Take this job and

LOVE IT! I really do like my current job. Yes, I know it has only been 2 full weeks of working or just 10 days but it is fun and challenging. So, here's the story of how I became employed.

I was so excited for summer and to spend all this extra time with my kids. But they found friends and spent most of their time outside with them. I soon became bored. There is only so much cleaning you can do and only so far my budget can give for decorating. So I started thinking really hard about getting a part time job.

I don't have a college degree, I haven't worked for 10 years and I'm not really qualified for much. I wanted a job where I could still take care of my family and spend quality time together. I didn't really want to work nights and I definitely did not want to work weekends. So, I thought I'd start looking for a lunch lady postion in the schools around here. I soon found out there were ALOT more jobs in the district then just lunch lady. I went crazy applying for jobs, even if I didn't think I was qualified I went ahead and applied. I really didn't have anything to lose. I think I applied for over 20 jobs with the schools in my area. I only had 2 interviews for those applications.

My first interview was with a school down the hill from us. It was for the severly disabled kids. I was very nervous but felt that the interview went well. However, I didn't get the job. I was a little disappointed because I thought the school and hours would be a great fit for me. So I started applying for more jobs as a paraeducator. My second interview went well too but the hours would not have worked at all. I was getting no calls but lots of emails saying the positions I was applying for had already been filled. I resigned myself to the fact that it was going to take longer and I'd find things to do while the kids were at school.

However, I got a phone call the same week school started around here. It was from the first school I interviewed with for a paraeducator. They had an opening and wante to know if I was still interested!!! I took that job and started the following week! I then became an employeed mom!

I have only worked 10 days at the school but I love it. Some days aren't very fun but it's challenging and I am really good at taking care of people. I am a permanent sub in the building so I get to work in various classrooms. I get to help wherever they need me and I'm really good at that! I have fallen in love with many of the students already. Some are very challenging but in a good way. I have a different sense of fulfillment now. I have changed lots of diapers and had so much food wiped on me I feel like I have babies again. These students are wonderful. I may have actually found what I want to be when I grow up! Maybe even the teacher and not an aide!

It has also been good at home. Instead of me cleaning everything we have one hour every week where we all clean! My house is actually cleaner. And my kids seem to love it. They still complain but they love the responsibility. It really has been an easy transition. I was worried it might not be. It makes me feel that the time was definitely right for me to do this. I don't feel like I'm taking any time away from my family and that we are actually growing instead!