I'm leaving one of my jobs (for real)!
By The Horse
@TheHorse (238361)
Walnut Creek, California
December 29, 2017 11:09am CST
Usually when one gets "laid off," they're upset about it, but I was actually glad. I have been working for four years for an organization that provides "mentors" to troubled kids. I've often written abut my activities with the kids (music, hiking, sports) and how it helps them.
But that job was taking my afternoons and early evenings away, meaning less relaxation, less softball, and having to miss some evening music gigs. When my friend asked me to work full-time at her preschool in Berkeley, I couldn't resist. I'l still also be teaching a class or two per semester at the College.
I was in the process of cutting my hours back at the afternoon job when I was informed that they mentoring program was being nuked as of January 1 2018. That saved me the pain of easing my hours off to zero at that job so I'd have more time for the other things I enjoy.
It's been a great run, and I think that mentoring really does help struggling kids (especially boys with no father figures in their lives), but I'm glad to be moving on.
17 people like this
19 responses
@LovingMyBabies (85923)
• Valdosta, Georgia
29 Dec 17
Aw, it's sad but good at the same time then.
3 people like this
@yukimori (10192)
• United States
29 Dec 17
Sounds kind of like how I feel about leaving my day job a couple weeks ago.
It seems from the posts you've made that you really like interacting with the preschoolers, so I'm not surprised to hear that you've jumped on that opportunity. With the way things have worked out, it almost seems meant to be... or maybe just a very convenient coincidence that things have fallen through just when you need them to so you can focus on the things you enjoy, too. 
2 people like this
@TheHorse (238361)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Dec 17
Yes, it's a convenient coincidence. I feel for my colleagues who didn't have a "Plan B" already set up. We knew the organization was struggling financially, but the mentoring program survived the first round of layoffs a year or so ago, and they only gave us two months notice.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43663)
• Denver, Colorado
4 Jan 18
Well, that sucks that they are cutting the program. Kids need positive experiences like that. Too bad.
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
30 Dec 17
This will be to your advantage, not having to make this decision yourself. It will free your afternoon up for some fun, that you have been missing out on! I'm glad for your sake, this happened
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
30 Dec 17
@TheHorse This is wonderful to hear, more time for your friends and music gigs! Awesome
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
30 Dec 17
we're about to get winter layoff at work..i guess i'll work on my house til they call us back..
@vandana7 (102698)
• India
30 Dec 17
I am sorry for many kids. Our society needs to be repaired. There is no doubt about it. But yours is not perfect either. Single mothers can have job, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of kids, a bit too much. Family is about two adults looking after kids so that there is no stress. While you are fine with it, I realize how much talking to you can mean to those kids.
@much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
29 Dec 17
Oh wow! It's great that it works out the way it does for you, but still it's sad that the mentoring program is ending (was it a budget cut thing?). Sounds like the new year will bring you a better working situation - hours and all - it's gonna be a good start .
.1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20363)
• Fairfield, Texas
30 Dec 17
There are just so many hours in a day @TheHorse and at the end of the day when you have to ask yourself, "What did I do for me?" That's when you know you have to cut back.
@celticeagle (189988)
• Boise, Idaho
29 Dec 17
I tried so hard to get my grandson a mentor and couldn't. A PSR was about as close as I got. I'm glad his dad is now showing some interest.
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
29 Dec 17
January 1 2008 or 2018?
Well, I think sometimes we have had things in our lives that are helpful for others- in this case as you mentioned; the struggling kids who enjoyed your mentor-ship. Yet, such days and years take a toll on our bodies and hence we have to take a decision somewhere down the line.
I hope that you will now have a more balanced life and take more time for your hobbies and passion.
@Angela150 (928)
• London, England
29 Dec 17
Yes my job is coming to end in Jan 2018 too. I'm going to be attending interviews soon!
@Plethos (13718)
• United States
29 Dec 17
i dont mean to play devils advocate, but thats sad news for the kids who are and wouldve been in the program.
its a shame that the job took a lot out of you, so i can see how youre glad that its over.
I hope that theres other ways for some kids to get the positive adult mentoring that they miss in their young lives.
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
29 Dec 17
That is good news! You already realized you were overworked. Plus playing music is so good for the soul!
I did the same in a way when I was getting run down and not making the profits, by selling three houses on a for sale by owner, I lifted the load off of me by no more repairs on those houses or paying property taxes, I still have the income for many years to come. In the meantime I am about to develop a section of land and put in new ... somethings, So I will still have an income when I am old.
