Making the Transition- Part 2

So as previously mentioned, I began the hunt for a part-time job while working my full-time job. It began simply by thinking about what I enjoyed doing when I had free time. That led me to look for positions in two distinctly different fields, health clubs and libraries. In my twenties and thirties I was a certified aerobic instructor and loved it. I was in no shape to teach but I figured with my previous connections I might just score a position at the front desk or customer service. Additionally I was born and raised a book geek. My parents both read to me growing up and we always attended summer reading programs at our local library. I kept a stack of books by my bed just for vacation......It had gotten to the point that I didn't have time to read otherwise.

As luck would have it, after filling out a few applications, I landed a part-time position with a local library working 12-18 hours per week within a few weeks of looking. Even though I had no experience my customer service skills and passion for books were easily recognized. To make sure the job was a fit I worked both jobs for several months. Transitioning out of my full-time job slowly and reducing my design client base while increasing my hours at the library. I was lucky because the library job was only 9 blocks from home and I started out working evenings to train.

My employer of 18 years hated to see me go but understood the my reasons. I finished my design jobs and worked with another designer to take over the ones that I couldn't over several months. Still reducing my hours but working with the library simultaneously. So I guess you could say it got a little more busy and complicated before it got a lot better.

Soon, I would have more time to spend with my family. I would also have more time to spend with my mom. She obviously was dealing with her own transition from wife to widow. From business partner to sole proprietor of a large farm. The the man who had just left us all so quickly, so unexpectedly had proposed to my mom when she was only four and he only six. That another, very special story for another day.........

For my next post I will talk to you about other transitions my family made during the time period.