Sometimes, we make a decision based on things we can see without looking deeper into the things we can’t see. Instead of taking the time to ask questions and explore all the options, we jump in and it comes back and bites us in the butt. So goes my new job, which wasn't meant to be. I should have asked to see the office before I accepted the job. He told me his office was out of his home and that he had converted his garage into offices...well, that's true to a point. I am an organized clean-freak and he told me the office needed organization. The "logistics" of the job (close to home, good working hours, casual dress, a salary we both compromised on, nice neighborhood) all weighed heavily in my decision to take the job. The reality is that the "office" is one/third of his garage. It's no bigger than about 15x15 feet. Two desks...side by side about 3 feet apart. Two tables stacked with "stuff". The remaining walls were covered with literature racks, clothing racks, etc. No bathroom...you have to use the one in his house (if it's unlocked) or go across the street to city hall. The bathroom is also the laundry room (complete with dirty laundry on the floor…ick). No microwave or fridge. It was clear almost immediatly that our work styles didn’t mesh. I couldn't stand being in such a small, closed in, messy, unorganized workspace, with no bathroom. etc. The thing of it is...he's a nice guy and I hope he finds the right person. We agreed we weren't compatible and parted company amicably.
Do you ever feel like you've hit a dead end, that you're going in slow speed, waiting to figure out where you're going? That's how I feel as I continue to wait on the Lord. I believe He will guide me to the right job. I interviewed at our church yesterday and have a second interview next week. It could be a perfect job for me. It is 25 hours a week and is about half of what I was making at my last job. While earning a decent salary is important, I don't want it to be the deciding factor - I want to enjoy what I do and where I work.
Here's the thing...I have realized in the last several months that I have a passion for working with women and would love to have a retreat-workshop business that encompasses not just scrapbooking, but issues of the heart and mind. I think I could also incorporate photography and teaching digital photo classes. I have extensive experience in event planning, coordinating seminars and retreats. Russell is very supportive of my dream...and that's what it's been is a dream. The question is, can I make it a reality in these tough economic times? The church job, while not a lot of money, would provide some income while giving me the opportunity (and time) to explore the logistics of what it would take to start a retreat/workshop business. I have been praying for quite some time about this...having owned a retail business before, I know that I don't want a business that is all consuming...I want (need) to have balance. I am working with a woman who owns a retreat business in another state to coordinate one here in Oregon so I think that could be a good starting point.
My unemployment has been extended (thank you Lord). So…there it is…as Martin Luther King said…I have a dream. We’ll see where I can go with it.
Have a great weekend...happy Friday. Hope you're seeing signs of spring where you are!
I love the retreat idea! I say go for it!
Posted by: Amy | April 10, 2010 at 07:41 PM