Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Friday, February 25, 2011

New Tricks









Are you the type of person that embraces change, or dreads it?

I tend to be a creature of habit. Routine is comforting to me. When I know what to expect, I know how to respond. It's a comfortable way to live, though perhaps not all that exciting.

For several decades (yes, decades) I've worked at the same place, doing the same job. And for the most part, I've been happy, with absolutely no desire to look elsewhere. Over the years, I've even passed up various opportunities within my office. No point in fixing what isn't broken.

Well, starting on March 1, that's all going to change. After wrestling with the pros and cons, I took a leap of faith and interviewed for a newly created position within the office. Last week, I got the job.

My first reaction was excitement. Then I started to think about it. How long will it take to get the hang of things? What type of tasks will make up my day? Will I like what I'm doing? Oh, how thinking along those lines can start to drag you down. I began to question my decision. Perhaps I'd made a mistake. It would be so much easier to stick with my old job. I could do it in my sleep.

But then I realized that perhaps I've been sleepwalking long enough.

So my mission now is to focus on the positive. I'll be taking over much of the office grant writing responsibilities. Writing is something I enjoy. I'll be doing research and planning. Two more things that appeal to me. Some travel may be involved. Seeing a few new places doesn't sound bad either.

Adrenaline and excitement are powerful fuels. I'm beginning to percolate with ideas. Explore different options. Get ready for another chapter in my life.

And like any other old dog, I'm going to prove that I can still learn a few new tricks.

25 comments:

Cattis said...

Congratulations to your new job. I'm sure you will love it! hugs Cattis

Linda O'Connell said...

Pat,
I wish you much success and happiness in your new position. You will do very well, I'm sure.

Two French Bulldogs said...

Yea, anew job..means more treats
Benny & Lily

Sherry said...

Congratulations! Most animals like a routine but people like a new challenge now and then.

Cassie said...

Congrats on your exciting choice and new position! You'll do great. Whenever I've started a new task such as this I seem to revert back to the "obsesive,insecure Cassie" of my childhood...then, like you, I see the awesomeness of the adventure ahead and YES! I do great. You'll do great too!!
SOunds like you're very qualified.

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Congratulations!! Grant writing can be sooooo rewarding!!!

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Congratulations on your new opportunity, and kudos for having the courage to take the steps necessary to create the new challenge. Best of luck to you!

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

Congratulations, both on the the new job and the leap of faith. I've no doubt you will rock that new position, exceeding your own and the power that be expectations!

Happy, Waggin' Tails, FUREVER!
Stumpy and me

Donna McNicol said...

Congrats and the new job and the courage to make the change! Sometimes it's just too easy to stay where you are but you will gain so much more by taking that step forward.

Melynda@Scratch Made Food! said...

Old dogs learning new tricks is my life! Nice to meet you, and the best of luck, but you won't need it. You will find that the challenge of the new along with the history of your past will have you feeling like a new dog, soon!

Kristine said...

Congratulations! I just started a new job myself after working in the same place for a number of years. It's not an easy thing, but it is totally worthwhile. While I try to embrace change, I admit it scares me a little. Sometimes we need to do things that frighten us. It makes us stronger, more interesting people. The more new challenges we face and defeat, the more confident we are, right?

Lots of luck!

Anonymous said...

What have you done???!!!! Are you nuts?? At our age, trying something new!!!

I've known you for nearly 45 years and I know you will do great. Congratulations Pat.

Peg and me

Oskar said...

Congratulation on your new position. I hope it's a great move for you.

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar

the booker man said...

miss pat,

super mega congrats! you are gonna do grrreat at your new job! no more worry wartin', promise? :)

*woof*
the booker man

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Congrats!

I so understand your trepidation!

When I recently was lucky enough to land a job after 16 months without one, I told very few people - just in case I got there and they went OH NO, WE DIDN'T MEAN YOU!

Now, six+ weeks later, I feel more at ease - and almost feel like I've been there for much longer than that

I'm also proud of your job longevity - that is a rare commodity these days - I had been at my first job for four days short of 26 years -

We can't wait to hear more!!!

Dianna Graveman said...

Congrats to you--not only for getting the job but for taking the risk! You'll be great!

KnottedFingers said...

Congratulations on your new job!!! Thank you so much for visiting us and following us. We will follow in return happily.

FANCY the Red Standard Poodle said...

Hi Y'all,

Yep, that's the way, close one chapter and move on to the next. Learn from us, the pawed ones. Face only the challenge of the moment.

Just stopped by to say thanks for following. I've followed you back.

Loved the entry doin' the Bogey on the treadmill.

Y'all come back now,
Hawk aka BrownDog

Peggy Frezon said...

Good for you! I like that positive energy you've got going.

I am the type of person who does not like change, but that is not necessarily a positive. Sometimes changes can open up new and exciting doors!

Ryker said...

Wonderful! I was stuck in a comfortable rut and got out. Now I have a job that can change day by day and I love it. Something new on the horizon is stimulating and energizing. Best of luck to you in your newest position!

Tammy said...

I don't like change either when it's ahead of me. But after--and sometimes even during--I realize it was always for the best. Love your line, "perhaps I've been sleepwalking long enough." All the best in your new position! It sounds perfect for a writer.

buchelesk9s -- Ken and Laurie Buchele said...

Good luck with the new job! Thanks for following our blog -- we look forward to reading yours!

Laurie and the Gone to the Dogs crew

Maggie Mae and Max said...

Yay fur your new job Miss Pat!

Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae

Donna Volkenannt said...

Hi Pat,
Congratulations on your new job--and for taking a risk.
I have no doubts you will succeed and exceed everyone's expectations.
Donna

Lynn said...

Good for you! Congrats!