I did not start off 2009 with the intention of not working. It just kind of happened. I was sick, taking care of grandparents, going to the doctor, having medical tests and surgery, recovering from surgery, and deciding to move to Auburn (which got put on the backburner now because I have more work to do in Birmingham).
What's that word I wrote? WORK. Yes, I have started working again. Kind of. I have a babysitting job lined up for Thursdays and I started volunteering at the 1917 Clinic again.
What did I do before the great hiatus? I worked and volunteered.
I don't see myself going back into bartending any time soon. Personally, I don't think I'm the greatest bartender. Yes, I'm very conscientous and of course I pay attention to my customers. I just get a little self conscious when I have a lot of people needing drinks at one time, which makes me feel kind of slow. But, never say never. If a happy hour job opened up in Auburn, I'd be there in a heartbeat. After the Thursday night gig is over, of course. (I do stick to my commitments.)
I might be going back to school to get certified in massage therapy. I see myself doing that more than I see myself doing real estate. I've learned a lot in Real Estate school, but I really don't want to focus on sales and I've gotten some discouraging responses when I tell people I am leaning towards property management. (It basically boils down to a lot of work with little pay, which to me translates as less time to volunteer.)
So, what's up with this volunteering thing I keep mentioning? I got involved with the 1917 Clinic as a sexual health and HIV educator in 2006. I lead workshops, answer questions at outreach events, and test people for HIV. I still fill in in those areas when needed, but right now I am putting in a couple of hours every week as a volunteer to coordinate all that stuff I just mentioned. Honestly, this is my dream job. It's embarassing to explain what I do to some people, and to others I totally avoid it (saying it has to do with public health when I have to say what I do). I figure the more I work with the organization, the more experience I get, which will eventually help me get a paying job doing that kind of work. Plus, the people are really nice and appreciative. It feels good to feel welcome and needed in something you're good at.
Babysitting is the next best thing to being a parent for me, which is also my dream job. I'm just good at taking care of other people.
So, it feels good to be getting back out there and creating some routine.
