BIG NEWS!!!

The day is finally here! I can let you all in on my big news!

Drum roll.............

I HAVE A NEW JOB!!!!

Yes, despite all odds, I was able to get back into the county that I used to work for. There were 6 spots open in the entire county (and it's a LARGE county), and I got one of them. The day that I interviewed. Before they were even officially offering jobs.

Y'all, I rocked my interview. I went in calm, cool and collected (probably due to the many pep talks from my friends and loved ones in the days leading up to it--thanks guys!! :). I answered their questions without much or any difficulty. 

One of the last questions I was asked was "What is your passion about speech pathology? What keeps you going day-to-day?"  And my answer was simple: When a kid has been struggling with something, especially one who's been down on themselves and saying it's "too hard"...when they finally  get it, that's what I love. To see a kid so proud of themselves. Those small moments of joy after the hard work. Love!

After that, the head of the department said "I wish we had taped this interview" and the other supervisors nodded. So, I sheepishly asked "For a good reason, or a bad one?" and they all laughed. 

She said that it was obvious that school-based therapy is in my blood and that this is what I'm meant to do. She said that it's clear that I've taken what I've learned over the years and made it my own.

You guys, I can't tell you how long it's been since I've felt praise from someone in my work environment. And to hear it from the head of the Speech Department who's in charge of hundreds of speech pathologists?! Wow!

After the interview, when they said they were going to recommend me to be hired, my old supervisor (who had been in the interview) said to me, "We've interview over 40 people, with 30 more to go, and 6 positions open. You should be very proud of yourself!"

I'm on top of the moon. While I will be taking a pay cut, instead of getting a pay raise, I will be in a MUCH more supportive environment, with people who appreciate what I do, who I can lean on for support. Money can't buy happiness, and I've been miserable at my old job. I don't know what school I will be at just yet, but I know my supervisor is looking out for me. It's nice to finally feel like I have that again.

I let my old job know yesterday that I will not be returning. I feel bad giving them late notice on this, but I need to do what's right and best for me. No one else will look out for me, but me.

Thank you to all of you for all of your supportive comments along the way! I'm so glad to have had it to help me get through the tough times. Hopefully in the coming year I won't need it as much, or at all! *fingers crossed*

So, there you have it. That's my news! Jenn's got a new J-O-B! :)