I’m the type of person who needs a plan. When life throws me a curveball I have to figure things out quickly or I risk crawling into bed, curling up in the fetal position and worrying until I have a panic attack.
While I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason that doesn’t mean I can just sit idle. I have to move forward or I get very depressed.
The day my boss warned me that I might not have a position with them by the end of the week I started doing research on a new career. It was something I had thought about off and on for years. Something I thought sounded and looked interesting but I never had time to pursue.
I started reading about becoming a dental assistant.
I know, I know. It is SO different than anything I have ever done before. I have had a career in the non-profit industry for 11 years. Now, after all this time, I was thinking about going into the healthcare field?
C.R.A.Z.Y
I was let go from my last job but I wasn’t happy anyway. In fact, I was miserable and it probably showed.
I was tired of having one day’s notice for a meeting across town that would last until 9:00 p.m. I was tired of being forced to work Saturdays (and even Sundays) just because I was an exempt employee, which makes it easy to take advantage of an employee’s time.
I was tired of sitting behind a computer, watching the clock, begging time to move faster so I could just.go.home. Seriously, they were some of the slowest days I’ve ever experienced.
When this news shook me, I started thinking about what I wanted in a future job. And what I found was that in my current industry I would get none of what I really wanted.
I want to work in a fast-paced office with fun people who actually talk and befriend one another.
I want to work a regular schedule with no impromptu night meetings. In other words, I don’t want to be surprised. And bonus if there is a day off during the week here and there and NO Saturdays.
I want to work with my hands.
I want to work somewhere that doesn’t have me dreading checking email or messages all the time.
I want to work at a place where I feel that I am needed.
As I read about being a dental assistant I realized that all of my desires could be met with this career.
So although I was scared . . . I took a huge leap of faith and signed myself up for a summer program! It is twelve weeks long and will prepare me with all the basics to become a dental assistant. I will be done at the end of August.
You guys? I am so excited. I already have three classes under my belt and have been observing in a dental office. And I love it. I get excited each time I go to class or to the office.
Who knew teeth were so interesting!
I have to admit it feels a little silly to be back in the classroom. I am one of seven and all of the girls are really young. Like, right out of high school! I told them that I am changing careers. One of the girls asked how old I was and when I said, “I’m 33″ her eyes opened wide and she said, “whoa!” I have never felt more ancient than in that moment.
But I don’t really care. What matters is that I am starting over with a smile on my face. I refuse to quit. Even after all the jobs I’ve had and the trouble they have brought me, I would still like to work. So I have to pick myself back up and move forward.
This is a huge change. And when I say I’m stepping out in faith I really truly mean it. I have no idea what will happen when I’m done with this program. I hope to have a job by October but my future feels so unknown right now. It is taking everything I have to just stay positive and trust that God will be with me, leading me on this new path.
I find it amazing. The human heart can take a lot. Mine has been broken more times than I can count. But it always keeps going, a steady beat, the soundtrack of life. I am scared but I’m somehow happy too. Funny how Plan B feels like the right plan all along.
I get to wear scrubs. It's like wearing pajamas to work!
