I Got The Job!

I got the job. It's the job I was hoping to get. The one I interviewed for on Monday.

Obviously, they haven't read my blog, or else they'd be running so fast the other way, all I'd see is the dust and their heels kicking up as they disappear beyond the horizon.

It's all still very surreal. It seems like it was almost too easy. One interview. That was it. A two-day wait for their decision.

And then, when I think about my husband's face when I got off the phone and told him, I get all mushy inside. This means so much for me and my family. I won't feel like such a leech any more. And, although Mr. Handsome has been so very patient through everything, I know he's been very worried about things (and not because he's super-anal about all things financial), and probably praying a bit, despite the fact that he's not a religious person.

You see, since Mr. Handsome started his doctorate studies, and since Dee was born and shortly after diagnosed with cancer, we have not both held down full-time jobs at the same time. And that in itself has taken its toll over the years. While he was studying, he worked part-time and brought some money in, and I started up my own daycare business, which did really well. Then, he started working full-time, and I started up my real estate business, which did well, but also had a lot of unexpected expenses attached to it. It also took its toll on me physically and emotionally. And then, when the economy took its nosedive last fall, I decided to take a break.

And then I had a bit of a nervous breakdown, where I writhed in mental anguish on the couch and repeatedly told myself what a loser I was, and that I could do nothing right, and didn't really know what I wanted anymore. That was fun, but I finally decided it was time to get off my ass and get with the program once again.

And here we are.

I was ready for a steady-paying job, where I would put in my hours, do my best, and actually get paid for it, unlike real estate, where you work really hard, give your clients your firstborn child, and then end up spending money instead of making it when these clients end up not buying or selling, for whatever reason. Or, they blame you for the state of the economy, yell at you really loudly, and then use another realtor. Yeah, it happens.

Oh, I also had many many great and wonderful clients, and many are now my friends, but those not-so-nice ones always stand out, don't they?

Anyway, I'm still a licensed realtor, and may even go back to it full-time at some point, but right now, I just needed something less angst-filled, and something a little more consistent in terms of a paycheque. I'm funny that way, but knowing we can pay the bills makes me feel a little better.

This job seems like a great fit for me. I don't know much about it at the moment, except that there is a lot of training involved, and job shadowing. In a nutshell, I'll be a liaison between the community health care people and the field staff who go to people's homes and take care of their various needs. I'll be helping the most vulnerable in this society feel like they're still important, and worthy of being cared for, and alive, not just existing. I'm helping them keep what little of their dignity they have left.

Ever since my father passed away (it's three-and-a-half years now), I have realized there is this whole other world out there that we don't see. Not that it's not there for us to see. It's more that we refuse to look and acknowledge it. Because this part of the world is not for the weak. It is filled with the weakest of our society, but I am telling you, these people are actually the strongest. These are the people who are struggling to survive, to do more than just exist, to make it through another day. These are the elderly and the ill.

My father was one of them, and through the last 10 months of his life, he wanted nothing more than to go back home so that he could sit in his favourite rocking chair and just be. There are dwindling numbers of the original homeowners in my neighbourhood going through this exact scenario now, and I know the despair they are feeling as the thin thread that is what is left of their independence is slowly getting weaker. They know what is coming, and they are fighting with everything they've got, which, in some instances, is not a lot.

For a long time now, I've wanted to do something that makes a difference. And yes, I was doing that with both my daycare and with my real estate business, but my focus was changing. My dad made it very obvious to me that these vulnerable people need a voice. And that's what I'm going to try to be, in my small but meaningful way. It's a start.

This is what I know I am doing in my job, and I can't wait to get started.

Comments

Sarah Lulu said…
I am so happy for you!

CONGRATULATIONS.

I'm in a related field....rewarding work ..you will be well suited which is why the job is yours!
Unknown said…
I'm so happy for you that you got the job offer you wanted and can now go to work and make that difference you so wanted! It's not everyone that can work for their passion and not just at a job!

Congratulations!!!!
Trina said…
WAY TO GO, MARY!!!! I knew you'd get the job. After the day we had here yesterday with so many of our faculty and staff (around 33 system-wide) being let go, seeing your good news gives me hope for my friends. I know that you will be the BEST at your job!

{{{HUGS}}}
Unknown said…
What awesome news! I am so happy for you all. I can only imagine the incredible stress and hardship all of this has been for you. I know you will be great! Good luck to you
ShanaM said…
Yay Mary !!!!!!!!!!
Kathy said…
congratulations! That sounds like a wonderful job & I know you will do it well.
Congratulations! I am so happy for you and I love hearing the excitement in your voice. Enjoy the long weekend:)
Cajoh said…
Congratulations. It sounds like very rewarding work. So glad you found a job that fits you as well.
CONGRATULATIONS, on your success with the job interview and I wish you and your family all the luck in the world. I too have been where you are but with a wee bit of motivation and positivity feel great.

Take care.

Yvonne.
orcalover said…
Congrats on getting the job you wanted. I must also thank Marv for turning me on to your blog. I'll get the link and add it to my blogroll in the next few days, when I'm back home on my computer.
kel said…
I am so , so , so HAPPY for you!!! That is just awesome! I can't wait to hear about your adventures at work!!
Ash said…
Such wonderful news!!! I wish you were in Pennsylvania to look after my grandmother.

You're so correct, this is a much needed profession.

Congratulations!
A New Yorker said…
Congratulations on your new job. I hope it's all you want it to be.
Mommy In Pink said…
That is sooo great! Congrats, I wish you guys all the best!
Anonymous said…
Kudos, Mary - I KNEW you'd nail it all along! :)
You will be PERFECT for that job! The depth of compassion in what you just wrote is EXACTLY what that organization needs.
I am in such awe of the people who come here to take care of Roy (AND the people on the phone that I have to call). It must be such a rewarding job, knowing that you are making SUCH a difference!
Congratulations Mary!
Make it a GREAT day~
♥,Lilly
darsden said…
Congratulations Mary I am so happy for you. Glad it was the one you wanted. Good Luck and Enjoy :-)
mo.stoneskin said…
Congratulations.

Maybe that grinning bald man from a month or so back put in a good word for you?! ;)
Michel said…
Congrats! I knew you would get it! You will do great!
Margo said…
Yeah! Congratulations... it sounds like a wonderful new job. And it sounds meant to be. Aren't those little mental breakdowns always a little too much fun? Happy weekend and Be nice to yourself :)
Anonymous said…
You were never a leech, but I am very happy for you that you got the job. Having a lot of training & job shadowing is wonderful. Some get antsy with that, and want hands-on right away; I understand the concept of learning by doing very well, but preparation & education are very important to do a job correctly. ~Mary
Bon Don said…
YAY!! Congratulations...they have no idea what's in store!! :)
Da Old Man said…
Congrats on ther new job
Jenni said…
Hooray! That is SUCH good new, Mary! Congratulations!
Anonymous said…
Congratulations...
"I'll be helping the most vulnerable in this society feel like they're still important, and worthy of being cared for, and alive, not just existing."

Wow! Mary, so happy for you. Sounds like you will make a difference. I'm so impressed. You have guts, girl!
Anonymous said…
Congrats on getting the job. I hope it is an excellent experience for you!
Sherry said…
How fabulous Mary! I think you are going to be a perfect liaison because you are bringing all the "right" qualities and values to this. You are obviously someone who lives in her heart! Much success to you and those you will become involved with.
How wonderful! Congratulations!

I hope the excitement with the job stays with you for a long time and it brings all the positive effect on your life that you are expecting it to.
Congrats on getting the job!
bernthis said…
OMG I am so so happy for you Mary. Wow. Good for you. Working in sales of any kind can be very very trying. I've done it, I know.

Yay for you!!!!
Congratulations on your new job! That's wonderful news. It's always wonderful to get the job you hoped for.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. I appreciate it!
Kristen Andrews said…
that is such great news, congratulations how very exciting!
Congratulations! What great news!
lisahgolden said…
Congratulations! I hope the job is everything you expect and more. But only good more.

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