My Job

Time again for Mama Kat’s Almost World Famous Writer’s Workshop.  This week I chose prompt  #5.) What do you love most about your job? 

I don't always participate in Writer's Workshop but I thought it would be cathartic to do so today. I've already written about upcoming changes of employment so I won't bore you with more details. One thing my job is not, is boring. Right now I need to remember why I do what I do, especially this time of year.

First, let's clarify the work so you won't judge me too harshly. I am a high school counselor at an alternative high school. It's the end of April and now all those students who just have to graduate on time are realizing that, not only are they short credits, but also time.  Never mind they've known their credit deficiency for two years but now they want it to be my problem. It's not my problem. It's not. 

Yet I will be calling the mother of my daughter's prom date to tell her to tell her son he can't take my daughter to prom until he tests on his Health packets.  But I will not own this. I won't. Even though I already have.

But what do I love?

1. The inspiring people I meet. There are so many who have overcome so much and are willing to share their journey. There are days I have personal struggles and serendipitously someone drops into my office to register a child and our spirits connect. Something they say touches my soul and heals me, inspires me, or somehow helps me. 
2. Students who inspire me. Those who have suffered much yet continue on. The cute gal from Uganda who, along with her five brothers and sisters became an orphan when her parents died of Malaria. Flying to the United States on an airplane and speaking not a word of English, offered food they'd never seen and crying from hunger and fear. Today she greets me and everybody she sees with a smile and positive attitude. I love that girl. Or the 300 lb., 6 ft. 7 inch Samoan boy who is working towards NCAA eligibility. He comes into registration every day and sings a ballad with the voice of an angel, perfect pitch.
3. Being part-time. I am able to be home when my children are home, for the most part. Housework is sporadic but I get to watch my children grow up and be a part of that growing up.
4. Having a place in the world where I know what I'm doing. As much as I enjoy my children, certain children remind me of my incompetencies and it's nice to be in my little office and feel confidence in my work.
5. Working part time cuts down on my need for hobbies. I still need my hobbies but, as my husband can swear, I become a little obsessive about them. I can only engage in a hobby that does not swallow up every hour of my waking day.  Unless it's summer break when I can refinish the dining set, paint the walls in the house, or whatever strikes my little fancy. 
6. Yet I can still have my little hobbies. My chickens are doing well, thank you. I spend a little time every day working on making their abode more comfortable and safe from the *expletive* dog.
7. My colleagues. Duh. I will miss them dearly when I tell them goodbye in two months.
8. Graduation. The great payday. I love to see the end result. I love to listen to the speakers at the end of one journey and the beginning of another. I love the young mothers who overcame the statistics are standing in their cap and gown. 

Honestly, it's is simply inspiring.