I’m a firm believer that life has many seasons and those seasons must change. Sometimes we’re thrust into change through painful circumstances, like losing a loved one, and other times we choose change for the joy of it, like getting married. Regardless of the reason, change is a necessary part of life and it can teach us some amazing things – that we’re stronger than we thought, that we’re able to love bigger than we ever imagined or maybe that our long held thoughts and beliefs need some re-examination.
I’m about to embark on a major change that will take me away from my 18-year career with Coast Reporter and into a new season of work life.
I’m going back to school to become a health care assistant.
It has come as a shock to many, but it’s been on my mind and on my heart for a long time.
I turn 40 this November and the big 4-0 has prompted me to examine my life and where I’m headed.
Who am I? What do I care about? What makes me happy? These are some questions I’ve asked myself and the answers, surprisingly, haven’t been easy to find.
I talked it out with friends and family, prayed a lot and yes, even interviewed people, before coming to an answer. I’m a helper and a giver. I love to help people and do things that make them laugh or smile.
I’m that person who stays up until 2 a.m. the night before a Christmas party to make personalized ornaments for everyone, just so I can see their reaction. I’m also that person who would have done it sooner but was busy figuring out a new craft for my Sunday school class to try out and also planning a New Year’s party with themed games, snacks, photo booth and hourly toasts as the clock strikes midnight across the globe for the little ones with early bedtimes. True story.
I’m the first one to offer my assistance to friends and family who are hurting or struggling – cooking meals, cleaning, doing work around the house and yard, researching when that skill is needed and serving them however I can.
It brings me a lot of joy and fulfilment to help others.
The only issue with being a helper in my day-to-day life is it doesn’t pay very well and if I want to keep my house and keep putting food on the table, a well-paying job is imperative.
So through much questioning and searching, I’ve found what I think is the perfect job for me in this next phase of my life and I’m excited to start learning the skills I need at Capilano University this September.
With that said though, I’m going to miss my job as a reporter and circulation manager at Coast Reporter. It’s been an amazing place to work and the people here have become like family.
When I was a child I only had three goals in life: to get married, live by the ocean and become a reporter. I’ve been blessed to live out that dream now for 18 years and I’ll forever cherish the memories made in this profession – the people I’ve met, the stories I’ve been trusted to tell, the opportunities I’ve been given and the access I’ve been granted.
It’s been an amazing ride and I’ve loved every minute of it, but there’s a fork in the road up ahead and this is my stop.
