The Perfect Job

About a month ago my dad was informed his place of employment would be closing their doors in the near future. Therefore, I started looking online for jobs that may interest him, just to help him out. In doing so, I came across a listing that sparked my interest. It sounded pretty enticing and what was more persuading was the salary range- double what I currently make. I submitted my resume and fifteen minutes later I received a call. I was very forthcoming with my need to take my daughter to school in the mornings and I kept hearing, “that shouldn’t be a problem.” Great! I went on to the second interview, and the third, and then the fourth. I was the “most qualified candidate” and the “salary quote wouldn’t be a problem.” Being professional, or so I thought, I was open about upcoming days I would need off and days I would need to leave early- all in relation to events for my kids. I was immediately turned down for the position because they could not “accommodate my need for a flexible work schedule.”

After reading the email, I was shocked and confused, and quite frankly a little hurt. Oh the plans in my head I already had mapped out to pay off my credit cards and the growth opportunities they had described to me… abruptly stopped by a two-sentence email.

But once again, everything happens for a reason. The more I reflect and thought about it, I knew God was keeping me on the correct path, even though that money sure would have been nice! But to think I would have went to work for a company who didn’t value my time with my girls. Each requested day I wrote exactly why I needed off: preschool field trip, preschool graduation, swim lessons, kindergarten physical etc. But they were not willing to accommodate. But now, I know it was a blessing in disguise. No amount of money will ever, or could ever, replace the time I get to spend being present for my children.

Looking back at my own childhood/teenhood, my parents were there, for everything. Maybe even things I wish they hadn’t been there for at the time! I didn’t realize my dad stayed with a mediocre job for 30+ years because it allowed him to leave at 3pm to make a 4:15 volleyball game, or rotate his Saturdays off during the busy season for an all-day tournament in Robinson or Tuscola. My mom continued working a base salary job that allowed her to be off work at 2pm and she never, ever missed a volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, cross country or scholar bowl game/meet. Were there times they split between my brother and me? Well of course! But one parent was ALWAYS present. And today, that means more to me than any video game or pair of shoes they could’ve bought me. And one day, I hope my girls look back and say, “my mom was always there.”

So today I decided I am working to live, not living to work. Maybe I don’t make the most money and I’ll be in debt for the rest of my life, but I will also be indebted with love for my family; and that is the perfect job!