Thursday, July 21, 2022

Thankful Thursday: Christmas in July & New Beginnings

Today we want to thank our sweet friend Ellen at 15 and Meowing for her surprise Christmas in July gift that arrived a couple weeks ago. Mudpie got a sweet little pink fishie and I got a much needed kitty stress ball.


I emailed Ellen right away to let her know that while she always hits the nail on the head with her gift choices, this time that was the case more than ever. 

Every now and then here on our blog I've alluded to workplace stress, and recently I made the difficult decision to resign from my job after 23 years. Long story short, we were acquired by a large company back in December. There were many layoffs but in March I was offered a new position to begin in June that had to be full time. (I've been working part time for quite awhile because of everything going on with my parents.) I accepted, but then changed my mind.

Merging the two data systems has taken longer than expected so for the past 6 weeks I've been working full time while continuing with my regular duties, but as soon as the transition is complete I'm done. It's a very demanding company and I just can't handle it on top of mom and dad's continuous health issues. At this point in my life I need a low stress job I can do part time from home (preferably in the pet space) - not an all-consuming career which is what this has become. I'm a simple girl - not a career woman.

Ever since dad was in the hospital for 2 weeks over Christmas it seems like life has just fallen apart bit by bit and my stress level has been off the charts. I hate to complain because there's been so much sickness and death in our little cat community lately, and thank goodness Mudpie and I are healthy (knock on wood), but the thoughts of changing jobs after so many years is pretty overwhelming. When I opened up the stress ball I couldn't believe how timely the gift was.

I should also add that Mudpie has been treating her pink fishie like a stress ball too. I think my anxiety has been rubbing off onto her!

21 comments:

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

Leaving a job after so long is scary! I hope you find something soon that fits your needs MUCH better! Ellen is awesome, and her gifts arrived just in time for you and Mudpie! That stressball is so cute!

Lynn and Precious said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
My GBGV Life said...

Avoiding stress if you can is so important. Our gramma has added a lot of stress to our mom's life but we try to help her keep the level down a bit. Sorry you have to quit your job, but it sounds like the right choice for you.

Patricia T said...

Making the decision to leave a job is rarely easy, especially after so many years. I’m hoping you find something else soon. Just take it one day at a time. Once the decision is made, it gets easier (knowing it’s just a matter of time). Good luck!

The Island Cats said...

Sending you many purrs that you find a new job that is more suited for what you want at this point in your life. It's scary, but it sounds like you know what is best for you.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Ellen makes the best things! I'm glad to hear that you are doing what is best for you, it will all work out I'm sure. Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

Sandee said...

Ellen rocks. We love Ellen and all her kitties.

Leaving a stressful job when you have so many other issues to attend to is a good thing. I'm sure Mudpie will be most happy too.

Have a fabulous Thankful Thursday, Melissa. Scritches to precious Mudpie. ♥

Lynn and Precious said...

My fat quick fingers did not allow me to properly express my sentiments. I do feel it is a wonderful thing that you are able and willing to help your parents. And I think big corporations have no feelings for their employees. It is a shame to leave a job you did enjoy for such a long time. However, no stress from a bad job is the way to go. I remember being let go after 15 hard working years. It is not easy. Hope you find a way to unwind. Lynn and Precious

Catscue Cat Mom said...

We went through a merger a few years ago, so I feel your pain! I think you made the right decision for your health and family - good for you! We're wishing you the purrfect job on your new path.

The Florida Furkids said...

Anxiety does rub off on our furkids. We hope you can get back to working at home (along with Mudpie!) We love that stress ball!

pilch92 said...

Thank you for the shout out. I am glad I was able to bring you some joy in this difficult time. Your parents are lucky to have such a wonderful daughter. I am sure you will find a job soon because you have a great work history and are very talented. XO

catladymac said...

We send purrayers and POTP to you and Mudpie and your folks! Your decision was well thought out and we pray it all works out.

Fur Everywhere said...

It souncs like you are doing the best thing you can for yourself. It will definitely be a transition, but I think you'll be happier for it in the long-run! :)

Three Chatty Cats said...

Oh gosh, definitely sounds stressful! Good for you for knowing when to need to step away. I hope you can find a nice part time job!

Leah said...

Purrs for everything to work out well in a new and more suitable job! That was very sweet of Ellen to send the gifts!

Mama Cat said...

Love that stressball! Hoping you will find the perfect part time job soon, and keeping you in my prayers.

Marvelous Marv said...

I feel your pain. The last 5 years prior to my retirement were the most stressful of all. It took almost a year to finally de-stress. I send you happiness (it really helps) and strength.
Marv's Mom Barb

CCL Wendy said...

I'm so sorry to hear about all of the stress you are under. You are making the best choice for you and your family. Caring for elderly parents is no small task, and many caregivers become depressed or have other health-related problems as a result. It is overwhelming for sure. You need some downtime to take care of yourself, too, and your little munchkin Mudpie, of course.

You sound like a very giving person. Bless.

M Dawson said...

I am sorry about this work stress thing. It sounds horrible and I believe you have done the right thing in putting your health and your parents first. I hope you can find a job in the pet space, I know they would make much better use of your talents.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

When I moved to Michigan to be with Lenny, I left my newspaper job that I had 21 and a half years (full time), so I KNOW how scary that is. I didn't have the extra stress of having ill parents (actually my Dad had passed 2 months before I moved)....regardless...all change, even good change is stressful! It's hard finding part time work from home in pets (but you could do writing because you are so talented), I've been looking!! I'm sorry about all of the added stress and it is beyond admirable that you are so devoted to your parents, they are blessed to have you. It WILL all work out!! xoxo

The Menagerie Mom said...

Melissa, I'm glad you resigned from a job that was so stressful, especially when you're also caring for your parents. There's no point in running yourself into the ground for someone else's company. As much as I love working with animals, I left my previous job at a vet clinic not only because the euthanasias and other tragedies became overwhelming, but also because I ended up as the veterinarian's only employee, which meant I often worked 12 hour days just to get everything done. I just couldn't handle the stress anymore, so I quit. And I wasn't even caring for my parents back then like you are now. The bottom line is that no other person or company should be allowed to own you, your health, your happiness, or your time, and if you start feeling like that's the case, you owe it to yourself to leave. I really am glad you're cutting that stress out of your life, Melissa. And I completely agree with your comment on opting for a simpler life rather than being a career woman.

Mudpie, isn't Miss Ellen just the best? Her toys are so fun to play with, so have fun with your pink fishie!