Saturday, June 23, 2012

THIS is how it's done!

Ok people, let's see if I can gather my thoughts long enough to coherently blog tonight.  So much has been happening my head is spinning!  GAAAAAH!

So a while ago the kids and I put up a dream board in the kitchen/dining area, a place where we would see it often.  Nothing fancy, just a large white poster board tacked to the wall with the words "Our Dreams" at the top.  When we think of something we want in life, big or small, we put something on the board to represent what we want.

I've been wanting to get out of my job for forever, so finally I came up with something to put on the dream board.  That something was this little number:


Mind you, I've been looking at posted jobs for Cody for months, and when I tacked this up I had no idea what on earth I would find here that fit my wants.  As quickly as I tried to figure that out, I remembered that the how, the when, and the details, were not up to me to worry about.  I put it out there and let go.

Within a week, a job for a photojournalist at our local newspaper appeared.  In spite of my utter lack of experience in the newspaper/photojournalist field, I went ahead and sent my resume anyway.  I knew it couldn't hurt.  

To make a long story short, after various emails were exchanged with the editor, I got a chance to meet with him and he basically told me this:  Because of my lack of experience he wanted to give me a try-out for the month of July.  There were no guarantees I would get the job, but he liked the pictures I had shown him and he wanted to see what I could do.  But he wanted me full time (with pay of course).

I had a huge decision to think about - take a HUMONGOUS risk and quit TSA so I could work full time for the paper doing something I love, and risk not having a job after a month - or stay with TSA and be safe and secure and miserable.

I spent a day and a half thinking about what I should do, weighing every pro and con, knowing I desperately wanted to take that risk but being so scared to do it.  After I was finally able to talk to the kids, and after they both told me DO IT Mom!!, I knew what my answer was.

The next day I gave my notice at TSA, and let them know my last day would be June 30th.  With that, my manager, in all her excitement for my new adventure, let me know she would be more than happy to rehire me if it didn't work out.

With the huge safety net of being able to return to TSA if I needed to, I confidently emailed the editor and let him know I'm parting ways with TSA and I was all his beginning July 1st.  

I'm not a big risk-taker.  I like it safe and comfy.  I like to know what I'm doing and where I'm going.  This decision has brought out a fighter in me I didn't realize I had.  I know, without a doubt, as soon as I'm shown the ropes I'll be a great photojournalist.  As the editor explained the demands of the job a surge of adrenaline rushed through me.  

This job is MINE.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still scared to death.  Terrified.  But there's a confidence somewhere deep inside my gut that pushes me forward even if I don't know quite where I'm headed.  I'm trusting that I'll be taken care of, that I will learn what I need to learn, and in due time I'll settle in and feel right at home earning a living off something I am passionate about.

Expect to hear about this new job ad nauseum, because I'm so damn excited about it I could burst!  If you're ever wondering about the power of positive thought, of the law of attraction, let me know.  It's working miracles for me that are truly life-changing.

I hope you like to fly, 'cause this bird is spreading her wings and taking you along for the ride!







13 comments:

Hannah Desnki said...

This sounds like out of the movie - where you get that one chance to do what you really love and are good at... I'm so glad to see it actually happen to real people! The chance is all we need sometime! The very best of luck! Hx

Ernest S B Boston said...

This is reaLLy eXciting!

Diana a.k.a. Meme said...

Congrats... go get em!

Stacia said...

I love your fierce "go get em'" determination and I can't wait to hear about it as you move forward with this new venture. How AWESOME to have job security either way! AND...you'll be doing something that feeds your passion.

Excited for you!!!!

Dave Stone said...

This is both awesome and exciting! What a great opportunity. Congrats to you for taking the plunge.

Steve said...

Kim, I can hardly contain my joy about this post! I may just print it out as a reminder that positive thinking and having faith in the great unseen actually does work. I've read a hundred stories like yours, but none of them have affected me as much as what is going on in your life right now. Maybe it's because I know you and it's hitting a little closer to home. It's kind of like knowing somebody that won the lottery. Whatever the case thank you for sharing this with the rest of us that are maybe teetering on the brink of taking that step. Very happy for you and also proud of you!

Bobi Jensen said...

LOVE IT! There is something powerful about writing it down. Do you keep a journal? I write prayers in mine and love to look back and see the way they are answered down to the detail. Feel free to gush about this all ya want! It's beautiful.

Beverly Steeves said...

i just found your blog and i love it. great writing. good luck on your new job. i would love for you to visit my blog.
http://blackinkpaperie.blogspot.com
thanks
new follower bev

The Accidental Somebody said...

Bobi yes, I've been keeping a journal since I was about five years old - it's my therapy! I also love to look back to see how things happen, and to really see how much I've grown. Thanks for the love!

The Accidental Somebody said...

Steve if printing it out helps, then print it man! I firmly believe in the power of positive thinking and I feel like I've struck a goldmine that will never run dry. It's really quite amazing what can happen to you if you really do it right!

Elliot said...

Congrats, I'm excited for you. No one should have to stay somewhere they are miserable.

an other said...

Superb, you'll be great, don't look back.

Keith Levy said...

Fantastic news! Good luck!