At this time of year we can get all mushy about the things we are thankful for--and no I am not talking about turkey and mashed potatoes.
About this time last year I was counting the blessings that had come into my life because of and including the ability to work from home full time. I haven't shared my story of how I ended up trading a briefcase for working in my briefs (Okay I don't wear briefs but it fit together so well!) but I will today.
I had been separated from my husband for three years before our divorce became final. I had long been searching for a way to make a living but to do so within the walls of my own home. I had tried Mary Kay, Herbalife, babysitting, newspaper bundle route and other avenues that turned out to be just dead ends.
At the time that I stumbled across an ad placed by my current employer I was working, what I considered to be, my dream job as a public relations manager for a successful candle and personal care products company. I had only been with them 3 months or so before I started to feel uneasy about the company and my position there.
I am a want ad junkie (actually I just love to read everything and anything and want ads fall nicely in either of those categories) when I came across an ad for my current position. Talk about a punch in the gut. To this day I don't know if they had advertised to hire another PR manager for a new division they were starting or were looking to replace me but it was enough for me to get sick with worry.
Very near the ad for a PR manager was an ad for someone to write ad copy from home for 20 hrs a week. Even though I knew I would have to try and supplement that with other work I felt it could be a great beginning. I almost talked myself out of submitting my resume but then I thought, "what the heck".
That 20 hour a week job turned out to be 40 hours a week. Sure, it paid less than my current job but what I would save in gas for my commute, clothing, and lunches away from home would all come out in the wash pretty even steven!
The blessings that have come as a direct result of my ability to work from home are incalculable. Just to list a few:
I have been able to continue to take university courses, be there to see my kids off to school and welcome them home again, work late at night, early in the morning and in my pajamas. I have had the stress that only working mothers can know reduced and lifted from my shoulders. I have learned to organize my time, home, and life.
I am commited to helping those who want the same blessings that I have found. This blog exists for that very purpose.
Happy Holiday and keep praying for those blessings. They can come to you when you least expect it.
Marta,
I am thankful that you answered our ad as well. You bring such a spark of vitality to our team. I often wonder how you manage it all - working 40 hours, going to school, and being a single involved Mom to your kids - well, suffice it to say, I am impressed!
Posted by: Tim Stay | November 23, 2005 1:54 PM | Permalink to Comment