Friday, August 02, 2013

Officially Fifty-Three


A few things have happened since we were last together; my final (physical) day at work, the family picnic, having no place to go that next Monday morning, my fifty-third birthday, fear, and moving past that . . .

Much like my last (physical) day with my former employer, my fifty-third birthday passed without much in the way of fanfare. There was the FB acknowledgements which were received with gratitude, a couple of greeting cards, phone calls, and hugs from those near and dear. And again, received with gratitude. But otherwise the day (and several preceding) was spent in my room studying manuals toward clearing two hurdles (tests), a gateway to an opportunity, the next chapter(s) of my life. 

Said opportunity was presented to me (and others) at the company's Open House--to which I was invited via email--in response to one of my posted r&#233sum&#233s. At the end of the presentation I opted not to move forward, deciding that said opportunity, "wasn't a good fit."  

That, "not a good fit" haunted me over the next several days. And I got mad.  

Nearly a week later there is an identical invitation to an identical Open House. After advising the recruiter that I'd been the the Open House just the week before and relaying what I relayed at that time, I asked to be considered for the next step--a face-to-face--to further discuss the job, the expectations, the compensation algorithm, and . . . well, me. 

The recruiter agreed to see me and the first two questions she asked were, "why did you feel you weren't and good fit and what has changed your mind"? 

Long story short, I explained about the fear that overtook me and then the anger that welled up until IT beat the fear down. We had a nice conversation after which she asked me to take the weekend, think it over, be sure . . . 

Well, the week before my fifty-third birthday I decided to take a leap, accept the opportunity which meant signing up for two classes, which would lead to my taking the two tests. The materials were received and studying ensued.  

And on the day after my fifty-third birthday I took and passed the tests.  

A week from now, I'll be moving forward to the next chapter, inspired by my mother who, against many odds, beating down her own fears, reached a measure of success in a number of endeavors, given a variety of limitations and hurdles. She worked very hard to provide for my brothers and me.  She was very proud of her accomplishments. And I was very proud of her. 

I'm taking all of that, her pride, her strength, her, "wanting the very best for me" attitude with me next week and beyond. 

But first, cake. 

14 comments:

  1. Lori H6:20 AM

    Good for you D. Good for you. I knew you were a tough cookie.

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    1. Thank you Lori. I'm trying to be.

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  2. Congratulations an all the AWESOME in your life!!!

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    1. Thank you Rachelle. Quite the boon to pass those hurdles. In equal measure nervous and excited. But, so. so. good.

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  3. Happy, happy birthday!!!

    And congrats on the new employment opportunity. Change is always hard, I think. Even when it's good and challenging and "the right fit." It's always scary.

    And I would guess that your mother would be very proud.

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    1. Thank you 8thday. Yes, change is hard, weaning myself from former employer (and he from me) has proven most difficult. But, pushing through it and looking forward to chewing on what has been bitten. :-)

      And I feel so. I hope so.

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  4. Cheryl7:16 AM

    Happy Birthday! And good luck with the new employment opportunity!!

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  5. It's amazing how much we still have to learn about ourselves, isn't it? Good on ya for taking this new leap, and best wishes for a happy outcome.

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    1. Yes Tiff, it is. Thank you much. A lot of hard work, but I'm up for that.

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  6. How exciting! I cant wait to hear all about your next steps.

    On a lighter note, I went to another blog before yours, one that has the EXACT same layout and for some reason, I got it into my head that it was YOUR blog. So, I'm reading along about how she rescued two cats from a kill shelter and thinking to myself that really, you are going to be drowning in pets soon...and then I hit the line: "So, grateful that I have such a supportive husband." and I thought to myself, DEB GOT MARRIED? TO A MAN? I finally remembered where I was, but it did give me a start...

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    1. LOL NOOOO DEB did not get married TO A MAN (again).

      And while Deb is pining for . . . well, it is probably best to focus on the task at hand. All in good time.

      You did give me a chuckle.

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  7. This is very belated, but happy birthday to you. Hoping that EVERYTHING went well.

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    1. Thank you Madame. Even with everything in my mind, in my queue (to do) you're not far from my thoughts.

      Peace.

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