Location: firmly planted in the postmodern pastoral economy
Posts: 12,991
Yes! It is really happening...
I just got offered, and accepted, a job working as a developmental disabilities specialist for a nonprofit parent advocacy organization that helps people all over the state.
It's PT, 22 hrs/week, with full benefits - paid sick, personal, holiday time, vacation, health dental, 403b (a 401k for nonprofits). And it's something I know I will love doing and be good at.
It will still leave plenty of time for my regular writing gig as well as any other writing assignments I land. It will just mean that I'm now able to focus on what I really want to write and not feel pressured to take whatever I can in order to pay the bills. I'll need to keep up motivation.
The best part: I get to work from home and flex my hours however I want. If I want to take a week off but can't afford to lose the pay, I can work 44 hrs one week and 0 the next. If I want to work 2 10-hour days and have 3 days free every week, that's fine. It's all completely up to me. I'll never lose my job because of J's health needs. I can take unpaid time off whenever I want. They even will pay my phone and internet costs and travel to the job site and anywhere else I have to go. I will have to travel a bit but not a lot. Probably a bit at first as I introduce myself to the players in the DD services "scene" in the state.
I'm really excited! To bring it on topic, I feel we're finally on really solid financial footing. All the risks we took, and even the HEL - which essentially financed me not working for money for the past two years - were totally worth it. Part of the reason they hired me was because they were so impressed with my strong advocacy for Jake these past 2 years. (And don't think it doesn't carry clout w/my school team that I am now working for the parent advocacy org! LOL! They're gonna flip.)
I'm so happy today, mamas. Now I need to get back to work! I am going to be one very busy mama.
__________________ Be realistic: Plan for a miracle. ~Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
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Location: firmly planted in the postmodern pastoral economy
Posts: 12,991
Thanks mamas! I hope I don't sound like I'm bragging or gloating. But yeah, after a lot of struggle these past few years with finances, and after a big risk moving up here and wondering if I'd ever find decent-paying work in such a rural area - well, my mind is completely blown by all the bounties that have come my way in the past month.
Location: You did what you knew how to do, and when you knew better, you did better. ~ Maya Angelou
Posts: 6,672
Quote:
Originally Posted by mamabear
Thanks mamas! I hope I don't sound like I'm bragging or gloating. But yeah, after a lot of struggle these past few years with finances, and after a big risk moving up here and wondering if I'd ever find decent-paying work in such a rural area - well, my mind is completely blown by all the bounties that have come my way in the past month.
Oh, Lauren - I have the upmost respect for you and have never seen you as a bragger.
That is really great I want to grow up to do something similar someday soon..I'd really love to be an RDI consultant but I will never have the money to finance the training!
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Meg
Mama to Alexis, 22; Jacob, 19; and Elijah 11/20/02 and Sophia Jane, 11/20/04
Elijah allows me to dress him nicely and take a picture!
Congrats on the new gig! It is absolutely NOT bragging to share great news, esp. when you've worked amazingly hard, climbed more than a few mountains, and learned much on your journey to this point. Best of luck finding a new balance.
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Steph
mama to Alison 11.14.02,
Reed 2.13.05, and
b/g twins Steele and Scarlet, 8.29.08 born at 38 weeks, totally natural unmedicated hospital birth
wife to Andre, 9/4/99
DH IS SAFELY HOME! 12-14-2006 - 15 months away from home
Location: When I dare to be powerful -- to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.
Posts: 9,502
Oh Lauren! YOU WILL BE SO GOOD AT THAT! That is really really wonderful. I can see you excelling in both the fields you have chosen to go into... I am proud of you and so excited for you! Congratulations!!!!!
Val
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Val; Living the dream we have been working towards for over 5 years.
Mama to Alex, Cyan, and Logan. Wife to my very best friend.
Now I need to get back to work! I am going to be one very busy mama.
Jody
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