There is Always Life After
This is the last post before I leave for the AHDI meeting tomorrow morning. While I am looking forward to the meeting and learning some things while there, as well as seeing old friends and meeting some new ones, I find myself this evening just not as excited about going as I have been in times past. Attending an AHDI meeting is something I think everyone should do, and I also believe when you go to one, you’re hooked. The opportunities are amazing. It’s fun to see the vendors and see what new things they will bring to this meeting.
So why the mixed feelings? Well, for one, some of the discussions I’ve seen and heard about our upcoming House of Delegates have just been downright unpleasant. Sometimes it’s hard to remind yourself that we are all passionate about things. And sometimes when people get passionate, they forget that it’s okay to agree to disagree, and that it can be done professionally without personal attacks. An association with open communication, and a willingness to listen to each other’s thoughts and ideas is the kind I want to be a part of. One that doesn’t allow for that doesn’t bring a great deal of excitement. I really hope that tomorrow night’s House of Delegates allows for that and that disagreements are done with mutual respect. Many of the people involved, on both sides of this issue, are people I care about. I don’t want to see them put down and I also don’t want to see anyone disrespected. So if you would, say a prayer, or send some positive thoughts to that meeting that it will be done without causing hurt feelings with anyone.
The other reason, I suppose, is that this meeting will be the first one where I am present at a meeting with my former employer. I loved that job and was let go in January due to downsizing. It was a job I anticipated having into retirement, I believed I had a great relationship with my boss, and I certainly have some mixed feelings about seeing those who are still left at the company again. I won’t go into a lot of personal things here, only to say that when you believe you have your dream job and it goes away, well, sometimes that’s just rough. The best thing that happened to me related to this experience was reading the book “The Heart Mender” by Andy Andrews. That is a powerful book about forgiveness. In the end, I have maintained my integrity through the process and that’s all I could ask. Still, it’s just strange, you know? So I will hope for a slow tongue and a pleasant experience for everyone.
Now, I really can’t leave this blog on a sad note, because really, the things above aren’t sad things, they’re just things. And in the end, both are about change. That’s sure something we are dealing with in our profession. So, here’s what I have learned.
There IS life after the dream job. If not for those experiences, I would not have had the opportunity to work on this site and meet this wonderful community. What an amazing journey this is and I am so thankful each of you is here.
With our association, it’s kind of like a dream job. There IS life after big decisions, no matter what they are. I am still hopeful that the House of Delegates will pass the resolution that delays action on major structural changes until there are more details and more time for discussion. In the end, however, there will still be life after whatever their decision is.
Stay tuned this week as I update you about the happenings! If you have Twitter, I will probably send message from there throughout the day and do an update blog post in the evenings. It will be an interesting week!
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Kathy, your post really rings true tonight. Had I been able to go to this year’s conference, there would have been a few former employers I’d rather not see around. It is difficult to get over the hurt and disappointment, isn’t it? Still I would take the high road had I been able to be there and tried to be as gracious as I could be. I was a delegate last year; I’m not a praying person, but I will put out good thoughts to the universe for, if not agreement within the HOD, at least patience, respect, and cooperation.
I don’t know that there is a “dream” job out there, in the MT world, that is. But I do agree with you; when a door closes, another one always opens. And we certainly are a passionate bunch! Have a wonderful time.
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Godspeed, Kathy. I hope you have a wonderful time.
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You said it so well. Losing what you thought was a dream job must have been a heartbreaker. Some of us haven’t yet been displaced, but find the job is no longer as much fun as it once was. So we have to look to the future. Look forward to reading your insights on this meeting here soon. Safe travels.
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Your post touched my heart, Kathy. Hold your head up high, be proud of what you are and what you have contributed to our profession. Enjoy the conference; we’re all looking forward to hearing from you while you’re there!!
P.S. We are all grateful for YOU!
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Wow! Personal attacks and hurt feelings? There must be some things going on in the delegate discussions that the general membership is not aware of. And then we ask why more people won’t step up to the plate and volunteer for leadership positions?
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I don’t think anyone likes change, either good or bad, and yet it is the only way we can broaden ourselves. Kathy, I am growing very fond of you. I like the way you view things and the fact that you are willing to share your innermost thoughts and feelings with us in a way in which we can all relate. As others have said, “Be Proud!” What you are accomplishing here is invaluable–especially to those of us who are just starting out. I can easily find medical facts and information, but without experience, the inside workings of the industry eludes me. I depend on you and the other members for that. I am proud that you are my delegate, liason, touchstone, etc, to the MT world. Now, go have some fun!
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Kathy Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 11:31 pm
First, before I write tonight’s post, thank you all for your kind comments. It means a lot and I really appreciate it. Change is never easy, no matter what it is. And yet, it is the one thing that is constant in life, things WILL change.
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Just read on the ACE website that the House of Delegates unanimously adopted the resolution in support of mandatory credentialing for MTs/editors.
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