Mom got a job

and Cooper doesn't like it. My first day on the job I had been on the phone for a little bit and asking the kids to keep in the other room. He asked, "Mom, do you even like this job?" He is so confused. I never wanted to work while our kids were little but this is what has happened and I feel good about it.

Last December our budget became really tight. Spence and I fasted and prayed about what to do about our finances. We continued to be mindful of it and problem solve. We cut our cable to basic. We still have basic cell phones with no digital media plans. I coupon religiously and stopped buying new clothes for the kids. I have been selling our extra belongings to buy what we need which does not fit in the budget. It has been nice to feel frugal and to do my part as the stay at home Mom.

This spring and summer Spence and I had become despondent that our prayers were not being heard and that inspiration was not coming.. I read an article in which Sister Beck the General RS President spoke about her mother-in-law and the way she lived. This article inspired me. She believed in the old adage ‘Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.’ I have meant to put this quote on my fridge. I realized our family really could do without or make it do!

Our prayers were heard. Spence received a small raise, the first in many years. I had been passively seeking a job, applying at retail stores to work nights and weekends. Nothing felt right or worked. One day as Cooper and I were throwing his paper route I thought of his District Manager. I thought, I should call her and see what she does and if there was an open position. I let the thought pass. A few weeks later I decided to open an issue of the Clipper newspaper. I went to the classifieds and there was the add for the District Manager position. I immediately called and left a message. Well, I received a call for a delivery complaint later that afternoon. I then asked about the job opening. After chatting for a minute I was asked to come in that afternoon for an interview.

The interview was more of an overview of the job, and I totally understood and was excited for the position. I went home thinking, this job is perfect. I can totally do this and be GOOD at it.

I was not hired. 3 weeks went by until I received a call offering me the job. I had not been hired because of a concern about my young children and my not being able to do my responsibilities because of illnesses and little kid schedules. Jorgina, my supervisor, had hired 2 ladies before me. One lasted a week, the other 3 days. It was a joke in the office my first week. Every employee I met asked me, "So, how long will you last?"

So far I have been employed 10 days, have received my first paycheck, and found 3 carriers on my own. My responsibility as a District Manager at Clipper Publishing for the Davis County Clipper is to make sure all papers are delivered in my district. It includes Farmington, Centerville, and central/upper Bountiful. I update maps, routes, and add new homes which have been built. I find and hire carriers between the ages of 10 - adult. I train and sign contracts, provide supplies and maintain their employment. Any missed delivery or complaint comes to me to deal with. I pretty much babysit carriers and make the customer happy. I also have the responsibility of putting bad carriers on probation and firing them.

This job is so me. I really like Jorgina my supervisor, Cindi who knows everything, and Tracy at the front desk. They are helpful and cheerful.

I only need to go in to the office to sign contracts, pull maps, use the copier and pick up supplies. The rest I can do from home or by email. Thursday's I am expected to be on call all day, which is delivery day, to handle carrier problems, and Friday until 3 pm. Aside from that I work when I am free.

My goal is for this to be a resume building job to then get me a money making job when Maggie enters school in 4 years. I feel led and blessed with the job. I know that I will continue to be led when things need to change or stop. I am so grateful for answered prayers and a supportive husband who loves me and helps without complaint. I am grateful for a job which will not take me out of the home in the evenings or weekends when we can spend our time as a family or in church callings. I would love to not work and make Cooper happy. But I have faith in my Heavenly Father to guide us along as he always has.