Start Each Day with Coffee...

I start each day with a cup of coffee. In fact, right now I have a cup sitting next to me getting sips at regular intervals. I cannot imagine my day starting without this wonderful, dark, java goodness. As I enjoy, I will write to procrastinate the day.

I have three phone calls to make and I really do not want to make them. I will be calling my new job and two prospective new jobs. Jobs that do not fall in line with my IT career of over 10 years. However, the down economy is full-blown at my house so I should be grateful to make these calls but the fact remains that they are jobs outside of my career.

I start work this week at Pottery Barn Kids as a Retail Associate. What a fun place this is going to be (and I am serious about that) but $12/hour is not a lot of money (serious about that too). Especially when you factor in that we are raising four kids, but we are supposed to do anything for our families right? Right. However, it is more difficult to do whatever it takes than to actually say. More importantly in my sometimes self-absorbed world - $12/hour is a far lower cry than what I used to make and my pride is wounded. I worked hard to build my career in a predominately man's world all while pursuing my Computer Science degree. How am I ending up at the mall?! Well...I should mention I opened and owned a retail store for nearly two years so I do have retail experience. :) The store and kids took a couple years away from IT so it really isn't surprising that the retail calls are coming in, but not the IT calls. What's a girl to do? Head to the mall, I suppose...

I am at a crossroads and I am not sure which path to take - do I take a couple retail jobs and postpone, or even end, my IT search *or* do I work at one to allow more time to continue the IT search? At this point, my heart isn't in either place & it is hard for me to do anything unless my heart is into it all the way. Part of me thinks I will flourish in retail - as much as I do not want to do it, I love it & I am good at it. They say if you do something you love, then the money will follow. The other part of me doesn't want to wait for the money & wants it now. I miss buying shoes, going out for dinner & drinks, traveling, splurging on the hubby & kids but mostly I despise struggling for groceries. Perhaps I merge my crossroads - work as much as I can through the Holidays. That gives me time to think about my options while making much-needed money for my family. In January, I can ease up my hours a bit and make my next move. Wow, what a great idea...this blogging is going to be good for something - therapy! Well, I'm off to make my phone calls - to Pottery Barn Kids, Gymboree, and Children's Place.

Today I started like every other day - with coffee. I think today is a good day to end with wine.