Life has a funny way of pushing me around. It’s been like that since I was a kid. There
are times when I feel like I’m in control, but clearly at other times (like now)
someone or something else is at the helm. Control is an illusion, but every
once in a while, I get a hint of things to come.
When we first moved into Pacifica, we’d drive up and
down Linda Mar Boulevard. Each time we did, we went past the Sanchez Art
Center. At night, the neon ART sign was
on, and I was attracted to it like a moth.
Why?
Well, now I’m working there part time and indulging
my curiosity. I’m also working in a way that beneficially combines my
facilities experience, my writing, and my art.
I’m learning about operating the building full of art studios. I’m doing publicity and writing press releases.
And soon I’ll learn more about marketing and putting an exhibition together. These are all compelling subjects that take
my creativity to the next level while enhancing my knowledge.
I don’t regret a moment spent in Corporate. The
private sector treated me well and gave me professional confidence. I had our daughter while in private sector, and
Leslie had quite a few serious surgeries, too. None of them cost us a dime.
Now, it seems Corporate has turned its back on me. In
the past, getting a job was so easy, and done in just a few weeks after moving
cross country. I’ve submitted up to seven resumes on-line a week for almost two
years, and have been on only two interviews.
When I lost my unemployment unexpectedly (another story altogether), and
put out an S.O.S., two jobs emerged through friends. Both revolve around my writing. In fact, I’ve
been published with a by-line in the local paper. I even have a writing resume now, which is
totally cool. Life is steering me in a
new direction, and it is exciting.
Truth to tell, I don’t want to go back into
corporate full time. It pays very well,
but I find it oppressive. The last job I
had nearly tore me apart as I waited to be let go. Naturally, working in non-profit doesn’t pay as
well, but it nurtures my spirit. As I approach my mid-century mark, I need this
as much as I needed weight loss surgery.
Last week, I walked through the dark, empty halls at
Sanchez Art Center, and I felt completely in the moment. The Center is between exhibitions, so nothing
is up on the walls. It was a symbolic slice
of time carved out of the continuum just for me. Every dark doorway was a
possibility, and every blank wall was an inspiration.
I embrace where I am right now, and I want to see
what’s behind each and every door. I
want to explore each facet of my creativity, and every career opportunity that
knocks.
I want this change.
