If you read my earlier post, “The Religion of Joan,” you know that I believe that EVERYTHING happens for a reason.  This belief has definitely come into play as I try to figure out exactly what I am supposed to be doing with myself career-wise.  In 2005, I was accepted into a master’s program in Community Counseling. (I have a bachelors degree in Psychology and wanted to obtain the credentials necessary to become a counselor either in a cancer clinic or hospice.) I took my first course that summer and enrolled for three more for the Fall semester. One week before classes were scheduled to begin, my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I withdrew from the university in order to focus my attention on taking care of him. I have never taken any more courses towards the degree that I had believed I was meant to pursue.

Fast forward to late 2008. I had been unhappy in my part-time administrative assistant position for quite some time and made the decision to resign in order to pursue work in the mental health field. I  had my sights set on working at a nearby clinic that specializes in eating disorders, addictions, bipolar disorder and more. (I was willing to work as a volunteer in order to accrue some relevant, current work experience on my resume.) I applied for a few job postings at the clinic and even sent in my application for a volunteer program that they are planning to implement. (My sister even forwarded my resume and volunteer application to the director of the program with whom she has worked in the past.) Funny thing, I have not heard a word from them in over two months.

It seems that each time I make a decision to pursue a certain career path, I am “steered” in some other direction. I do believe that a higher power is at the wheel. I will do my best to be a silent observer, snugly belted in the passenger seat. Too bad I can’t Google a map to show me where we are headed.  Patience has never been a virtue, and I don’t care much for surprises.