The stress level has been down quite a bit in my house lately. It's funny how one little phone call can change things. A couple of weeks ago, I got the call offering me a job.
For those who are not aware, I was let me go from my previous employer in April based on budget issues and the need to eliminate my position. Although it was no fault of my own, the method in which it was handled was far from professional or respectful. Needless to say the last four months have not been easy.
I have tried hard to keep a positive and optimistic attitude during the whole situation. I feel like I did the best I possibly could. It was difficult even making myself get out of bed each day, especially after I was awake all hours of the night worrying about the future.
It is hard to count the number of times that someone asked me, "What do you do all day?". I spent the majority of the days and late nights doing job searches and submitting applications/resumes (literally hundreds). Sure, I had a lot of interviews. The ones where I thought a good fit was evident had the employer thinking differently. Then there were the ones where I realized quickly that it was not the job for me. Those were usually the ones that actually wanted my services. It was tough to explain to others that I would even consider turning down a position in my given circumstance. However, those close to me knew that I needed to find the best long-term opportunity. Constant prayer and support from close friends and family helped. I knew that God had a plan. My impatience with Him lacking to reveal it, though, was growing.
It did take a toll on me mentally, but I tried to find inexpensive (aka FREE) ways to occupy my mind when I just needed a break. I spent many afternoons at the community swimming pool taking advantage of my HOA dues. I read a few books between swims, and my tan became quite impressive (yet very uneven). I also fished a little to try to get away from the reality. The summer heat did not make that the best solution on most days. I mowed the yard (even sometimes when it did not need it). I rode my bicycle on area trails. I built charts and graphs on spreadsheets to track different statistics (mostly regarding my workouts). I have to admit that I did watch a lot of television. I saw every episode of a five-season show that was cancelled seven years ago. I became quite the enthusiast of valuable antiques by watching countless auction shows and even visiting local antique stores just to look.
With me being home a lot, it was only a matter of time before the house started reflecting it. I did my best to pull my weight while the wife was out earning the money. I cleaned pretty well (although there are still some areas that she insists on doing herself). I also did my fair share of the cooking. I can safely say that on most days dinner was ready by the time she arrived home from work.
If you know me well, you are aware that I always try to find a positive or a lesson learned in any situation. If I have to pick an obvious one during all of this, it would have to be that my wife and I learned about priority when it comes to spending. We have always been smart with our money, but during these months we became even smarter. We learned to get by on a lot less, and it is easy to see how that will be useful in the future (especially as we try to save for the possibility of moving). I am not saying that we will continue to live exactly as we have and put all of the extra in savings. I am saying, though, that we know what we are capable of. That will be reflected by some of our newly-formed spending habits. Another lesson was that of patience and the understanding of purpose in God's plan and timing.
The hard part now is getting back into a routine of working. The new position does consist of a long commute, so I am already trying to train my body to get up earlier. (I don't start until Monday.) I have never been a morning person, and most of my career has involved jobs with flexible or later hours. I will do it, though, and every single time I start to complain I will reflect on this particular blog entry as a reminder of the alternative.
