You might think that my #1 challenge right now is training for my marathon.
Well…. while that certainly a challenge, I have something else that is mentally zapping me these days. It’s my career.
I know I don’t often talk about my work but since moving to West Point, NY, I have finally felt the pressures of being a military spouse and juggling my career. Over the past few years, I have been fortunate enough to continue working with the same organization at each one of our new locations, but it takes a lot of work to make that happen. And, I’m exhausted by the constant stress of making sure I have my next job lined up.
With the move to West Point this summer, I was lucky enough to take my work on the road. However, I was also told that my contract would not be renewed at the end of the year since my boss really needed someone local to Maryland. So, this ended up being a fairly unique situation… Yes, you have your job when you move, but you will only have it for a few more months. I don’t want to sound like I am not appreciative of the time that I was allowed to continue working from afar, but it was just a bit of an awkward situation. So, since moving to West Point and continuing with my old job, I have also been on the hunt for a new position.
All I have to say, is thank goodness I have a flexible skill set having worked in behavioral health and research since coming out of graduate school. After months of applications, interviews, and stressing about offers, I can finally announce that I have accepted a new position on West Point. But, just when things sounded great, the government shutdown happened. My new position is a federal position and frankly, I wasn’t exactly sure how it will all play out. So, now that the majority of Department of Defense civilians were welcomed back to work today, I am hopeful and have all of my fingers crossed that my new job will 1.) still exist and 2.) not start off furloughed.
Ahhh, what an eventful few months. I know the government shutdown is likely affecting lots of you as well. Feel free to share your stories. Thanks for listening 
Lisa
Ugh… hang in there!! I'm really hoping this shutdown doesn't last too much longer. It's really weird down here in DC. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you
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I'm with you, I'm a military spouse as well and it's frustrating to start your career over every time you move. I'm lucky like you that I have a job that I can take anywhere though as a nurse. But I do have to say it's pretty frustrating to start at the bottom of the barrel every single time you get a new job. I hope it all works out for you after this shutdown nonsense is over
Ugh the shutdown is SUCH a headache! I'm so glad you found something local that isn't contract-driven. I know that world all too well and it can really be a rollercoaster.
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How nerve wracking! I'm happy you at least found something local and am praying that all goes well!
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