Breathe! Take a breath! Suck wind! However you want to say it, just breathe! I know it has been a while since I posted, but I finally got a minute to breathe. I also, woke up with writing on my mind. I had a very vivid dream about writing last night, so maybe it's a sign. As mentioned in my last post, we have all had to figure out how to get back on our feet after the COVID-19 pandemic. My coping mechanism was to get a job. With the inflation and shrink-flation (paying more for less) plaguing our nation, I had to find work. The pandemic hammered our family owned business, and five years later, we are just beginning to see a little tiny tunnel of daylight. Our fingers are crossed that nothing else major hits us for a while. My new job has helped us stay afloat, but inflation is still killing us. The thought runs through my mind from time to time about getting a second job. Sadly, I don't have the time. My contract position keeps my schedule very erratic and unpredictable. My calendar changes daily based on the work load, which makes it hard to even consider a second job. I don't hold normal work hours, and at times, I have to hold events in the evening after normal daytime work hours and occasionally on the weekends. This makes it hard to commit to any other job. That would not be fair to another employer for scheduling.
My contract job just fell into my lap. I had considered getting back into the work force, but knowing that my skillset was outdated by 20 years after taking a mom-break, it looked like a daunting task. I didn't want to spend the time to go back to college at my age and didn't have the money to do so either, especially after the pandemic financial crisis. I quite accidentally found this position due to a scholarship the my daughter won through our local soil and water conservation district. This job required nothing more than the knowledge and experience that I already had and the willingness to polish a few skills. It was a Godsend! I am very thankful for it and work with a great group of people. Even though it is a remote position, I do get to spend time with my co-workers during special occasion events. It also allows me to deal with things at home as needed.
With this position, I have learned more about my state, community and environment. I also get to teach others, students and adults alike, about how to take care of our environment. I encourage you to look into ways to care for your community and environment. Being a supporter of your local soil and water conservation district is a great way to become involved in what is going on locally and a great way to learn how you can help your community.
So, as I take a small breath coming out of a stressful time with limited funds, I have found a way to serve my community by taking care of it and teaching others how. This job position has solved the problem of surviving with limited funds, and I have learned that you don't necessarily have go back to school after being unemployed for 20 years. Keep your eyes and options open for opportunities. In the meantime, good luck with your ventures of serving, solving, and learning!