Finding balance, and entering a new phase

Life is all about balance.  Work, family, life, self, etc.  You could break it down into infinite categories.  Often the balance is listed as simply work/life or maybe throw in the family.  But I'm selfish, so I included self in there too.  ;)

For the last six years, work and family have been completely entwined in my balance.  As a stay at home mom, my work was my family.  It took me a while to find a balance that included me, and that really came about when I started my triathlon journey.

Now the balance is about to shift again.  Because, for the first time in over half a decade, I'm going to be working outside the home (I did have a brief foray running a craft business, but even that was mostly at home).

We made a decision in the summer that I would pick up a part time job this fall.  In truth, the last month has been incredibly stressful.   When my blogging frequency drops the way it has, it's usually a reflection of my mood, and this was no exception.  I don't deal well with uncertainty.  And I had underestimated what it took to just "pick up a job".

It didn't help that I was picky and didn't want to work somewhere mindlessly stocking shelves.  While I considered going back to serving (the money is good), the thought of actually doing it made me shudder a bit.  Then there's the fact that most of my career experience was working with children, and quite frankly, I give that part of me to my own kids now.

It seemed like everyone wanted availability around the clock.  I wasn't even getting interviews at the places that I deemed worthy of applying at.  Doubt set in.  Frustration.  Not quite so simple after all.

But sometimes things happen for a reason.  Somebody that I met recently, and really connected with, mentioned a reception opening at a place where she was going to be teaching fitness classes.  I didn't hesitate to apply.

Today, I accepted a position at a massage studio/fitness centre (The Rose Wellness Centre, for those of you that are local).  I'm beyond excited.  I get to work somewhere that I believe in, somewhere that I care about.  I'm sure there will be some unexciting, boring aspects (filing papers, while necessary, isn't the most inspiring), but I can't wait to be a part of a team that is dedicated to helping people find their own balance.

So, where does this leave my triathlon journey?  In a really excellent position.  This past month, it's weighed heavily on my mind that this hobby of mine is one of the bigger optional expenses.  That load is taken off my mind.  The hours are such that I can still achieve a balance that leaves room for my training, and races.

Right now, I feel like I have the best of every possible world.  Stay at home mom, part time job in an inspiring place, triathlete, and pretty fabulous wife to boot.  It will require a bit more organization, but I'm up for the challenge!