New adventures

I've mentioned here before that I recently took a job at Equine Affaire. I was super excited to get the position and planned to stay at EA long term. But, and unexpected job opportunity came up this week, that was too good to pass up. 

Several years ago before I had kids, I was a full time working student at a dressage barn, we will call it E&S. My time there was cut short, by frankly, an immature decision on my part. I've always felt like I had "unfinished business" at E&S. But, if things didn't happen the way they did, I wouldn't have my girls. So I really can't say "I would go back", or "I regret". 

The BO and I have kept in contact via Facebook, and neither of us harbored any bad feelings. I recently posted a general question about ulcer buffer suggestions, and the E&S BO told me to call her for a suggestion. So, I did, and we had a good chat. I thanked her for the advice and told her I missed the barn, that a horse office job just isn't quite the same as a barn job. 

She called me a few days later with a job offer. Unfortunately, I had to decline as I make decent money at EA and can't take a pay cut. I told her if I didn't have kids, I would be all over the offer, and I would still be interested if we can make something work. 

She called back a couple of hours later with an offer double of the first. Inlcuding free board for Drogo. I was super excited, but had to figure out childcare and talk to Jon, so I let her know I would call her in the morning. 

I talked to my sister (whom I currently pay full time childcsre to) and we worked out a way to swap childcare (she has a 3 yr old daughtet as well) instead of me paying her. Without paying childcare, having free board, and the weekly salary, this was shaping up to be a pretty sweet offer. I called the BO on my lunch break and asked if I can come talk in person and get a feel for the position before committing. 

I headed straight to E&S after work. BO and I hugged and got to talking. 

*Side note, I have literally had many dreams of walking back into that barn. It was so good to be there. Do you ever just walk into a place and know that's where you're supposed to be?*

I greeted all of the (super fancy) horses, old and new. We walked around the property, she showed me what was new. Told me about what has been going on since I left. I confirmed the terms, told it would be stupid of me not to accept, and told her I was in. We both commited to giving our two weeks the next day. Me to EA, and her to her current help. I left giddy and stupid excited. 

So, in a couple of weeks I'll have (another) new job, Drogo will be moving (again) to a new barn, and I will have MUCH more time with my kids. Lessons aren't included in the deal, but there is opportunity for extra work in exchange for lessons.