I've spent the last six years working in a job that I honestly never imagined myself doing. When I completed my Bachelor's degree, I applied for what seemed like a thousand jobs in various types of business, but since my concentration was in human resources, that is what I was focused on doing. God had other plans for me though.
I landed a job five minutes from my house, but to be honest- it wasn't what I wanted. I just knew I had to find something to gain experience.
I will never forget telling my Mom that I had interviewed for a position at nursing home- she told me I would not like it and that nursing homes stink. When I think back to that moment over six years ago, I laugh. This nursing home didn't stink at all. I was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness and the fact that everyone seemed friendly.
My Nanny worked as a CNA in a nursing home for years and somehow I felt more connected to her knowing I was following in her footsteps of helping the elderly. I've been in multiple positions in the facility, but my favorite thing is talking with the residents, holding their hands, and loving on them. I love talking to the families and reminding them that sometimes it is truly impossible to care for loved ones at home, because most people feel guilty when their loved one enters a facility. I've always felt like my words helped calm them.
My goal was to stay one to two years and then find something that was more of what I dreamed of doing. God had other plans though, because here I am six years later! There have been many ups and downs, but I have learned so much in life. The one thing that I have told families for six years now is "You have to care for yourself before you can care for others". I'm finally learning to practice that in my own life after saying it thousands of times.
Tomorrow, I am leaving this job to create a life I have dreamed about since I was a kid. It's not just about being my own boss- it's about doing what I love and fulfilling my purpose. For six years, my purpose has been to serve families and residents in the role of admissions and social worker and even though I've enjoyed it for the most part- it's not my purpose in life. God brought me to this job because He knew I had alot to learn in life. I truly believe there were specific residents and families that He knew I could help when no one else could. But my time is up and I have alot of mixed emotions as my last day draws near. It's time for me to follow my passion and fulfill my purpose in life though!
Life is short- do what you love and love what you do. Find your passion. Discover your purpose. Chase your dreams.
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