In my last post, (which has been way too long ago) I mentioned Chuck's exciting new job opportunity and my situation with having to change jobs. So much has happened in the few weeks since then. Soon after Chuck began at PRP Wine (delicious wine, by the way), another, BETTER opportunity came along! Persistence and patience pay off.
For anyone who doesn't know, Chuck's ultimate career goal is to work in some capacity in the media industry. He is very skilled in video production and does some graphic design (he created our save the dates based on a design we liked online, if you've seen them.) Three weeks ago, he was offered a position on the audio/visual team at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids!! The opportunity was too good to pass up and he ended his time as a wine salesman after just one week. Now, he is building his skills with the equipment needed to work in media in a very well respected company and is another step closer to his dream job! I am so proud and he is LOVING his new job!
My new job has been filled with new challenges for me. The physical challenge is one that I didn't expect. The child I care for ("J") has about the same capabilities as a 6-8 month old baby... but he's a 70lb 13-year-old! There is a lot of lifting and carrying and I'm certain I'm gaining some serious muscle mass in my arms. The other major challenge was one I had anticipated. J is nonverbal. As a future therapist, I am skilled at helping others through talking with them. With J, this is not an option. I've had to learn to figure out what his needs are based on his behaviors. I'm coming along and this kid and his family are impossible not to love, but it is certainly a change for me.
Along with the direct challenges of my new job, I am still readjusting to what feels like a step back career-wise. I lost a job where I had my own office, made my own hours (which meant all my evenings and weekends off from work!), with benefits and a high level of responsibility over a team of employees. I was involved in a leadership role for a well known organization... and now, I'm not. But, as Chuck must frequently remind me, my primary focus right now needs to be on grad school, and my new job allows me the opportunity to do my homework at work (I'm writing this post from work now) and helps pay the bills. For now, that's exactly what I need and I am grateful for the opportunity. Plus, doing homework at work, means when I'm at home I have more time to spend with my tiny half-human-half-animal family, and that's my favorite thing in the world. Can't beat that.
In non-work related news, Chuck and I picked out our wedding bands last night!!!! We're almost to wedding time, people of the internet, just under 4 months to go!
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