Making a big change in my life!!

[calebsmama03]

I have been extremely unhappy with my job lately – well, utterly miserable is a more fitting term! I am a social worker and I manage a residential program for adults with developmental disabilities. It is super stressful and I am so totally emotionally spent by the time I come home that I feel it is just completely unfair to my little boo. I’ve kicked around several ideas for how to change things – cutting back more hours (I’m already PT at 3 days/wk), starting my own homemade baby/mama products business (still a possibility, but tough to start it time wise since I’d have to keep working for at least a while to cover the start up costs), career change, etc. but the timing never seems to be right for me. Well, I’ve finally decided to just take the plunge and make a change, for my mental health and for my family. Although it seems I will still have to keep this job perhaps through the year (hopefully no longer than that!!) I have finally decided that the time is right – I am leaving for IL TOMORROW to start my training to become a Lactation Consultant! I am terrified at the thought of such a huge change but am also so excited, as I think this is truly my passion. I’ve been thinking about it for nearly a year and I think that turning 30 gave me the kick I needed to put things in motion. I was going to do this on a volunteer basis through a major national BF group for a few years and then do the schooling, etc to become a certified LC, but it seems unlikely that I will be “approved” by that group because I was forced to return to work when C was 3 months old due to DH being laid off (that’s a rant for another forum though!) so I’m just going to officially “do it”. Going into this without any volunteer hours will make it tougher - I’ll need to find someone to work with/mentor me to get my clinical hours completed but I am determined to complete it, with or without the volunteer experience!

So, wish me luck! Soon I look forward to having more time to post on the feeding forum and be the BBB ladies’ personal LC on call ;)

Lynne
Mommy to Caleb 3/3/03
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif[/img][/url]

[amp]

Congrats on your decision! I, too, was a social worker (working with severely, chronically mentally ill adults), and I got so burned out! It really is a job you take home with you every night and is very high stress! I don't miss it for one single minute. In fact, I frequently still think about the job and feel stressed and then can breath a sigh of relief that I don't have to go to that job anymore! What a huge relief that has been for me! Enjoy your new path!

[jd11365]

Wow! How exciting! Sounds like you will be perfect for the job, as you are an expert BFer, and a social worker...which to me is what a LC really is. Big, big, big congratulations on your leap of faith and courage to make such an exciting change...good for you!

Jamie
Mommy to Kayla
May '03

[mudder17]

Wow, congratulations on making such a big decision. I know it can be scary to make such a big life-affecting decision, but it sounds like it's the right choice for you. Good luck and best wishes. I know you'll do great!


Eileen

Mother of Beautiful Kaya
http://www.babysfirstsite.org/newtickers/ticker/16994.birthday.png

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_garnet_6m.gif Breastfed 6 months and counting

[Momof3Labs]

Congrats on such a big decision, Lynne! You'll do a great job!

So where in IL are you for your training - any chance of meeting up for even an hour??

[calebsmama03]

Thanks Lori! It's in Oakbrook. I doubt I could treck to Gurnee since I'm in class most of the day but if you will be on that end of town and want to get lunch, dinner, etc let me know! E-mail me and I'll send you my cell number if you'd like.
Lynne
Mommy to Caleb 3/3/03
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif[/img][/url]

[Momof3Labs]

I'll e-mail you - I could sneak down for a quick meal while DH hangs out with Colin!

[amazz]

I know we don't really know each other, but I just wanted to tell you that I think you are really brave for taking this step. It takes a lot of guts to step into the unknown and I'm proud to be associated with you through these boards! Good luck on all your training and don't forget to keep us updated!!

Angela
EDD 10/15/04
A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on. ~Carl Sandburg

[lmariana]

That's absolutely wonderful Lynne! What a wonderful new career path! I'm doing a happy dance for you. :)

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030814/1/5/0/-5/.png[/img] ([img)

[hez]

Congratulations on making the big step! I love hearing when folks make a change that they're looking forward to so much-- and which seems to fit them to a T. Good luck in your training classes!

[stillplayswithbarbies]

Congrats on your decision! what an awesome thing to do.

...Karen
DS Jake Feb 91, DD Logan Mar 03
http://members.aol.com/khowe14494/superpower.gif http://members.aol.com/khowe14494/borntobebreastfed2.gif

[calebsmama03]

Isn't social work awful?!? I went into labor at 22 weeks with C and nearly lost him - the peri thinks it was triggered by constant stress :( While on bedrest I was going to work from home minimally (to make some money since DH was also laid off) but while in the hosp every time one of my co-workers would call to ask me a question I would go into fits of contractions! :( I want more babies so I need to get out before I decide to get pg again. It's scary to think of not doing this anymore since I've been in this or a similar field since college, but I know that I will be healthier physically and mentally if I go. DH and C deserve more of "me", and I deserve better :)
Thanks for the well wishes!!
Lynne
Mommy to Caleb 3/3/03
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif[/img][/url]

[steph2003]

Good luck in your new path! I think that is awesome that you are going to train to be an LC. I think we need more LC's!!!

[amp]

Yes, I agree. It was awful for me and I am so glad I am done with it. I freak out sometimes thinking if something happened to DH, I might have to go back to it out of desperation. I would sooner die I think. I know that sounds extreme, but I can't tell you how incredibly stressed I was doing that job. My gut used to churn, and at the end, I was crying at lunch because I didn't want to go back. How's that for burned out?! I am thrilled for you! Let me know how the transition goes. I will be thinking of you!

[calebsmama03]

I feel the same way now - utter dread, along withtotal inability to concentrate (whi I'm here posting rather than working!!). I guess that's why I'm doing this NOW, so hopefully I can be done with it for good and never have to return to it.
I will keep you posted!
Lynne
Mommy to Caleb 3/3/03
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif[/img][/url]

[tina-t]

Lynne, congratulations and good luck! Change is always stressful and difficult. You are so brave to go through this! I'm sure that you will be successful.

[Sarah1]

Wow! That's fantastic! It takes a lot of guts to switch careers, and I admire you for it!

[lisaE]

Congrats to you. I am so jealous- being an LC would be so awesome. I know you will help so many women and babies!

[new_mommy25]

That is wonderful news!! I am so happy for you. I hope you don't mind, but I am going to PM you right now. I would love a little more information on your program.

[nathansmom]

How exciting for you Lynne! I'm wishing you the best.

BTW did you get my email about Nathan's condition.

[calebsmama03]

No! I hope he's OK!!! Can you resend it when you get a chance? I'll probably not be able to check e-mail till next Weds.
Lynne
Mommy to Caleb 3/3/03
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif[/img][/url]

[calebsmama03]

Aww, thanks ladies - you are all so sweet!! I don't know why I'm so nervous about it! I really appreciate all the well wishes and will post next week on how it went!

"See" you all in a week :)

Lynne
Mommy to Caleb 3/3/03
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif[/img][/url]

[kijip]

I commend you with your action and change! Good luck- what a great thing to do!

[houseof3boys]

OMG Lynne that is so fantastic!!! You'll be great at this and I know you will be so much more fulfilled.

Congratulations on this huge change. :)

[amyinNC]

Wow! Congratulations! I'm thrilled for you. Sounds like you're making a great choice for you and your family. I wish you the best! Keep us posted on how it goes.

Take care,
Amy