In Feb 2009 I went to work for Carenet, a "health support service" company, as an Account Manager. I was referred to Carenet by Rick Scheel who I worked with for years at Benefit Planners. I initially had lunch with Audrey Stephens, Director of Client Services and Monica Zapata who at the time was a manager in Client Services and then interviewed at Carenet with Audrey and briefly met with Vikie Spulak who is their Vice President. It stands out in Audrey's mind that I sent a hand written thank you note to her for her time and I love that she remembers that. I was hired shortly thereafter and at the time there was only 8 of us on the team.
Over the course of almost 6 years together we grew from a 24/7 nurse line to a multi faceted "health support" company, offering engagement work for health plans which during health reform became a huge need, transportation coordination, online physician care, phone physician care, and so much more. It was truly amazing to see a company evolve in a very short amount of time. We also grew from a team of 8 to a team of 19.
We did have 3 guys on our team, one not located in San Antonio, but the majority of the team was women and in a lot of situations that could pose a problem. Not in this one though.....those women or my girls as we call each other became my family. In the time was at Carenet we supported each other through family loss, births, marriage and illness. A family away from our family we always said.
After lengthy discussions between Ben and I it became evident to me that my head was no longer in my work and I was ready to take a different direction which was to keep Emma at home with me and focus on being a full-time wife and mom. On August 4th I resigned from Carenet which was one of the hardest decisions for me strictly because I would miss those amazing women. Audrey and I sat down and she shared that she knew I was either turning in my notice or that I was going to tell her I was pregnant again. I laughed out loud at that thought. I shared with Audrey that there were a few of the girls that I wanted to tell myself before the announcement was sent out.
After word of my resignation was out it became even more evident, not only how much I would miss my team, but just how much I actually had on my plate. I started to think that it may be easier to just stay than to transition all of my programs. So much detail and so much of that detail only my head....which I can say may not be the best place to store anything after having two children. Some of my brain cells...those that were responsible for remember things went out with my kiddos.
Weeks past as we prepared for my departure with several meetings with those that would take my accounts. It was difficult at times, for me and the person I was transitioning to. My last day in the office was August 28th and then I would work at home for two weeks, until Sept 12th, to ensure a complete transition.
Aug 28th was surreal for me as saying goodbye to those girls, although not permanent, was SO hard!!!!! I cried like a big baby....all the way out to my car and all the way to pick up Cash and Emma. The thought of actually not working or going into the office as I had for almost the past 6 years had not really set in as my reality. I made sure we took pictures. Pictures to document where we began and where we ended.
After being home for those two weeks while still working was easier than I thought. I realized having Emma here I am still very busy....to the point that I even made the comment to Arianna that I don't know how we do manage all we manage as working mom's. Somehow we do though. It all gets done one way or another.
Ironically, even though I know I made the right decision, I haven't slept the same since resigning. As of today, 11/6/14, its been a little better but strange that making such a decision would cause me to lose sleep. That just tells me it was a life changing decision and one of great importance/impact.
I have been home for about 9 weeks now and I have organized, stayed busy, and find pure joy in getting to see all of Emma's "moments". Its nice to pick up Cash and have uninterrupted time with him in the afternoon's...no conference calls, no client calls, etc. Just me and my kiddos...my family. Its a priceless gift....one I only get paid for with hugs and kisses ....and some thank you's every now and then....I would not have it any other way and feel overwhelmingly blessed!
