Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Perhaps...

Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together ~ Marilyn Monroe

Before leaving work last Friday I got a phone call stating that there were BIG changes coming to my employer that were going to directly impact me. The company that I've worked for since early 2002 was being acquired and with this my ability to work from home was being discontinued.  I know,  BIG bummer.

I was seriously injured in an off road accident that took me three years to heal. When I was finally able to go back to work I was set up with a home office which I have been working in for the last four years.

Having the ability to work at home with my back has been a huge blessing and we have structured our lives around it.  Downsizing, simplifying and moving out to wine country where we are slowing and steadily moving towards a more self sustaining life everyday.

The news of the sale has greatly impacted me and left me with two tough options but at the same time is completing a goal set a very long time ago that is incredibly positive for some people I care very much for. It sounds like the company itself will continue to be great and prosperous.  I am incredibly thankful for all the opportunities I've had because of my job over the last ten years. In the phone call I was given a choice and now have a decision to make...

A.  lose my job as they have phased out my status
or
B. buy a little economy car and drive 2 1/2 to 3 hours a day to get to and from the office.

Since it's hard for me to stay in any one position (sitting or standing) for any amount of time option B looks to be a challenge but not working is not an option for me at this time. A new car payment, gas and time on the road... Does it make sense? Will there be a net profit? Can I physically pull this off?

We still have many balls in the air and they are not landing softly yet instead they're multiplying. I'm happy and relieved that the Music Man is climbing the ladder at his job quickly and should have his test results in the next couple weeks.

We absolutely love where we live and do not want to move so perhaps there is a third choice? Stepping up my photography. I have been feeding my brain and learning how to grow in this art for several years now. For several months I've been receiving positive feedback and interest in my work and have even sold a few shots and have a few shoots set up.

There is so much to learn on the business side of this, nothing to do with photos so I've been slowing wading into this pool.  Perhaps I can build my photography website and put more than my big toe in this awesome, challenging, fun and a little bit scary field. Perhaps ready... or not,  maybe the time is now.

Changes are super scary aren't they.  For we don't know what they'll bring us but I find comfort in knowing that usually changes bring things for the better. I hope the odds are in our favor and things will work out for my family and me.  God is so good. He works in mysterious ways doesn't He? I'm nervous, unsure of what tomorrow will bring but excited to see where this change will take us.  I pray that we will in fact be better off tomorrow than we are today.
Oh my gosh isn't this super cute! Chancie and his girlfriend Lilly.

Jen

19 comments:

  1. oh, i hate when you get a big 'shove' out of a comfortable place! but i do hope it will all work out for you.

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    1. Yep me too, I know everything will be good in the end.

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  2. Wow! Change is challenging, no doubt. I, for one, have loved your photography since I found your blog. Trust your instincts and be brave :-) Wishing you strength and sending you a virtual hug!

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    1. Aw thanks Joan, that means a lot. Change is hard but feel everything will be okay in the end

      Have a great day!
      Jen

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  3. I certainly hope you don't have to choose B. All will work out for the best Jen. :)

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    1. Hi Kar
      I know B sounds really bad but may be the only option that works for right now. I have until June 1 to make some decisions so that's good. Hopefully I can make it all work out.

      Have a great day buddy!
      Jen

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  4. You never know until you try, and honestly, spending 2.5-3 hours in a car daily would make me want to murder someone. Good luck.

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    1. Hi Candace,
      Wise words friend uttered by many and so true... courage perhaps...
      I know B sounds rough :(

      Have a great day!

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  5. I say look to door #3....
    maybe there's another company closer to home looking for a great new employee?
    sorry to hear this chapter with the current employer is closing...but whew!!!

    throw open that next door and tell God to let the new stuff come on in....

    you KNOW He'll only bring you all the good stuff.... He did it before, He'll do it again, and again, and again....can you imagine??? did you expect what you've enjoyed the past couple of years??? what wonderful stuff does He have planned for you now??? I can hardly wait to see!!!!

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  6. I'm sorry to hear that. You may be able to find another option though. I've had a couple of part time jobs where I was able to work from home (one doing social media stuff for a friend's online company and another teaching community college classes online). The part time job I have now is not home based, but it is only 9 hours a week (flexible), so I am still able to balance it with being home with the kids. There is stuff out there, if you dig in the right place.

    Love the horse picture!

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    1. Hi Lisa
      Thank you friend. I am hopeful and feel in my heart everything will work out exactly how it's supposed too. I've always loved that saying "when one door closes another opens" so good.

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  7. Oh man, I'm sorry to hear this. That must have been hard news to hear. But I think it may have been a blessing in disguise. The way you talk about photography and what I've seen of your work makes me believe that is truly where your heart is. When you follow your bliss, amazing things can happen! I think you could definitely be successful in photography. Whatever you end up doing, I know things will work out somehow :)

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    1. Hi Tammy,
      Thank you buddy, I appreciate your kind words and I too feel like it will all work out as it should.

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  8. I am sorry to hear about this. Life really does throw challenges our way. You might end up being surprised at how everything works out.

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    1. Hi Michelle
      Life is SO good, the challenges just keep it interesting don't they:)

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  9. We have lots of birds nearby building their nests. Some of the nests are unfeathering and little ones fly away. Changes can be uncomfortable, I know. I just want to be in God's will and have peace. Sometimes waiting makes you stronger. Praying for you and the choices you need to make

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    1. Hi D
      Thank you so much, I appreciate your words so very much. We have so many nest over here too, ah Spring :)

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  10. Thinking and Praying for you during this time of uncertainty!
    I know you will do the right thing.
    Someone once told me that the choice where you have to close your eyes and jump, is the most scariest, but is the one that is most worth it.
    ((hugs))

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