PIVOT

The past several months, even by the start of 2020 I have been feeling a strong pull to make a change in my life.  

After I graduated with my Art degree I started teaching art in the local community center. I learned that I actually really enjoy teaching and sharing my passion and knowledge with those around me, both young and old. After almost a year the center closed to the recreating center could open where I resumed my job planting seeds of creativity and watching my students grow in their abilities. I also enjoyed staff parties,  I mean,  staff meetings, but they consisted of team building games, awards for high performance, and recognition for my hard work.  I felt I was valued there and good at what I did. I knew I was doing something that mattered and it was fulfilling. 

When I moved to Arizona and got a similar job at a local community center,  with the same title and job description,  I was eager to get to work and have similar experiences and feelings. It's amazing how different the culture can be from one place to another.  While I still adored my students and loved sharing at history through techniques and projects,  I was lacking the sense of belonging.  I longed for the community and fun I had once had in my workplace.  No one here cared about me. 

I needed to pivot. 

I got hired on with Shutterfly on the Production Design Team. Two words perfectly sum up my feelings of this experience: Dream. Job. The comradery was magical.  It was so fun,  even while working remotely. Alas, the position was seasonal so the joy was short lived.  

My quest for a happy career continued. Slowly.  Poorly.  Discouraging. 

Finally I decided I needed a bigger change and move away from the Art world for a while.  I was tired of being ridiculously talented and not getting recognized for it.

I found a fully new type of job to try out in retail.  I lovely Bridal shop. With lovely people. I learned I was not only capable of this type of work, but I was also quite good at it and I rather enjoy it. 

So that's where I am now! 

I'm still shopping my toes in the waters of change and trial,  so that's not the only place I am.  I also got a job at the airport. 

Piedmont, which is under American Airlines, has been a really fun,  but incredibly challenging place to work.  They're working is like crazy,  full time hours here plus my other job leaves very little time to spend with anyone else,  even my kids and i miss them!