Im thankful that I went to work for the US Army in high school via the Cooperative Office Education program. I was determined to take care of myself and my family when/if I had one. Career woman? Maybe. Determination-driven? You are sooo right there. I wanted to be an artist one way or another since I drew all those pictures in my moms encyclopedias and nursery story books way back when I was old enough to hold a pencil. Just ask anyone who has known me since childhood. If I wasnt drawing, I was imitating the Beatles playing air guitar with a tennis racket on the back of my daddys pickup. I worked my junior and senior year, 16 hours a week during school, and 39 hours a week in the summer. I was blessed to then apply for a full-time job in the Printing/Photography Branch the fall after graduation at Langley, Va. I then applied at DOD in early January 1981 where I spent 14 years with a 9-month break to pursue a commercial art opportunity as a graphic designer with an international clothier. My last career step was at Quantico, VA, with the USMC. As there became a strong need in the MC for direct analytical support during Afghanistan and Iraq, I offered to release my billet in return for the opportunity to retire early with 29 total years of Federal Service. I spent approximately 3 years in the commercial industry. How blessed I have been to at least spend quality time away from full-time work, to see my daughter, Katie McCloud, through her high school years and beyond. Yes, I paid a hefty price for not retiring at 55 with 37 years, but I have not yet reached 55, and I do not regret the monetary sacrifice. Besides, Ive gained back about 9% of the 16% that I sacrificed. I only wish my mama could have lived longer to enjoy her retirement with me. Thank You Lord for putting everything in place for me to leave early and enjoy my family. It is an overwhelming blessing!
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 23:13:56 +0000
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