Grateful Day 28: Employment/Schooling

I think that one of the biggest things in my life that I take for granted is the careers that both Brian and I are fortunate to have as well as the opportunity to go to school.  After being a stay at home mom for 12 years, returning to the work force was scary to say the least.  But a wonderful manager at University of Phoenix was able to see the things I do as a stay-at-home mom and how they translated into the business world.  She called me a Domestic Engineer which I thought was so wonderful.  After working at University of Phoenix for 4 years, I was offered an opportunity at the Boeing Company, which was ideal because at the time Brian also worked here.  I have been with Boeing for 6 years now and feel incredibly fortunate to have the career that I do. 

Brian has an awesome job as well that he started in November of 2010 after being with Boeing for 7 years and then laid off due to military cut-backs.  The back story to his new job opportunity is one that really built and solidified my testimony in tender mercies and that Heavenly Father is aware of me even for small and simple things.  He was laid off for approximately 4 months.  I LOVED working with Brian - spending so much time together was amazing and I never once took that for granted.  Not having him here was incredibly difficult and I was heartbroken.  I remembered one morning feeling sorry for myself because Brian and our boys were all asleep and going to be staying home because the boys were doing online school.  I remember thinking that the only reason I had returned to the work force was because I was so lonely when Bryson went to school and the school said I could not accompany him to 1st grade (true story).  Anyway - I remember feeling very upset and crying on my way into work.  As I approached my building, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the Spirit and reminded once again that Heavenly Father was aware of my sadness but ever so gently, He reminded me that I was the only one at that time providing for my family.  Without the job that I was begrudging so much, we would not have health insurance which we absolutely can not be without.  From that moment on, I have really tried to fill my heart with gratitude for my job even though the circumstances are not the same.  I am also so grateful for Brian's job.  He LOVES what he does and could not be more happy doing what he is doing. 

While I worked at University of Phoenix, I completed my bachelor's degree which was such a huge accomplishment for me because I never dreamed that I would have the opportunity to finish.  Upon my new employment at Boeing, I started my MBA-HRM degree and finished that about 2 years later.  After finishing my Masters, I decided to do a 2nd Masters in Adult Education so when the opportunity arises or I retire, I will be credentialed to teach in an online environment.  I completed that Masters last March.  I am truly grateful for the opportunity to complete my degrees and realize that I am very fortunate for those options.  Our jobs and my degrees are truly a few more of the treasures in my life that I am grateful for and continue to be humbled by the love of my Heavenly Father.