Actually I've always been a working woman because I firmly adhere to the saying "All mothers are working mothers." Even after my nest emptied out, I had housework, some of the yardwork and my responsiblities here at the Playground and at my RWA chapter. Several years ago I spent two years as a listserv moderator at the national level for RWA. I wrote short stories and taught an online class on that topic. And for the past year, I've been a volunteer facilitator for a divorce recovery group as well as an officer on the board.
Well now I have a real job (like scrubbing toilets is unreal). Get this -- I work as an administrative assistant for the legal firm that represented me during my divorce. Ain't that a kick?
It all happened very quickly -- like less than a week. On a Friday afternoon I learned they were hiring an admin assistant. On Monday I called for an interview and emailed my resume. On Wednesday I interviewed and on Thursday they offered me the job. I'd have started the following Monday but I already had a vacation planned, and they were very understanding. I went back and looked at the letter of resignation from my last real job, and my last day there was exactly 15 years before the day of my interview. Surreal, huh?
I'm still in the learning curve stage of things and everyone's been so helpful when I ask repeatedly how to operate the copy machine or where the Such-and-Such file is. I work half-days -- in the afternoon -- which is just fine with me because I don't have to roll out at the crack of dawn and fight the morning rush. I just have to fight the afternoon traffic, but I'm learning alternative routes home. And learning to plan ahead for dinner and have a snack around 3:30 so my stomach isn't digesting itself as I sit in traffic on the way home.
In a couple weeks, though, I'll work full days while the receptionist is out for a week. I'll have to answer that phone with a bazillion blinky red lights. And try to remember what client goes with which attorney. And do my other work too while I figure out the gazillion blinky red lights.
The job has been good in many respects. My self-esteem took a big hit during the divorce. Being offered this job was a great "atta girl." Another good part is now I'll have money for the RWA
conference next summer (provided I can take a week off) without feeling like I'm spending my retirement or won't be able to pay my rent. Oddly enough, both of the books I've written so far have heroines who are attorneys. Who'd have ever thought I'd end up working for a law firm?
Tell me about your job.
Tell me about your job.
