If Nothing Ever Changes, Then Nothing Ever Changes

Back in the day it was "Dear Diary" and it was private. Now suddenly everybody and everything's been outted and it's like walking around in your underwear. If there's a positive side to this maybe it's that we will find out we are all more alike than different.

Hi and welcome to my blog. My name's Elyse. This is the tale of how I came to be 55 almost 56, divorced several times not intending to remarry, and on the verge of starting a new career that I know nothing about. I have one week left at my job of 17 years in a health care field I've been in since 1984. Is this the result of downsizing in a struggling economy? No I did it to myself. I drew my line in the sand, my employer stepped over it and I quit. OMG! What the hell was I thinking, or not thinking, at a time when so many people are out of work? All I can say is it feels right. I stood up for myself and what was important to me. Now what's the plan?

For a few years now I've spent a lot of time daydreaming about coming up with some brilliant invention that I could market and make enough money to quit my regular job and retire early. While this process was an enjoyable way to spend time it was quite low-yield. It wasn't that I was unhappy at my job, just bored. A side effect of modern times and long life is that we do the same job for so many years that it quits being challenging. And when the challenge is gone it's not satisfying anymore and no fun.

In the immediate aftermath of quitting my job I was looking to see what jobs were available in my field. I dug out my original post college resume that was so ancient it gave my height and weight under vital statistics--not even legal to discuss anymore. (Wow, did I really weigh "that" in 1984?) But I digress. The resume laid on the kitchen counter for a few weeks waiting to be updated. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. The truth was I didn't want to be the same show on a different station, so I started a conversation with that small voice inside. After much discussion we've decided to open a store. (What?! Where'd that come from?!) The small voice reminded me how much I enjoy finding treasures at thrift shops, auctions, flea markets, etc. It reminded me that I walk through my house sideways now because it is full of these treasures, as is the storage building I bought and the garage.  "Perhaps you could make a living at this,"  the voice said . "Not to mention return your house to its former state."   " Hmmm, worth  a try,"  I said.  Fortunately I have some savings in the bank and I'm due an income tax refund.  Stay tuned.