My Not-So Brilliant Career Update

I'm still working 30 hours a week. The City passed a budget that retains current library hours -- for another year. This is good news, though problems with the California State budget -- and the general economic makes the future appear forboding.
Strategy -- take one day at a time.

Strengths: Finding out about myself

Taking surveys is always fun:


According to Strengthsfinder 2.0 my key strengths are Input, Deliberative, Intellection, Empathy, Restorative




According to the VIA Institute Character Survey my key characteristics are: Love of learning, Curiosity and interest in the world, Gratitude, Kindness and Generosity, Judgement, critical thinking , and open-mindedness.

My Not-So Brilliant Career

I was notified yesterday that my part-time librarian position will be downsized to half time (20 hours versus 30 hours)in July if the city budget is passed in June. So far I've managed to keep calm. It's a victory that I didn't burst into tears and have to take the rest of the day off. This is at least the fourth time in my career I've had such a notice, but it hurts.
My career hasn't been as brilliant as I'd hoped it would be; it's hard to look forward and not backward. Dr Djonz assures me we'll manage. To be realistic, I'm unlikely to get these hours reinstated -- or a future full time or part-time job that pays as much. I'm thankful that I still have my job as others in the system have been given layoff notices. I've worked for the city for over 16 FTE years. Generally speaking, I enjoy my library work, but I've had hopes and dreams that I've held too long that have not been realized. Years ago I left my full-time academic library position in Australia to come to the U.S. and have since worked part-time, not always by choice. It's been hard to be positive. Yes, I'm more than my library work. From time to time I'll report on what's been happening. Stay tuned.