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Mixed Feelings

It's been a long time in coming, but as of this morning, I'm no longer a medical transcriptionist. I'm not sure how I feel about that...a little bit relieved, a little bit sad, a lot bit uncertain about whether I'll regret this decision.

For the last year or so, I've found that the transcription work isn't fulfilling the need I once had to stay at home with my babies and have an income. I've increasingly felt that I need more interaction and less monotony. I've also felt the pressure of work that constantly needs to be done, with no sense of ever being really "finished." No matter how much work you've done for the day, there's always another note waiting to be transcribed. That goes for sick days, holidays, vacations days or any kind of days.

This year, I've dabbled in substituting as a school monitor and office staff, and kind of found my niche in the last few weeks. I'll be working a couple of hours a day in one of the school offices and it's fitting the bill really well. I'm doing something I like, getting out and interacting with people but still having a very flexible schedule that matches my kids' school calendar.

I'm surprisingly sad at letting this job go--probably because it was literally a gift sent from God 11 years ago when I desperately wanted to quit work and stay home with my baby boy; that and the fact that it's been a safety net that has allowed me to flex the amount of money I wanted to make based on my need. I also feel a slight bit ungrateful, as I remember desperately wanting to work at home, and I know there are many moms who would give anything to have a work opportunity like I've had. It's a permanently done deal too. The medical center I work for is increasingly outsourcing their transcription, and as transcriptionists leave, they are not replacing them.

But I think it's the right thing, and I've certainly contemplated it for a long, long time. After talking with Muh Main Man this morning, I just did it. I got on the phone, called and talked to my supervisor and had a very nice chat with the promise of a good reference should I ever need one.

So think of me today and send encouraging thoughts my way. I know I'm going to be happy I did this, but it's feeling a little weird already.

Comments

Stephen Ley said…
Job change isn't easy. I get nervous thinking about leaving my current job of 11+ years, but I know that day is coming eventually.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." PHIL. 4:19
Laura said…
change is not always easy...especially when it is regarding a job...then throw on top the sacrifices and demands we as mom face...I think your new job is AMAZING -and I am sure you will do great and love it. Kudos to you!

I hope you feel as lucky as I do - I also have found a jo that fits my need/desire to be home with the kids. And it is wonderful!

Good luck!
Rochelle said…
Change is always hard...but also an opportunity, right? Congrats on the courage to step out of your 'box' and make the change! :)
Anonymous said…
Did you read the "God Thinks For Today" before or after you posted? Seems fitting either way. Good Luck with your new job.
Mary Ellen said…
Good for you girl! You are much too talented and have too many good people skills to have a job that keeps you away from people. It was a great way to be at home with the kiddos but I'm glad to read you are steppin' out!

That has to feel wonderful not to know you ALWAYS have work waiting for you - while change can be hard to get used to, I predict this one change you'll get used to real fast. Hurray!
Congratulations on a job well done. It must be time to move on! I'm trying to get in the transcription business, so maybe this frees up some room for me. ;)

God bless, and here's to your new adventures!
Unknown said…
Sometimes change can feel out of your depth at first. But I know that plunging into what your heart desires is going to add another beautiful chapter to your life. Enjoy this new freedom knowing you made the best decision for you and your family and I also know God is smiling down on you as He’s blessed you fulfilling the desires of your heart.
Anonymous said…
It's a new stage of your life and you are definitely a people person. It's a decision that is best for you and most of all your children for this time of your lives! Now you don't have to worry about getting a transcript done!

~Sue
laurie said…
I have loved being at home with my children too and now I am starting to substitute and do some volunteer work at the schools. I have a teaching certificate but God hasn't seen fit to put me in there full time again yet. I will be thinking and praying for you in this transition.
LindaJo49 said…
Joyce Landorf Heatherly wrote a book on "Change Points" and we've all had our share. It seems that the transition time is the toughest - it does sound like your new adventure will be fun for both you and your young'uns!! Love reading your blog, by the way! It's usually a 'laugh out loud' post -- I think my family thinks I'm crazy laughing at a computer!!
Laurie said…
Good for you, Jen! I am headed in that same direction. And it fills the need perfectly- you are home on your children's schedule, interacting with grownups :), and making a we bit o' money to boot. SOunds like this is another gift He has sent your way!

Hey, I am hauling out, decluttering and packing up some stuff for the eventual move. Are you still doing some paper scrapping?I ave some supplies and some pretty neat books that would fit a digital or paper scrapper's tastes and all are free to a good home. Call me if you would like them or know someone else who might! I never used them to paperscrap with, more crafting, then didn't have the sense to stop buying supplies!
jenny said…
Just wanted to add...what a great way to be light in your kids school. Congrats on this new step!
Susanna Joy said…
I know it's a huge decision, but God will bless your endeavors as you honor Him and listen to His Spirit. So excited for you... and the family!

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