You are not the boss of me!

   I’ve always had a low tolerance for nonsense, but lately, my patience account is officially overdrawn. I am done treating my life like a group project where I need majority approval just to spend my own money. I’ve reached that magical point where I plan to do exactly what I want, without needing to file a request form in triplicate first.

Too Many Acronyms in my Life

 I’ve officially exhausted my supply of patience for stupidity. Actually, let's be precise: I’ve lost the will to deal with people. Specifically, clients.

It’s a cruel cosmic joke that to keep my business running, I have to actually interact with the public. I’m rapidly losing the ability to feign interest. Yes, I understand the basic economic principle that clients equal income, but let's be clear: they are not my boss.

I already answer to DHS, NECPA, FACFP, and QRIS. Honestly, how many acronyms does it take to supervise a room full of toddlers? I have quite enough overlords, thank you. So, when a client approaches me with some trivial, earth-shattering complaint, I don't feel the urge to provide "service." I feel the urge to cut them loose and let them annoy someone else.

Be careful what you wish for

 "Be careful what you wish for," they say. After running a business for over three decades, I’m finally taking that advice to heart. For years, I’ve been the rock—the one who stayed put through the complaints, the threats to quit, and the walk-outs. I’m often amazed at how some people manage to pay their bills when they seem to have unlimited time to complain! Well, now it’s my turn to do the walking.

The current situation with DHS is, to put it mildly, a mess. They are tearing up the system, and I have zero desire to stick around for the fallout.

I’ve decided to seek a life that offers more meaning than just being the person everyone vents to.The DHS changes—supposedly "just until June"—are the final straw. I am officially done with the endless rules, the regulations, the office politics, and the clients who seem to think businesses run on good vibes rather than revenue. Everyone wants a deal, but "deals" don't meet payroll.

Ultimately, you have to decide who you’re going to please: your staff, your clients, or yourself. For thirty years, I put myself last. Not anymore. I’m starting a new chapter and leaving the chaos for someone else to figure out. If serving as a sounding board is my unofficial job, I should really start charging a consultation fee.

Happy Birthday Mom! You are 92 today!

Heading Back to the Coal Mine

 Tomorrow, I return to work after a seven-week hiatus. To say I have "mixed feelings" would be an understatement. On one hand, I’ve genuinely missed my staff. On the other hand, the thought of dealing with DHS again makes my inner voice scream "NO!" at a volume that is frankly unprofessional.

I have a mountain of work waiting for me, and I’m still undecided on whether I’m dreading it or looking forward to the distraction. I’ve only done the bare minimum while recovering from surgery—which is still an ongoing process, by the way—so the "to-do" list is intimidating. Naturally, I am currently managing that anxiety by procrastinating and writing this blog post instead.

I usually love to work, but I'm questioning if this is still the work I love. Running a daycare should be fun, but the bureaucracy is sucking the joy right out of the room.

However, my house is clean and the holiday chaos is packed away, so I have run out of valid excuses. It’s time to write a list and get moving. Hopefully, after a couple of weeks of catching up, I’ll have a clearer perspective on where I stand in the job market—or at least stop screaming internally.