I recently began my newest venture when I decided to apply to a per diem child life specialist job when I was only 1 month post partum. It was terrifying thinking that there would be a time I would be leaving my little one but I knew it was a great option since "per diem" means "as needed" and I wouldn't be working a full time schedule. My husband and I discussed at length financials and potential of this new job opportunity. This was before I even applied! Well, the job had been posted already for 2 months so I said to him "What's the harm? Chances are they've filled it already or have potential applicants anyways so why don't I just TRY?" So he went along with me and said to go for it.
Just for background knowledge I planned to become a teacher prior to consideration of applying to this job. I had already completed all the necessary tests except for one (which I had taken twice and not passed as of yet) so I figured why not look into multiple options in case teaching didn't pan out? Well the day I was taking that final test that I had taken a few times and had yet to pass I also received a call to interview for the per diem job. I was stoked. It had been over a month since I applied which meant my baby girl was already 2 months and I was in the mindset that I NEEDED to pass this exam or I wouldn't be able to teach which meant I needed to find ANOTHER option. This took the edge off the exam (they called 2 hours before I was testing) and I ended up passing! How exciting, right? I got a call for the interview AND I passed the exam I needed for teaching. So many options! But, honestly, I was terrified. I didn't want to leave my little girl and truthfully my husband said I didn't HAVE to if I wanted to stay home. We could tighten up the budget and I could spend every day with my little one.
Well, now feeling guilty for even getting excited at the potential at either job I went to interview. It was a FULL DAY interview. I had never left my baby for a few hours let alone a whole day. So I asked my mom to come to our house to babysit for this day where I had to leave my baby girl. At least she would have all her "stuff" here and be comfortable. I packed up that morning and gave her a million kisses. Mom had all she needed. I had been pumping for a few weeks and had a full day supply for her (I'll be writing ANOTHER post on how I prepared for this day and also how I pump at work for all you working mommas!).
I headed off to the interview. I got a little teary eyed leaving the neighborhood but once I got there I felt at ease. I went in with the mindset that I was going to give it my best shot and be myself. Like I said we had other options so if this doesn't work out it's fine. First I got a tour of the beautiful facility. I asked a lot of questions about outdoor space to bring kids, hospital rules, child life coverage, etc. I had previously worked at a hospital for 3 years as a CCLS so I knew I wanted to understand what this hospital was all about and feel if it's a good fit for me as much as it was for them. I then went for an interview with the manger and director. It was very relaxed and although it was a professional interview I felt that the conversation flowed naturally and I thought that was the most important interview of the day. WRONG. The director ended with "It was so nice meeting you and we really enjoyed our conversation with you. Our interview committee are the ones to really impress because they make the final decision. I only step in when I don't see it working. So really impress them this afternoon!" Okay, put that professional cap back on and work on impressing the team. I then got a break to pump (this was pre-arranged as I had explained I was a nursing momma and needed to pump to make a supply for my baby and keep my supply up which they totally understood! Extra bonus points for them). I was then told I would be brought to the activity center to do a "play session" with kids in the playroom. I basically was there to play with the kids! Easy peesy, something we as child life specialists naturally do. Following that I had lunch with the team and this was the moment I knew I wanted to be a part of the team. They were all so welcoming and nice! Also, a little sarcastic and witty which speaks to my personality. I had another break to pump after this. For those that haven't had a baby yet or have not breastfed I typically feed her every 2-3 hours and need to continue that when I'm away to maintain supply and replace what she's eating when I'm gone. These were nice breaks too to call my Mom and see how she was doing and also gather my thoughts for the next venture. Last but not least was the interview with the interview committee (the one the Director mentioned was super important!) So I got in there and remembered the 2 girls from lunch (another was out that day sick). Another great conversation that naturally flowed.
Well it went GREAT. I loved the team, the manager and director. I felt like I had this in the bag! Well a week went by and no call. I felt a little sad. Clearly, I wanted this job more than I thought at first! I finally got an e-mail from someone in HR stating they'd be in contact with me soon. Another day goes by. FINALLY I got a call. Mind you, this was after an unexpected surgery I had to have because I had something called "retained placenta" where a part of the placenta was left over in my uterus following birth. I had just gotten out of surgery and was heading home when they called. I answered immediately, even though my mom and husband were shocked as I was still a little loopy from anesthesia. They offered me the position! I would be starting in a month. How perfect is that?! Another month of bliss with my baby and then I would start my new job as a per diem child life specialist.
So far it's been so good. Every day is different and I still feel a little guilty going to work but right now I am only working 2-3 days a week and I get the other days to spend with my sweet girl. It's a good balance and keeps me sane. Keep reading my blog to learn more about my daily life as a child life specialist and mom.