friends", but I know from experience that having one perfect friend forever is better than any group of friends I could ever imagine having. You have been an inspiration to me, what with all you do, and I just love bragging about you to my acquaintances and my hubs. I cherish you, and so will some sensitive employer who can see past the resume to the person you really are underneath! :)
You are SO accomplished and all those things you listed are their own reward, aren't they? You'll find a new and BETTER job soon, but will also be happy you had this time with your family.
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