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Monday, November 14, 2005Feeling WantedBefore I began my real career as a full time stay-at-home mom, I worked for a time as an administrative secretary for a local men's ministry. It was during this time that I became proficient at the computer (and this was during the DOS-based days -- there were no cute little icons to click on), as well as becoming a Word guru (just ask Eric -- he actually used to call me with questions!). Besides all that, though, I worked for a man who was absolutely the best boss I've ever had. He was wise, big-hearted, godly, and overflowing with dry humor. He took excellent care of me, and I loved working for him. I'll go even further than that: I felt honored to work for him. Last year, round about September, my old boss called me out of the blue. He asked several friendly questions, most of them having to do with my children. Then he said, "Well, you can probably tell that this is leading up to something." I never dreamed what it was "leading up to." He asked me if I would come back to work for him -- full time. Mind you, it had been almost thirteen years since I left. He had done the math, and figured that my youngest had just started kindergarten, thus leaving me free during the day. I had to gently tell him, of course, that I was homeschooling my children (he had forgotten). There weren't adequate words to express what I was feeling. "Honored" isn't even strong enough. To think that, after thirteen years, this man would remember how he had valued me -- and want me back again -- was amazing. I floated for days afterward. It was actually painful to tell him "no," even though I had no desire or inclination to pursue employment. Mind you, I was quite the dweeb back when I worked for him. Twenty-six years old and late for work almost every day (that was Eric's fault). Didn't like the fluorescent lighting in my office, so I pulled a monstrosity of a lamp out of the office attic and plugged it in (it was so dim that someone actually bought me a desk lamp). Couldn't get along with the guy upstairs (he was a jerk, I swear). And when my boss gently pointed out that I tended to be a passive controller, my response was, "No, I'm not." (He was right. I've come a long way since then.) Once, I fell asleep at my desk during lunch. Yep, I was out cold. I have no idea how many times my boss called my name before I finally heard him. I snapped my head up, hoping the drool trail I had left behind wasn't showing. He thought I was ill, and sent me home. I didn't tell him that I was just...tired. I went home. Once, I frightened the copier repairman with the twentieth-century organ music I was listening to on the public radio station. I can still see his face as he said, "Wh -- what is that?" Oh, and I hated making phone calls. Kinda awkward when you're an administrative secretary, you know? So my boss thought he'd help me out by purposely giving me phone calls to make. At the time, I wanted to crawl under the desk and cut the phone cord. Naturally, I now see that my boss was simply helping to build my character a bit. But my boss chose to remember the things he liked about me -- the things I had accomplished for him. He chose to assume that, after a dozen years, I'd matured a bit. And he chose to honor me with an unprecedented offer of re-employment. It was one of the high points of my life. Not sure why I felt like sharing that today. Must be the gloomy weather and my hatred of Monday housework, which doesn't give me even half the high of being offered an old job back. Care to share a high point from your life? I'd love to do a happy dance with you (it beats vacuuming the sofa and love seat)... |
About Me
I am: Mother to five stunningly individualistic children... Writer of young adult fantasy... Passionate advocate for Women At Home... Madly in love with my husband... In need of Organic Gourmet Chocolate on a regular basis. I've got a Paypal account if you'd like to contribute to the cause....
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7of my readers are feeling chatty:
A good boss can make all the difference. I had a good boss at a job that chewed people up and spit them out on a regular basis. I stayed for 2 years out of loyalty to him. And when I quit they replaced me with 4 people.
But one thing......how do you overflow with dry humor!?!
:)
I tell you - I am never disappointed when I stop by to do a little reading (can't get myself started today in the office after the three day weekend...ugh)...
Anyway, there are many high (and low ones, believe me)points in my life. My most recent high point was spending an entire week in San Carlos, with my Sweetheart; doing nothing, but talking, listening to music, have breakfast, lunch (sometimes), happy hour on the beach, have a wonderful dinner, walking on the beach, jumping in to the water...you get the picture (and have seen them on my photoblog lol)...Yeah, that was my high point this year and hopefully will be repeated next year :).
Could you do me a huge favor today or the next couple of days and go to My Lighter Side; I posted a list what women like to hear from their Sweethearts - if you can think of anything additional, please add it in the comment section :) - Oops this comment got really long - sorry (nah, not really :))
You got to love moments like that!
That is a wonderful moment. But again, how do one starts a homeschool? I am really clueless about being homeschooled or homeschooling?
That's very cool.
I don't ever anticipate such a moment from my present boss... He like the aforementioned chew up and spit out type. Except when he wants something.
I had to chuckle at the part about how you hated the flourescent lights and brought your own lamp. Did you ever see "Joe versus the Volcano"? I love that movie.
I have no response to that.
Kudos (and Twix)
How awesome. I'd be so touched.
What a tremendous surprise! Love when stuff like this happens.
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