12-05-2018, 12:50 AM
(12-05-2018, 12:01 AM)BigMark Wrote: My first real job was at Beverly Manor convalescent home, it was bad. Real fucking bad. Even though I just worked in the kitchen...
Seriously, I know what you mean.
I went from being an expert in international regulations, software localization, and translation program management..........to teaching graduate courses in international engineering/marketing/operations.............to owning a much less financially lucrative business helping seniors live safely in their own homes.
The latter included filling in a lot of caregiver shifts when the client's well being depended on it and no one else could do it; changing adult diapers and staying up all night with Alzheimer's patients who think it's 50 years in the past. That was way more personally challenging than fighting it out in a boardroom as the only woman with a slew of men from all over the world.
Senior care is not a glamorous business, nor is it the most financially lucrative one. But, I'm really glad I did it for as long as I could. It's so necessary and rewarding.
I watched and helped my mom, as best I could, when my dad got terminally ill. I quit my career and traveled down south frequently for a year and a half so I could give her a break and spend as much time as possible with my dad.
After he died, a part of me died too. I decided not to pursue another international executive position. My heart was so raw. I wanted to do something to help people in the same position as my dad and mom (and I) had been in. So, I did, for as long as I could. Thank god I bought the house here when I was still making corporate bucks.
The senior care business has helped me pay most the mortgage, but the equity in the house is much more than my profits from the business. I can use that equity to take care of my mom and help my niece become independent enough to fly solo.