I Got A Job!

I got a part-time job at the clubhouse here in the development!

The CDD manager often comes to the poolside to say hello to us and Branch and Blossom. She had mentioned there was a vacancy for part-time work in the clubhouse. I applied but then rescinded my application. See, I really like this lady, and I like living here in the development. I also like going to martial arts and the job would have cut into my martial arts time. Additionally, I am unsure of my child care situation next month after Nanny A. leaves. So with all those factors, I did not want to take the position, only to leave in a few weeks. I really like the CDD manager and I want to be able to look her in the eye when I see her, not have to slink away because I pooped out on a job she hired me for.

She came back with a counter-offer that I would work as her assistant for maybe 10 hours a week to start. She would be flexible with my hours due to child care, and I would not have to attend evening meetings that would cut into my martial arts time.

So, last night I appeared before the CDD board for approval for hiring. You all would have been proud of me. I wore the power color, red, and had my handy-dandy notepad folio with me. When the other candidate was asked to descibe herself, I quickly wrote notes on what I would say immediately after her. The other candidate was hired more for the clubhouse end - issuing pool keys, dealing with resident complaints, booking the clubhouse for resident private parties, etc. We were both offered the jobs on the spot. I THEN stayed on for more of the meeting, whereas the other woman left right after she found out she was hired. I thought I should show just a LITTLE interest in the meeting aside from the part that benefited me.

I'm so excited and ready to work again. On the downside, I went to inquire about day care for Branch and Blossom. The local place seems neat and clean enough, but the "class"room is tiny! It doesn't seem much bigger than one of my kid's bedrooms. They only get 30 minutes outdoor time in the morning and another 30 in the afternoon. They also get some time in the large central area for singing, computer work, etc. I just can't imagine them cooped up all day, as much as they love the outdoors. One of my neighbors takes his daughter there. I saw her this morning and she seemed down. She's nearly 3 years old. Perhaps she just didn't feel like being there this morning. I only want my kids to go there on a part-time basis.

I have decided that I really need to work. It's the German in me, I guess. I just wasn't happy being a stay-at-home parent. I realize everyone has a different opinion on this issue. However, I have come to the realization that if I am happier at a job still look out for my children's interests in the meantime, they will be happier also. I am not sure I could handle going back to a 40 hour week right away, so this job is the perfect middle ground. I also want to get back in the work force, and I've read that some places are reluctant to hire women who've been out of the work force a few years raising children. If I have a part-time job, I at least have one foot back in the workforce.

This job is perfect for me - it draws on my computer, accounting and bookkeeping skills, is a 5 minute walk from my house, and is just a few hours a week with the possibility for more. I was very excited last night. The Citizen said "You're like a little kid. Everyone has a job. Even N. (my 14 year old nephew) has a job." I said: "Yes, but I haven't had one for 20 months!"

I start Monday morning at 10 AM.