Just meant to be…..
Do you ever have the feeling that sometimes things happen, unplanned things usually, but they are just meant to be?
I have had a strong feeling for a few months that I was at a turning point in my life. I couldn’t put my finger on anything specific, but I was a little restless and beginning to think that a change was in the air. Those of you who pop in here regularly know that I haven’t had the easiest time teenager-wise in the last few months and for a short while I was struggling and my life felt like it was stuck under a big, black cloud.
With a little bit of professional help things have started to turn around and I’ve been feeling much better. But still there has been this antsy feeling. I’ll turn 50 this year, my oldest daughter will leave school, my son will hopefully find an apprenticeship and there’s a feeling of flux and change in the air.
Job-wise I’ve kept myself busy for the last decade with freelancing as an editor, translator and corrector for academics – all done from home and fitting around the children. I like it, but it’s sporadic and somehow I have been feeling ready for more.
Last weekend I was contacted by an old friend about a job in finance (pre-children I was an accountant, well technically I still am, but just a resting one!). I hadn’t considered going back to my old profession – I thought I was too old and had been away too long and nobody would consider me – and on top of that I didn’t think I’d find a job that I would get excited about….and let’s face it, at 50 you aren’t going to get up and go to work to do a job that you hate or that bores you if you can help it…
So I never thought about accounting.
Until last week. When rather unexpectedly what appears to be the perfect job fell into my lap. A job that was interesting and challenging, where nobody cared that I’d been away so long, but rather looked at what I could do, where the chemistry was just right from the off, the part-time hours flexible and just what I would have chosen. A job that comes with an adorable Scottie dog who sleeps in a cupboard and begs for pieces of apple… It really couldn’t be better.
So that’s it. I’m putting on my accountant’s hat and pulling out the smart clothes and joining the big kids again.
Miracles do happen.
It feels like it was meant to be.
I will still be blogging and running and quilting and knitting…just maybe not quite as much!
Wish me luck. I feel like I’m starting a whole new phase of my life – and it feels pretty cool!
Helen
January 15th, 2013 at 7:04 pm
That is wonderful – congratulations! I was going to suggest that since I’m in Zurich we meet up for a coffee sometime, but I’m thinking you will be very busy for awhile.
I love how things work together for our good. Blessings to you and your new job.
January 15th, 2013 at 7:21 pm
I am so pleased to hear (if this is possible) that bounce in your step and happiness in your words. Good for you, go out and enjoy. You have so much to give in so many ways, and have done for so long now. Time for something for you.
January 15th, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Yes, meant to be! What a wonderful opportunity for you, and I know you will love it!!
January 15th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
Congratulations! I’m fifty next month too and I’m also starting a new job in April and I’m very much hoping that I can work four days rather than a full week – more quilting time! Is it something about those of us born in ’63 that we drift into unplanned career choices? It works – things always work out for the best.
January 15th, 2013 at 8:53 pm
Good luck. I hope we still see you a lot in blog land.
January 15th, 2013 at 9:02 pm
This is such good news Helen! Sounds absolutely perfect. Apart from any reduction in quilting time
but I’m sure the pluses will outweigh this one little minus.
You have given hope to folk like me who wonder when they will ever get back into the profession – I feel like I have a straight choice between my children and my career. Doing the school run means that I would not be able to do 9 til 5, let alone the 8 til 8 that I used to do pre-children. But maybe one day the perfect job will be be waiting for me as serendipitously as yours did for you! Well done xxx
January 15th, 2013 at 9:24 pm
Great! I like the sound of the dog and treats too – I really hope it proves to be a great fit for you! But we do still have to work out a way to have coffee and chat again soon. I will have to make a plan!
January 15th, 2013 at 9:32 pm
Good for you Helen – Like your other readers I really wish you success in this new adventure – because that is what it is. I’m sure that the Scottie dog will give good performance reviews – especially if you are generous with the apple pieces.
Enjoy!!!!!
January 15th, 2013 at 9:36 pm
Helen, congratulations! A new job (that comes with a DOG!)! That’s the best thing about getting older–new windows opening up!
January 15th, 2013 at 10:12 pm
You never mentioned the dog!!!!!
So we’re not all past our sell- by date then! That’s good news. When do you start. I hope it’s not going to ruin this seasons skiing!
January 15th, 2013 at 11:39 pm
Whoopie! I’m very happy for you! I hope it all turns out as well as – or even better than – you describe it!
January 15th, 2013 at 11:44 pm
well done! you can still come to the FQR right?
January 15th, 2013 at 11:58 pm
I am so happy for you! It will be great. I hope your blogs still keep coming regularly. I am enjoying them.
January 16th, 2013 at 12:29 am
oooo la la Helen….. what fab news, how exciting, something for you. I am thrilled to bits for you, enjoy embarking on a new challenge. But I hope you still find time for hobbies and blogging x
January 16th, 2013 at 12:53 am
Wow – definitely meant to be – you will have a ball!
January 16th, 2013 at 1:00 am
That is fantastic news, really pleased for you. And the best thing with accounts is that nothing really changes anyway!
January 16th, 2013 at 1:11 am
Woohoo, congrats! Err, explain the dug though…
January 16th, 2013 at 2:22 am
Helen,
Congratulations on the new job! It sounds like the right opportunity at the right time. Can’t wait to hear about it.
January 16th, 2013 at 4:02 am
Helen, if you are happy, then I am happy! Although we who enjoy your blog sort of feel like we’ve had you all to ourselves, after your family anyway. So from a selfish standpoint, I’m hoping you love your job, but that it doesn’t take you away from blogging too much. Congratulations, and I can’t wait to hear more someday! xxoo
January 16th, 2013 at 4:44 am
Wow, Helen, congratulations! I wish you all the best with your new endeavour and I hope you ‘ll find it fulfilling and rewarding. I do hope you will stick to your promise to still blog from time to time. We would miss you too much otherwise.
January 16th, 2013 at 11:44 am
Congratulations, Helen, that’s fantastic news! I wish you the best of luck and that this job is as exciting and rewarding as you hope.
January 16th, 2013 at 12:24 pm
Ohhhh I thought it was a job you were hinting at, good for you sounds a bit fab job, tell us more about the dog
January 16th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
All the very best – a dog at work is a definite bonus
tho mine begs for mandarine segments and grapes, as well as apple cores!!
January 16th, 2013 at 3:50 pm
Congratulations Helen! I hope it works out terrifically for you. I remember it took me 6 months to get out of my depressed slump after my son left home, talk about empty nest!!
January 16th, 2013 at 6:19 pm
Good luck on your new job.
I recognize the big cloud-feeling. I’m not ready however to take the jump, but it will definitely come!!! Enjoy your new live…
January 17th, 2013 at 1:39 am
Congratulations Helen – I’m so pleased for you and you sound so happy. I can’t wait to hear about it and how fun to be putting on smart clothes again!
January 17th, 2013 at 3:49 pm
Wonderful news, it sounds perfect. And you will have some additional fabric purchasing power too.
January 18th, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Congratulations Helen! You seem so happy with the decision, and the job sounds perfect for you. I had noticed your unease with “things” recently, and this sounds like just the thing to distract you from all that can fill our mind and doesn’t necessarily need too. My kids are still little, but I know I need to work outside the home to be the best Mum. I’m happiest if I’m doing both. Just part time work, but it’s the distraction I need from becoming to caught up in my own head. Good luck! Ooh, do you need to go out and buy a whole new work wardrobe?!
January 20th, 2013 at 11:33 am
Great news!! I wish you a very good start and that everything turns out like you image it, welcome back, working for the man