Reflections...

Well, I just finished my first week of full-time employment. I can't believe I've been out of college for 15 years, and have yet to work a full-time job. So, here's a few reflections on my week:

• Phew! I am exhausted! I used to work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from about 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. My new job is five days a week from 7:20 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. I have been quite spoiled! Maybe, spoiled isn't the right word? How about blessed? I feel blessed to have been able to be home most of the time with my boys while they were younger. Those are cherished years!
• While we are on the subject of me leaving for work at 7:20 a.m., I don't think I mentioned that I am not an early morning person. I detest getting up early, just ask my husband and kids. So in this matter, I have been spoiled!
• I don't get home until about 5:40 p.m., and the boys get home around 3:40 p.m., which leaves them alone for two hours in the afternoon. I didn't anticipate that being so difficult for me, but I feel like I have abandoned them. For instance, if it was raining I always picked them up from the bus at the end of the drive (which is quite long). Wouldn't you know it, but twice this week it was pouring down rain when they got off the bus. I felt so guilty for not being there to pick them up. They have also picked up some additional chore responsibilities during those two hours, like cleaning and cooking. They have always helped around the house, but now I feel guilty for having them do those things, because I am not there. For the last 14+ years, my main job has been to take care of my boys, so it's been difficult to make this transition.
• My new job is about 35-40 minutes from my home, which leaves me long amounts of time alone in the car. I've been able to watch the sunrise each morning on my way to work. I just got a new MP3 player for my listening enjoyment. I also pulled out my audio CD's of the Bible and have been listening to those during my commute. I have already come to enjoy those semi-quite times.
• I have to take an hour long lunch break each day, which I am not used to doing. That seemed a bit odd at first, but it has been nice to be able to run errands, do grocery shopping or just get out of the office.
• O.k., so enough about me complaining about being tired, getting up early and missing my boys, I love my new job! My new boss is a very nice, helpful, Christian man who I think will be a joy to work with. The people in the student affairs department all seem very nice, and many of them are Christian folks also. The gal that used to hold this position is just down the hall a few doors, so she has also been very helpful in answering questions. The administrative/scheduling/detail orientated work is what I love to do, so I am in my element there! I think it will be a good fit!