Back to work: a new (old) chapter

Dear Readers, In many ways, this week marked the beginning of a new chapter. You may have read in an earlier blog that I am driven toward a new career path since becoming a mother. The non-profit world is calling and I'm ready to make the change. I believe that no experience is ever lost; we adapt and evolve many times during the different seasons of our lives. This new career path was in the animal welfare field, which is a personal interest, value and passion. My husband and I have always supported animal rescues, shelters and getting our own animals "secondhand."

For the first time in my professional life, who I am closely coincides with what I'll do. There's less of a "versus" and it feels good. Monday. July 3, 2023.

My first official day! I had my new hire orientation and again met with the Executive Director, Associate Director (my boss) and some other staff members. I'll never forget that morning, as it was quite different than any other first day I have experienced. I packed my bag and drove to the shelter with Evangeline in tow. Yes, you heard that right. My infant daughter joined me for my first day as I was told not to get a sitter. She sat quietly in her stroller and entertained herself with some toys, while I completed paperwork, reviewed policies, talked about the schedule, weekly check-ins, staff meetings and met with the directors. When she started getting a little fussy, I just moved her back and forth and it seemed to soothe her.

Everyone who interacted with me interacted with her and she was treated like a member of the shelter family. I already felt like a valued team member, not just an employee ID number. Some things you don't forget. Before I knew it two hours had passed, and we were on our way home. All kinds of feelings and emotions overcame me when I left the shelter. If you've been reading my blog, you know that I've struggled with some of the identity changes associated with new motherhood. It has taken me a while to feel like myself again. Or perhaps a newer, more evolved version. Today was a big step. Mostly, on that ride home I was overcome with gratitude toward these women that could see something in me that I knew was there all along. A commitment to my craft of marketing and communications, work ethic and motivation to move the needle in an organization in which I supported. I didn't have to conceal or downplay any aspect of my identity. Cheers to reigniting this new (old) chapter of my life.