dreaming big
September 2, 2016 § 6 Comments
Yesterday’s hopes are today’s celebrations. I was offered the job I dared to chase.
It is a fairy tale of sorts, a chain of happy coincidences that created a footpath from daydreams to possibility. It begins with a new acquaintance, a lucky inheritance of my daughter’s friendship.
Over a morning coffee date, I bemoaned my lack of direction at forty; confessing my eagerness to fill a newly recognized wish for something to do outside our home. Asked what I like, I crafted my ideal job with self-indulgent details almost frivolous for their specificity.
A part-time position that complimented my children’s school days, afforded me time enough to care for our dog and tend to household tasks. Something close to home that would not involve sales and might allow me a change of wardrobe. Work I could perform independently among a larger community, preferably something pertaining to books.
Days later my new friend forwarded me an opportunity. A part-time job in a neighboring community, tending to books in a library. Hours that let me hug my children at the start of their day and welcome them home each afternoon. Time enough to honor my established routines while carving out time for something new.
I applied with an enthusiasm that left no room for caution, typing my resume as quickly as my fingers would permit. Imperfect and outdated, I offered my inadequacies alongside my qualifications. A week later I had almost resigned myself to failure when the invitation came to interview.
Yesterday afternoon I replayed my interview, holding each question in my mind’s eye and worrying the details against the grain of my hope. Wrestling my insecurities I decided to celebrate my effort and invited close friends to help me ward off doubt with borrowed cheer.
Today the job I so recently dreamed has come to fruition and I’m celebrating the intersection of dreams and doubts; the place we leap ahead and hold tight. The path we choose and the people who accompany us as we chase the impossible into reality.
scribblechic 
I am so happy for you Marie. It sounds like a perfect job for you and your family.
Thanks, Aunt Jan! You’re right – it is a perfect fit for me and our family. I’m so grateful! The kids have been adorable – I think they were almost as excited as me.
That’s great news. And working with books, too! I’m a big believer in libraries-over here many have been closed and scaled down because of cuts. Luckily ours is still operating well, I tell everyone “use it or lose it!” All my kids are members, and when I was a foster carer I would enrol the children placed with us.
Congratulations. Keep the kids dreaming!
Thank you, Andy! I have such a soft spot for libraries. I couldn’t imagine a happier place to spend my time away from home.
Well done Marie, you have put your heart out there, and it has been returned in kind 🙂
Thanks, Mark. I am over the moon!