What will it be? Curtain # 1, #2, #3?

I feel like I'm playing Let's Make a Deal.

The only sad part of my current part-time job is the commute. I admit I was getting a little bored, but thankfully the owner gave me new projects that helped with that. The commute still hurt my gas tank so in order to worry less about the big financial picture, I began scoping out my other part-time work options.

The library aide position didn't pay enough.

I missed out on the hotel job, which in hindsight, I'm grateful for. Do I really want to work holidays and weekends? Not really.

I didn't even apply at the gas station because I have watched one too many surveillance videos! In my college days, I did work at a convenience store. I had my share of drunks but thankfully, no hold ups. Now that I'm a mom, I don't want to press my luck.

A friend's husband was looking for part-time help but after he hadn't returned my calls, I thought that ship had sailed.

I began to focus on trying to make financial changes at home, to make what we have go further. God reminded me to focus on the boys and how home schooling is where I'm needed most right now.

Well this week has brought unexpected changes. My friend's husband called and I have a meeting scheduled with him tomorrow. Two new jobs were posted in the local paper, one for part-time office help working with the elderly housing commission and the other as an assistant for someone disabled.

Just when I thought a job change would be in my future, my boss offered me a 15% raise!! 15%!!! I was stunned! I hadn't told her I was job hunting, but I suspect she knew. She once said to me, "You will tell me if the cost of gas gets too high for you won't you?" She has already lost employees who couldn't afford to commute anymore. I know she appreciates the work I do. She said, "I would offer to do a formal review but you're already doing such a fantastic job. There is nothing I could say except positive things." Wow! Its just become much easier to stay put and deal with the commute, 3 times a week.

But, I don't know really how much longer my van will hold up, and I have to ask myself, "Am I in a place where I'm growing?"

Change doesn't really spook me, but the unknown will make me pause. I can take forever just trying to decide what to order at a restaurant! I'm going to explore my options fully and do my best to see the positives rather than the negatives. I need to sit down and really think about where I want to go job wise.

As scary as looking at the checking balance is, I have learned that being here for my kids is first and foremost. And watching them learn and grow is motivation for me to learn and grow as well.