Before I get to catching up on pictures and events around here, I wanted to document a big change in our lives.
Back in November I noticed that one of my former co-workers changed his Facebook picture to what looked like a company-type pic with him and 2 other guys leaning against a company truck. I sent him a message to say hi and ask about it. Sure enough he and his good friend started a home renovation company about a year ago. Knowing that I'd eventually like to get back to work once all the kids are in school full time, I threw it out there to him to keep me in mind as the company grows. A few days later he sent me a message back asking if I'd be interested in part-time work now?! It would entail mostly invoicing for their landscaping department and other office manager type duties. Around 10-15 hours a week for now. Perfect! After talking with Keenan, I jumped at the opportunity.
A week or so later, things slowed down quite a bit when my friend told me they'd like to wait for me to start until they had an actual office to work out of, which would most likely be in June. I was slightly bummed. Then, a couple days after Christmas, I received another message saying they were moving ahead of schedule and would have an office in February! The ball was rolling again and by the end of January I had a formality interview to go over my work duties and meet my friend's business partner.
At that meeting I quickly figured out they wouldn't be moving into the office space Feb. 1 as they thought. While the lease would be active, they hadn't considered furniture, computers, etc. get the office physically ready. I realized I had to take some initiative, so we enrolled Asher in preschool (we were taking the year off to not have that cost) and I sent them an email letting them know I was available whenever they were ready. I even offered to go purchase/build furniture if that's what it took! That night I had an official offer in writing and I worked my first day later that week.
These first three weeks have been ideal as I adjust to working again and now as a family of 5. I take Asher to school, then come home and take care of whatever tasks they ask of me (so far researching envelopes and thank you notes and making some minor spreadsheets) and watch some training videos on the software I will be using for invoicing. I just got word today that they want me to come to the office starting next week so that will be a new step.
The potential here is huge. Working part-time until the kids are all in school is all I can manage and it gives the company time to grow as well. For now I work the 2 days Asher is in school for about 4 hours each day. I may need to add in a third day as I get more into my duties. The office is in the suburb to the north of us which means no commuting to the big city! And close enough to get to the kids if need be. Along with the home remodeling, my friend started a structural engineering company (in case anything like that came up with the remodeling and he does some small projects on the side as well). This means there's potential for me to get back in that field as things grow and I become more available. Even as the office manager, though, I've had the chance to review some plans and just being back in the building/construction world is exciting for me!
So there ya have it. I'm back in the working world and excited! I've been pretty negligent on this blog and I'm guessing it's not going to get much better now. I'll do my best, though!
