Happy New Year! Ok, so for those who aren't sure what is going on with the Martin clan this one is for you.
Several years ago, Mies and I realize that, to stay current in our careers, major changes would have to occur. There wasn't any place for professional growth in our location.
Back in 2010 I enrolled in Michigan Library Association's Leadership Academy (LA) to begin my journey. While the experience wasn't earth shattering, much of it being common sense when it comes to being a "leader", it did allow me to start making contacts AND become more active in libraries on the state level. (Summary:I began networking, which is hard to do from the UP).
While experiencing LA and reaching out via the state organizations I began to question where I wished to be (career wise) in the next 5 - 10 years. Now, for those who know me well, this is an impossible task. I'm not a great long term goal setter, this doesn't mean I do not set goals and am not tenacious/relentless in achieving my goals, it just means long term goals aren't my strength.
While making contacts I began meeting some wonderful people who were from GVSU. I found that they were doing things, and had resources to do these things, that I had on my 5 - 10 plan. Now, I am wise enough to know that there is no utopian organization out there that will match all your ideals, but from the outside GVSU seemed to be a place I could aspire to my career goals.
(I also must note that for years Mies and I said that if we ever moved back downstate it would most likely be on the west side of the LP. No offense to Lansing or the D, but that wasn't where our hearts were longing to return to.)
Fast forward to last summer, Mies was tipped off about a mid-manager position with GVSU libraries that would be opening up soon. He passed this information on to me. Now, as soon as I heard this tip, my first reaction was, "I'm not going to apply. I can make my current situation work. This is not the right time to move." etc, etc. Then some things happened, career wise, which I won't mention here, but am willing to discuss privately. This inspired me, with much discussion with Mies and admittedly some thoughtful process to FINALLY apply for the position. I must admit that when I sent my application off (via interwebs) my immediate response was, " Oh Sh*t, what did I just do!!" Many times I thought to take my name out of the list, but Mies encouraged me to see what happens.
Well, here is what happened....I got the job. GVSU made us an offer we couldn't refuse. But my taking the job caused some sacrifices, which we are facing as a family at this very moment.
The reality is that I would (and did) have to relocate on my own--temporarily. This may be as long as 5 more months of being down here, while my family is still in the UP. As you can imagine, this is a very hard situation for all of us, but most especially for Mies. He has the job of "holding down the fort", preparing for his comprehensive exams and other family matters. Not to mention, getting the fort ready to sell this by this March or April. This isn't to say that I'm living the life of Riley, while Mies slaves away at home. No, my task is to master my new position with different yet same responsibilities; find a school district that matches the expectations of our children and meets their needs simultaneously. Begin the new house hunt, plan for visits to UP in order to start packing our stuff and/or selling/donating things. So, I'm running logistics, while he's holding down the fort. Which should all come to an end some time this summer, when we are reunited (and it will feel so good) AND relocated.
The worst part in all of this is how much I miss my family. I just want to give my boys hugs/kisses, but instead look at and talk with them via a computer screen.
So, that is what is going on in a nutshell. Please don't comment on typos and run-ons, etc. This is more of a very poor attempt of stream of consciousness..and NO, you cannot comment on that either.
Any questions???
Best wishes for you and your family in this time.
ReplyDelete