Career Change

I've officially given my notice. I'm really going to quit. It's somewhat a bittersweet feeling. Its been a back-and-forth battle for a while and definately something that I've had to ponder and pray about.

I've worked at the law firm for 6+ years, most of my young adult life with the same attorneys and assistants. They were really great role models and mentors to me. The ladies became like second mom's that taught and gave me countless advice. They were there with me through my relationships, marriage and my first baby. It makes me sad to think we won't eat our lunch salads together in the summer and soup during the winter, or walk to McDonalds and complain about how much we'd wish there was something better within walking distance but always just seemed to go there anyway. We'd swap stories about our crazy and needy clients, I always had the best doing criminal defense. We'd scratch our heads about the ideas the three/foursome had for expanding. Overall, until the bitterend... I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to work there and be surrounded by such good people with the same values and morals I have.

The firm has gone through multiple changes the last long while. With each new direction, I jumped in feet first and started treading water as long as I could. I have just made the decision I'm tired of drowning. I'm not the first to jump ship, and with every departure, the writing just becomes more clear on the wall - it's not the place for me anymore.

The hardest thing was deciding what to do. Eventually I would love to stay home. Economically, it's just not the right time. So I could go to another law firm - make more money and go back to full-time, but take a step back in my long term goal to stay home with Carson or find something that would be more flexible. So, I've decided to substitute teach. The money isn't fabulous but the schedule is as nice and flexible as it gets. I can work as much or as little as I need each month to make ends meet and that to me is ideal. If I need to, it's there and if not, I won't. I'm excited for the new schedule it will give me. I'm not so much an early riser so going into work at 11 was awesome but the longer commute and some late nights were starting to ware. With teaching, I can be home by late afternoon and actually for the first time in our marriage prepare and cook dinner. (I know that's hard for some to comprehend, Jenn actually cooking, but I'm really looking forward to it!)

I have a little anxiety come next summer when subbing/working for three months is not an option but I found a new quote reading the Ensign this month that's really given me peace of mind:

...when we do what the Lord wants us to do first, everything else will fall neatly into place. - Elder Oaks