Getting there

I've been working at a nursing home for about 4 months now, and it's getting easier.  A month ago, I talked to my boss and she suggested I go part time.  It was getting really difficult with the girls' schedules and me not being home in the evenings, especially on school nights, between homework, chores, getting them to swim practice, YW, and other assorted activities they are involved in.  Chris just works way too much to be reliable to help out at home on a regular basis.  So I decided to work 2 days a week, on Saturdays and Sundays when Chris is home.  He still works during the weekend, but he does it from home and a little less than during the week.  It's been working out better.  It's not ideal, because Chris and I don't get to spend much time together, because I'm gone when he's actually home.  But we'll get there.

My job is getting easier, too.  The last 2 nights I've actually left on time!  It was so strange, I kept feeling like there was no way I was done, and that I had forgotten something major.  I've also had fewer patients than normal, so that helps a lot.  27 patients is just way too many.  Working weekends does have its perks.  There are fewer calls and orders from doctors.  There are fewer lab results to deal with.  It is a more laid-back atmosphere all around.  And, I don't have to work any holidays that don't fall on a weekend.  I get paid more per hour, since technically I am per diem now, and don't qualify for benefits, which we already get through Chris's job, so they pay a higher wage to make up for the loss in benefits.  My coworkers appreciate getting more weekends off.  I have more free time during the week to get stuff done around the house.  I'm finding a much better life/work balance.

I wish I could say the same for Chris's job.  He has been working insane hours for years now.  I've lost count how many.  His employers suck big time.  They haven't given him raises or bonuses for years.  He makes considerably less than what he should be making, especially considering the hours he puts in.  I am so frustrated that I am ready for him to find another job, any job, anywhere, even if that involves moving out of state.  That is how desperate I am.  So we're looking at possibilities.  The economy is making it difficult for both of us to find jobs, because technically on paper, we're not ideal candidates for what people are looking for right now.  But everyone that knows us knows that we are awesome!  We just have to get them to realize that.  We'll get there.