So Long, Summer. Hello...Paycheck!?

As I write this, the season isn't the only thing that changed - I finally got a job!

After being back in Oklahoma for about three weeks, I got a phone call about the very same job that I didn't get back in May. It turns out that the woman they hired is moving back home to another state, so I was called in for a meeting. We reviewed the position a little, and then they asked if I could start on Monday!

So tomorrow morning at 8:30 I'll be sitting at "my" desk, in front of "my" computer, answering "my" phone and identifying myself with other sorts of things that aren't really mine at all. I've got to admit, I am wondering how this experience of being laid off for nearly 18 months will affect my relationship with the newly minted work-me. I am excited about this new opportunity, and I consider myself very lucky to be now one of the nation's employed. I also know there are still countless others looking for work comparable to what they had when they lost their last jobs, and unfortunately, I know just how easily I could end up back where I was.

I'll tell you this: I feel like I'm going into this situation blind. And I'm not talking about being the new guy and having systems and processes to learn. I've just been out of the game for a while now. So I wonder what has changed more during that while. Me? Or business?

Despite what I've been reading and hearing about companies demanding more and more from employees in exchange for lower pay and benefits packages, I can promise you that I am entering into this new relationship with a clean slate. I think it's only fair to myself, and my new employer. I took this job because I like the company. I like what they do and who they do it for. I took this job because it pays money and I need money. I'm also someone who takes pride in anything I do, but I have absolutely zero plans to jump back into any competitive rat race. The last one, I'm talking about the radio job, almost killed me. I was becoming something I hated, and I was chasing all the wrong things.

So, that's my big news for now. I have a new job and I'm really excited. I'm sad to leave my days of spending lots of time with my animals, friends and family, and going wherever we want with a moment's notice and no vacation request form. But, I promise to continue making time for the things that will keep me being me. That's one important lesson that losing my job has taught me. I can't let anything, or anyone, keep me from being me.

A few other things:
I've also been waitressing at my friend's new restaurant. I'll keep doing that in spite of the new full-time gig. I am really so glad that I decided to ask him for a job there. Waiting tables is a lot of fun, and you can walk out with a paycheck every day that you work. It's also nice to meet some new people, and getting a job in a restaurant is a great way to meet fun people.

And lastly, I may be bringing this blog to a close. When I started, it was all about our dual-unemployment and the adventures we were having in spite that speed bump. Since we both have jobs now, the unemployment part is obviously no more. Also, I've felt more of a desire to keep my adventures somewhat private lately. I was hoping this blog would be a place where I could write and express myself and say how I see things, but I realize now there is no such thing. Anything I put out here on the big ole internet can be read by just about anyone. It can be read, misread, understood and also, misunderstood.

If I do close this blog, I will likely start another one more relevant to what's going on with us. But for now, I think we are headed into a new stage in our lives and our relationship. Hmm...you guys wouldn't follow a Greggles and Berls wedding blog, would ya? :)

I will keep everyone posted, and thank you for reading and being great friends!

Hugs and high fives ;)
Berly