I have had the most fun and amazing job since early last year. I applied for the job because I felt I was very much qualified for just about everything on the list especially the preferred qualification of reading and speaking the Navajo language. Why yes, I do know how to read and speak the Navajo language and in fact, I am a fluent speaker, reader and can write some. To say the least, I got the job, which was very exciting because I was not expecting to get a full-time job that encompassed science and working with the Navajo and Hopi tribes. And it happened at the right time because I was looking to move on from my then-current job where I was in turmoil with the some co-workers, and I was not happy. In addition, the job was running out of funds and I was not looking to obtain additional funding to support a place I was not starting to enjoy. So with this new job, little did I know that it was going to be a huge but gradual transition. In short, in my new job I was allowed to move forward and take on responsibilities I was not allowed or rather given the opportunity to do. At my old job, I realized I was stifled and felt very much…stuck. Or perhaps I did not ask for the opportunity to learn these things. Maybe I just felt like the place I was in was where I belonged and someone else would take care of big budget and administrative stuff, and I would do what they told me. You know what? The thing is that I was worth more than that. I was a valuable asset to the organization I was working for and I was severely under appreciated.

Anyhow, my current job is just awesome, and I have learned so much in what seems like a short amount of time. I wish it would last longer but it that is the risk you take when you work in the university world based on soft money. And I am okay with it. I am not panicking nor am I losing that much sleep over what will come after December 31st. But my husband and I have some savings and I have job prospects that might keep some income coming in. I have never been without a job since I was a junior in high school, whether it’s part or full time. It is a scary prospect but then again, I am excited at the idea of having some time to concentrate on some things like do-it-yourself projects or my new non-profit I am starting with a good friend of mine. I like having a full-time job but then again I like being creative and having time for my family and friends, and community projects and events. It is kind of scary going into what seems like the unknown. Well it is the unknown for me because I have never been without a job while having a kid and a few more bills to pay. But then I read Tammy Strobel’s (of the amazing blog Rowdy Kittens) book, “You Can Buy Happiness (and It’s Cheap)” and she talks about some of the same fears and her journey into self-employment. I really admire how she loves her life and she loves what she is doing for work and enjoyment. I want to feel like that. I want to feel the way her blog and her words make me feel…good, motivated and happy. We shall see where this journey takes me but I’ll be sure to let you know.