Do what you dream, and you'll love where you work!

This is a little different from most of my thrifting and crafting posts. But, it ties into why I started this blog and why I took a different path than the one I was originally on.

New to the workforce

In June 2011, I landed my first full time job after graduating college. I was ecstatic. I loved the people I worked with and my place in that job. I got paid to research and write blogs, edit documents, and even attempt at graphic design (which I learned wasn't my forte! ;) )

But, something wasn't right. Although it was such a great opportunity and it was a job in my major...I wasn't happy with where I was.

I started getting really down and resentful. I blamed everyone around me for how I was feeling...when the person I should have been pointing the finger at was myself. This is when I learned that even though I had it good with where I was, I wasn't where I saw myself. I wasn't where I wanted to be and I had to make a choice.

Besides learning to change my attitude no matter where I was in life...I made a decision...

...I quit my full-time, secure job in search of what would make me happy in a profession.

I mean, if you aren't happy with the work you are doing, find something else, right? Especially since I had JUST graduated. The first job isn't always the best fit - no matter how great of an opportunity it is! 

Getting over the guilt

At first, I was very hard on myself. I felt guilty for turning away a good opportunity. I felt like a failure. Once I got over that initial guilt, I was able to pursue my dream job - photography and working with special needs children.

I work full time now, but it takes three jobs to add up to 40 hours a week. I gotta say, I LOVE it! Working small shifts at different jobs throughout the day keeps me happy.

New Work Schedule

I work in the early mornings and late afternoons as a special needs bus aide with an adorable girl. She inspires me to be more positive with her great attitude! Plus, she's a sweetheart - it's hard not to be happy after spending a moment with her.

Then from 9:30a-1:30p I work at a photography studio doing all sorts of things. I photo assist, do post-production, file papers, write and mail invoices, marketing, AND I brand and book sessions for my own photo company. It's the sister company to my boss's original photo company.

Here's just a brief peek at a day in the studio

My walk downtown to the studio is always nice in the early morning. :) 

My boss is pretty awesome too. Can't deny that.

We always have time to have fun and make weird faces. :P

One thing I've learned - keep an eye on my sandwiches. We have a sandwich swiper. Still in the works of figuring out just who's the culprit. ;)

Did I mention besides having a cat in the studio, there's also a dog? Part of my job now consists of giving the dog regular walks! Well, I sort of asked if I could do that! :)

How can you deny this lithe guy a walk?!

The other piece to the 40-hour a week puzzle is working as a community living support. Usually, I squeeze in some time on evenings and weekends to work one-on-one with an adorable 8-year-old boy with autism. Most people may not like the idea of working then - but let's face it, my husbands a teacher so he works evenings and weekends sometimes too! Not a big deal.

The other week, we went swimming! :)

Photo Courtesy of Kiri Salazar

Although, I was insecure at first about how unconventional my new route in the workforce was, I've realized it's the best fit for me right now. I love kids and taking pictures so what's so wrong in finding a way to do what I love? 

Sometimes I think about going to school part-time to get a teaching certificate. Maybe someday I will, but for now I'm content with where I'm at and excited to see where life takes me.

One word of encouragement: Be proud of the job you are in. YOU are a valuable employee wherever you are and there's a reason you were chosen for the position. Don't lose sight of that! But, if you aren't happy with where you are, don't feel guilty about looking for something else! YOU are your first priority - not the job!