Thursday, October 28, 2010

Opportunity Knocks?




Right next door to my house, I can see that the neighborhood Morning Glory has set up shop in the stump of a tree. This is one intrepid plant that amazes me. I'm not entirely sure how it got from Kaye's house all the way across the street and jumped on an opportunity that, unlike me, once presented, could not be refused.

While I was busy knitting, Pretty Thing, for my best friend, she was busy hatching a scheme of her own that involved me. On Tuesday, she called and offered me my old job back. Though it's tempting, so close to retirement, I find I just can't do that. My friend has no say over pay, but what they offered was my old job back at 1998 wages. This represents about a 25% cut in my current pay, and while I'm honored they respect my work and would want me back, I'm not so honored they still find little worth in the professional nurse in their practice. The person who made the financial offer told Fanette to tell me that maybe I could stay contingent with my current employer to make up the difference. Why would they think I'd want to work 60 hours a week when I already think 40 is more than I can handle? Even though I can guarantee that working for a urology practice would provide great writing fodder, I accept that sometimes you just can't go back. I would have jumped on this offer if it had been a financially lateral (or even somewhat closer) move.

Recognizing I won't be changing jobs soon, I'm preparing for the loss of daylight on the afternoon shift and have purchased a powerful mag lite. I will not go through another winter of guessing at addresses.

I finished Pretty Thing (you have to double click that picture to really appreciate the glory of this cowl) two days ago, but only got around to blocking it this morning. It's absolutely gorgeous. I found a skein of, Road to China Light (alpaca, cashmere, camel & silk) in Peridot and in my stash, that should make an equally beautiful, Pretty Thing, for my lovely daughter.

17 comments:

Jane said...

What a lovely pattern and I love the shape. Beautiful.

Stephanie V said...

So, Pretty Thing looks like a Morning Glory herself in that lovely sunrise peach-y color. Lovely lacework.

Too bad about the lack of financial respect offered to you. It must have been hard to turn down - even with the lower pay component kicking the legs from under the offer.

Celia said...

That lacework is GOR-GE-OUS!!!

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

well two things, first of all that is beauriful!!!!!! and next i think i know how that plant got there. a bird ate the seed and pooped it there...

smiles, bee
oxoxoxooxoxo

SkippyMom said...

That is just ridiculous Rudee - 1998 wages/ I know there is a recession, but really/ 12 years ago/ That is an insult. How desperate do they think people are/ You have a job already.
::done with my rant:: oh and sorry my question mark key is having one of those days [again] so you are getting / instead. hee

That cowl is lovely. I hope she models it and we get to see a pic! Too lovely.

Rose said...

Ooh, that is so pretty! I agree about the pay cut. And I thought three years without a raise was bad (that's what I've had so far).

Gail said...

What talent! This piece is wonderful and I love that color.

Maybe they will make another offer, with better pay.

BJ said...

Oh Rudee! That is just gorgeous! Your work is impeccable!

J'Ollie Primitives said...

the cowl is slam-gorgeous!

the job offer? Not so much.

Ruth said...

Skippy mum said it all - INSULTING - re the pay offer.
and
beautifull cowl.

Lisa L said...

that just makes me sigh. 1998 wages in a private doc's office were shitty *then*! (i'm assuming the urology job is in an ambulatory setting..) good grief..what are they thinking. oh yeah, that's right...let's make rudee work overtime to 'make up the difference.' shaking head...

Jeannette StG said...

True -sometimes you just can't go back! Beautiful cowl, Rudee! I've very tempted to buy the pattern:)

Joanna said...

That's a lovely pretty thing. Must feel nice to wear as well. And the color of the morning glory--well it's glorious.

Rachel Cotterill said...

Gorgeous knitting - very delicate and pretty :)

Unknown said...

the job offer...that's actually hilarious...where in the world else would this happen??!! You just gotta laugh and "bless their silly little hearts" as my daughter's Kentucky patients would say.

The cowl--stupendously beautiful. What a rich, yet delicate color. Please teach a fashionista idiot. What's a cowl, and how will Pretty Thing be worn? I know cowlnecked sweaters, but is this to be worn alone? Am anxiously awaiting your reply, but at 1983 wages, so you can see there's no need to hurry :>!

Rudee said...

One wears this piece around the neck, Distracted.

Quiltluver said...

What a lovely cowl that is. Such a pretty color and beautiful pattern. Gorgeous!