Timing is everything.

Yesterday, driving my son home from school, he asked if we could do such-and-such that evening. I said, "No, baby. I have to go to work." The poor little guy burst into tears. At first I thought it was a tantrum because I said "No." And then I thought maybe he was just being pouty.

But as he sobbed, and told me why he was so sad, I realized he really was desolated that he'd been at school all day, and now I-I-I was going to be gone all evening. "Will you be home by supper?" No. "Will you be home to start my shower?" No. "Will you be home for story and tucking?" No.

He was inconsolable.

When we got home, I sat down and typed a note to my boss. I told him that as a (newly) single parent, I have additional challeges from the average worker, and that I don't feel comfortable leaving my kids alone at night right now. I told them that beginning March 8, my availability would change to just when my kids are in school.

In retail, that's the kiss of death, because everyone has to work evenings and weekends--it's just the nature of the beast. I know that the store's needs come first, and if my availability doesn't work for them, they are free to say, "Eh, no thanks." But that's a chance I have to take, since they insist on scheduling me with all the worst possible shifts for my family. So we'll see what happens, there.

BUT!!!!!

The same night that I put that note in the manager's box, I got a voice mail from the US Census Bureau, to which I had applied and taken an exam a couple months ago. THEY HIRED ME as not just an ennumerator, but as a Quality Control officer, checking the ennumerators' work in my county. True, the job is only for 3 months, but it pays WELL more than my retail job, and it's for 40 hours a week.

That not only will look fabulous on a resume, but it will give me time, money, and breathing room to find something else full-time.

Amazing how these things work out, isn't it? :)