Follow-up to "Changes"

Changes

I wrote the post "Changes" back in November when my work-place went through a re-bid and lay-off process. I was reading Leah's blog today and realized that I never updated you guys on what happened.

First and foremost, I want to thank you all for the encouraging thoughts, positive messages, and prayers you sent my way. That was a very low time for me and you definitely lifted my spirits.

Prior to the re-bid, I worked 8-hour night shift and a 0.8 FTE, which means I worked 80% of full-time employment, or 32 hours per week. I worked my shifts all in a row, 8 nights on and 6 nights off.

The re-bid didn't affect us as much financially as I was expecting it to. Based upon my (very) low seniority, I received a position that was better than I expected. God is so faithful! My new position is now 12-hour night shift and a 0.75 FTE. This means that I now work 5 12-hour shifts in a 2 week period.

Change can be good! For me this means more nights at home, sleeping in my bed with my husband. Fewer days of fuzzy brain, and that dreaded so-so physical feeling. Many days I was used to feeling a light hangover from lack of sleep. NOT ANYMORE! Now, I go to work for 5 nights straight, then I flip back over to a day-time schedule and enjoy life for 9 days. We are eating better because I have more time to cook, the apartment is much cleaner, and the laundry isn't back-logged, plus I have more time and energy for exercise and relaxation with my friends. Which sounds a bit like I'm not too far off from some of my 2011 Goals.

Many of my co-workers did not fair as well, but we are all rallying together. The mood has brightened in the unit, and of all the people laid off only 2 are still without employment. Which is better than anyone expected in this economy.

Again, thank you for your support! You are all much appreciated.