Fellow caregivers,
I was recently blessed to remain employed with my current employer as a role was found for me two days before my last day. Although this is normal course of business where I work, having the added caregiving dimension made it interesting, to say the least. Actually, I believe this was merely a test of faith for me, and I am happy to say that I passed! There were moments of internal anxiety but they passed quickly and occurred infrequently. I must say this is growth for me, but I don’t believe I can take the credit – I think it is a God thing. It is a case of faithfulness to the faithful.
There is also the radical priority transformation that has taken place in my life as a result of my dual caregiving role. Subsequent to that I realize that while the process of getting another job would be painful, difficult and slow – jobs come and go but the time I have with my parents is priceless and extremely limited. I believe my divine assignment is to make sure that their last season here on Earth is comfortable, safe, secure, peaceful, and as full of love as is possible.
Now, with all of that said and the job already in hand … um, how am I going to do all of this? I am so afraid I won’t be able to do anything well, and of course, everything I’m committed to requires that I do it well!
I followed some of the links related to the three part series Denise is doing on finding a job (thank God I can slowly read and absorb the information and not have to use it immediately!) and found out that we caregivers are a protected class of worker; that is comforting. My company and my client are large enough that they already have policies in place for this type of protection as well, but to know it is official is a little bit of security.
My concern is really in doing an excellent job at home with my mom, managing dad’s care in the home, and of course doing my job well. Also I want some quality of life – I don’t think it is the same as having your cake and eating it too do you?
Blessings,
Derek
What relief about your job! You would have landed on your feet, but…. It’s nice not to have to worry about that.
You seem so clear on your values and priorities–and that’s no easy task! That’s why you can have your cake and eat it, too. From where I sit, you deserve a second slice. Hope today was good for you and tomorrow is even better.