So, introducing "the Day Job"

No, I don't sit in front of a computer all day and blog...and I don't make soaps and other body care products in my home all day long either. Neither do I sip on a margarita while lounging next to my pool overlooking some gorgeous scenery in a highly magical place (sigh).

Like so many other folks who have a heart for artistry and crafting, I have a paying job. I have a family complete with kids and hubby, dogs and fish, a home to care for and yard to keep up. Ah, yes....the American Dream.

My job outside of my crafting world is a bit unusual and it is something that most people would cringe at the thought of doing. I work in a correction facility...you know, with inmates...prisoners. The job has its rewards. The place itself is a bit depressing looking, after all it IS a correction facility. No pretty, bright wall hangings, no pretty matching decor, no "elevator music" to set a theme. No carpet, no pretty wallpaper designs. It is sparse, hard, cold and no-nonsense it its design. It has to be.

The job is demanding, tough...there is no "down time". There is no time when you let your guard down. There is no "playing on the computer when the boss ain't looking". I don't have time to think about my crafting when I'm there. I don't have time to foster new ideas for new designs. I save that for when I drive home at the end of the day if I have enough brain power left to do something besides think about getting home. Then, when I do get home, I make sure that the kids have done their homework, chores and have had dinner. I fix myself some dinner, through in a load of laundry, check my e mail and fall into my recliner before going to bed. They are 12 hr shifts, so I only do that 3 days out of the week and thank God that I have the rest of the week to take care of all the rest of my responsibilities. Somewhere in the midst of all that, I think of new ideas, design, create and sell soap, market my wares, blog, spend time with my family, go to church and enjoy life. Even though I don't have a pool overlooking some fantastic scenic view. I can't remember the last time I sipped on a margarita.

Is it worth it? Ask yourself in your own life, is what you do worth what you pay for to do it? Yes, I get overwhelmingly tired and ask myself that question over and over again. My job serves a purpose. It does NOT define WHO I am though. It is simply a means to an end. The end being to afford my home, pay my bills and allow me the luxury of doing my craft. My craft does not YET pay for itself. I hope that it will someday and allow me a little extra income in my retirement when I can devote a bit more time.

So, may be Day job be blessed.