I Love My Job!

So tonight was one of those times when everything somehow comes together and works! It's like the magic happens; everyone read the same script--it's a turning point--a breakthrough.... The clients leave and get caught in the parking lot hugging!! -wow- Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!

Last week I did everything wrong. So many mistakes I felt like a novice counselor. And right after that, they have this amazing breakthrough! Oh, yeah...it's not about me! And all the really important work goes on between sessions anyway! How humbling is that? And I am so happy I could scream!

They left with HOPE, that's why I am so happy. The lights are on and they have hope. And love. They have hope and love. And faith. Yep. They have hope, love and faith.... -wow-i love my job.

Transitions

Getting another job was not the problem. There were offers right away. But this was a big change--after 12 years in one place....and now at my age...with my "limitations"....and, besides, what about how I felt about all this???

We all come to crossroads. For some it is a layoff. There has been a lot of that over the last two or three years! With that have come other interesting arrangements: for example, multi-generational households are becoming more common. Maybe to help with finances, maybe due to health concerns, or for any number of reasons -- all of a sudden grandpa moves in!!

What do we do at times of transition? What are the pressures? How quickly must we act? Whose feelings are going to get bruised? Or not considered at all? Are there ways to navigate these new and unfamiliar waters, missing the sharks and icebergs, in a way that will make us stronger and closer as families? That will cause us to grow as loving and wise people?

And, by the way, why is it so hard to change in the first place?! We all love grandpa! So why is it so difficult when he lives with us??? Does it mean I am a horrible person since I feel sort of resentful having him here all the time?

You know, when I was summarily sent away from my long term job at the very beginning of this recession, I discovered very quickly that I needed some TIME. Time to process what had happened, how I felt about it, how I felt about everything--the future, the past, everything. I needed not to rush into anything just to have a job again. Fortunately I could take a little time to do that. And I learned a lot in the process. Am still learning, by the way.

But what about you? What have you learned when your household has become 'multi-generational'? What makes that work and what just makes a disaster? It's got to be happening more now--I am very curious what your experience has been.