While I have a few minutes, I'm putting my thoughts into words about the latest happenings in my life. As I mentioned in my last post, I started a second part-time job this week and was feeling a bit melancholy ... now I'm just feeling exhausted! But, it's Friday and it looks like I'll survive the week. It was a tough week to start a new job with a weekend of Christmas parties beforehand (one of them was at our house) and Christmas just around the corner. Our first family Christmas function is tomorrow! But, I think I managed to get everything done. I have to say that I couldn't have done it without our daughter. She came in from college a couple of days ago and I kept her busy while I was at work. She dropped off some bills for us, picked up a few things at the grocery store, went Christmas shopping at the mall with us last night, and is wrapping most of the presents ... what an awesome girl! Without doing anything more than being herself, she brightens my day.
Before I go into what I'm now doing, I just wanted to mention how much it meant to me to receive such kind and uplifting comments on my last post. While I was filled with mixed emotions about my new job, I also knew that I was lucky to have found another part-time job and I wondered if some of you would call me selfish for complaining about having to work. Guess what ... not one negative comment! Every comment on this site and on our Facebook page was supportive and understanding. Ya'll got that I was gonna do what I had to do, but I wasn't exactly thrilled about it. I'm longing for the freedom Ken and I have been working on for so long. So thanks so much for your understanding! It really helps to know that there are so many great people out there, pulling for Ken and I to achieve our dreams.
For those that may be thinking I'm selfish but were kind enough not to tell me so ... I'm not complaining about working. I've been doing that since the age of sixteen. It's just that I thought our house would have sold by now and we'd be cruising (or close to it). It seems like I'm going in the opposite direction. I think this has been tough for me because I'm also having to accept the fact that I'm no longer able to support myself from real estate. I love real estate, and I've been doing it for about 13 years. I'll never give up my license (will be inactive when we cruise), but part of me feels like a failure. I'm also giving up the freedom to make my own schedule. Being self-employed is hard work, and there were many times that I'd be on vacation with a phone to my ear. I was never truly "off" from work. However, I was my own boss and giving that up is also a hard pill to swallow. Throw in the fact that I'm not making any more than the local high school kid ... makes it really tough. In fact, I'm making the same amount that I made 14 years ago when I worked as an Administrative Assistant at the local hospital. Fourteen years later and I'm making the same pay! And ... it took almost a year of applications to get this job. Now, that's scary.
But, as some of you mentioned ... it's all about perspective. These adjustments are tough, but they're not permanent. The fact is that I found something just in the nick of time, and I'll continue to be able to pay my bills. I didn't stick my head in the sand, and I've been able to pinch pennies and stretch my commissions further than any of my fellow real estate agents. As long as Ken and I can prevent new debt, our dream continues. While I'm exhausted, I'll be sleeping better knowing that I have some income coming in. Let's not forget about health either. I spent quite a bit of time talking with a fellow agent that is my age and fighting colon cancer. She didn't see it coming ... the picture of health. She's in great spirits and we both know she'll pull through this, but she's a reminder of how much I have to be thankful for.
So, what am I doing other than answering the phones part-time at the real estate office where I've worked for 13 years? I'm working at a really nice spa only minutes from my house! Things could definitely be worse. I'm greeting clients, showing them to the changing area and providing them with robes, slippers, wine and tea. I'll be making appointments, checking people out, keeping the areas picked up ... nothing hard and nothing that will follow me home. That's not how it worked being self-employed! So, it's not big bucks but I'll be working in an environment that provides services that make people happy and relaxed. I'm getting to the "acceptance" stage, and I think I'm going to like my new job ... and I get 50% off their services! I see a massage and pedicure in the near future. Who knows ... maybe our house will sell soon too.
In the meantime, I've got a lot of things to look forward to ... starting with the first of several family Christmas gatherings tomorrow. After Christmas and New Year's we've got our daughter's wedding in April and her graduation in May. Lots to keep us busy. Whew ... I'm also looking forward to another date with the sofa this Sunday while watching football (go Saints)! I'm tired. First I gotta hope that turkey I cook in the morning for tomorrow's Christmas gathering comes out okay. I'm not known for my cooking. What were they thinking when they decided to have me bring the main course?!
Hasta luego ... until then. Mid-Life Cruising!
Posts
6 comments:
Ken and Cheryl,
One of the bigger bright spots is that you've decided to go cruising now (at least ASAP). So many of us waited until retirement to live the dream. I think you'll find having gone earlier in your lives, you'll have that much more time to enjoy the lifestyle and the energy to take full advantage of it. Your time will come sooner than you think, so hang in there and continue to outfit your boat and plan your departure.
Hey Cheryl...the only thing that's permanent in life is the fact that everything is temporary...& that's why ya gotta have some fun before yer done !! The goal of going cruising is one way of escaping the rat race & you'll get there, & we'll see you out there someday !! A hard won fight will make the victory that much sweeter. Hang in there !!
I've been keeping up with you, I just haven't commented (personal stuff has kept me busy). Hang in there, and continue to enjoy your family and friends while you wait to cast off those land lines. I'm not known for my cooking either but luckily turkey's usually turn out just fine. Have a wonderful holiday!
I meant to post the other day when I read your melancholy post, but just now have time. I'm glad you are getting back out there and doing what you have to do to make things happen. You have to adapt and change, it's all part of it. We'll even have to do it while we are cruising. You aren't a failure at real estate, at least not to me. Real estate is a tricky business that can be exhausting and fruitless (so I've heard), and in this economy in your area it's no wonder. Hopefully your house will sell soon and when you look back you won't see yourself as a failure, but as accomplished for overcoming all of these things are binding you to land.
Hi there Cheryl, all of us can relate to that. Sometimes there are things beyond our control. Even sailing can relate to that as well. Sometimes while underway things change. We have to change as well to adapt to the new conditions. Sometimes all we get is a breeze to get us by and sometimes is a blow, LOL. But we adjust and keep making way in the right direction, sometimes not as straight as we wish, but it is a way darn it. Enjoy your Christmas. Maybe the next one your daughter may visit somewhere else...
Best wishes,
Sammy
Hi Cheryl - great post! Hope your holidays are lovely. It must be nice to have your daughter back home. I'm sure things will all work out and look forward to meeting you out on the water one day. Cheers - Ellen
Post a Comment