Taking Control
Roughly three weeks ago, I asked for HR intervention in a work situation that was heaping more stress on my life than I had the capacity to handle. It made it much worse. But, even though I was incredibly depressed by the way things were going, I decided that my life has been spinning out of control for way too many months now and it was time to reclaim control. So I did.
1. Found excellent new job — more responsibilities (paralegal), exciting area of law, more flexibility, little sal. bump, no billable hours!, new position (i.e., not filling anyone’s shoes) 
2. Lost 15lbs since January with help of nutritionist/stress/Topamax’s hunger-killing side effects 
3. Switched all of my vitamins to super-absorbable (expensive!) formulas so that I can see if I start to treat the underlying problem.
4. Got on some additional meds to deal with the side effects of the meds/intense stress I’ve been under with family/work/health issues… 
Yes, I know that makes no sense and, believe me, I resisted, but when you are crying 24/7 and anxious/irritable all the time, something has got to give. I decided it was time when I couldn’t stop crying as I was getting Pumpkinhead dressed for school. That’s also the day I really ramped up my job search!
5. Read skirt! Rules for the Workplace: An Irreverent Guide to Advancing Your Career. I would definitely recommend this book (in fact, I think someone else may have recommended it as one of our book club selections and I think it’s a good idea. LOTS of great tips!)
6. Read Working With You is Killing Me: Freeing Yourself from Emotional Traps at Work. Again, a very helpful read to help me gain some perspective.
7. Gave notice at work, with two days built in as time off for myself (and to work on schoolwork!) before starting the new job, and planned a girls weekend away with my Mom before I start the new job.
8. Bought FIVE pairs of new shoes. 
I don’t do that. I have a weird shoe size and am not a shoe person. But the shoe guy brought out a bunch of Munro shoes, which are so comfy and always fit perfectly. I boughtJuliet in chocolate brown and navy, Lauren in Black Kid, Isabel in Black Kid and these.
So I guess you can say I’m feeling much more on top of my game today and ready to move forward. 
February 28th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Wow, that’s all fantastic!! Congratulations on the new job and taking control of your life - amazing how quickly you got it turned around. Looking forward to hearing about life as a paralegal!
February 28th, 2008 at 8:52 am
All great news! And I can relate to the desperation/constant crying. It’s only been a few days of that for me - I cannot imagine how you’ve been dealing with it for as long as you have!
February 28th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Oh, and shoes are a very important part of life changes. Mine all tell their own story of when I bought them
February 28th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Congrats on the new job! I’m so sorry things went bad so fast at the old one.
Enjoy your days off and don’t do too much schoolwork!
(BTW, one of the attorneys I do work for doesn’t do billables b/c of the nature of his business — and his employees are *so* much happier as a result!)
February 28th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I am happy to hear it! May the good news continue!
February 28th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Yea! Good for you. I’m so happy to see things taking a positive turn for you.
February 28th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
you had me at the shoes.. good move.
always works for me.
February 28th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I am so happy for you. Congratulations on your new job.
February 28th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Good for you on your weight loss! I swear I’m only wearing Crocs for the rest of my life . . . especially after my recent podiatrist visits.
February 28th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Congrats on the new job! You “sound” so, so, so much better!!
February 29th, 2008 at 11:34 am
It’s so inspiring to hear someone who saw the need for a change and MADE IT HAPPEN!!
And hey, buying shoes is practical
February 29th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Congratulations! What I’d give to loose a little weight and buy new shoes!
Good for you!
March 1st, 2008 at 1:05 pm
WTG, lawmom! Good luck with the new gig and enjoy those shoes! I’m afraid we’ll need a pic of you in the red ones…
March 1st, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Those red patents are schweet ‘n sassy!
March 2nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Hi! I found your blog several months ago. I am also a part-time law student and mom, (though I don’t currently work) and love your political views on immigration. I have found all of your links very helpful. In any case - random lurker wants to tell you congrats as well on all the new fun stuff.
March 3rd, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I’ve been out of the loop for a while, and I am SOOOO glad to hear all this! It absolultely makes my day. Congratulations on the new job and all the other wonderful things (especially the new shoes)!!!