9 Year Work Anniversary - Reflections on a Blessed Work Experience

Friday was my 9 year work anniversary.

I loveeee my job. It hasn't always been that way. Truth be told, I have had times where I've looked for other jobs. But now I'm glad God didn't open any of those doors, because I know without a shadow of a doubt that I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

A lot of people have come and gone. A lot of changes have been made. There have been a lot of ups and downs. I've learned a lot and made some mistakes... some really big mistakes that were huge growth moments for me.

And while I wish I could redo some things, there are a lot of things I wouldn't change for the world.

I started there at an Administrative Assistant and have gone through a handful of positions, three bosses, several title and desk changes, but have always remained upstairs in the creative/production areas.

God continues to bless the company where I work, and I could not be more thankful. I know it's not that way everywhere, and I in no way mean to sound trite or ungrateful for what I have. This is a very rough, unstable economy, and I know a lot of people who are really struggling. Please know that our thoughts & prayers are with those of you who are having a really tough time searching for work, struggling to feed your families, etc. I cannot imagine what you are going through. But, this is my blog where I get to share with you insight into my life, my little corner of the universe. I in no way want to make anyone feel badly for what they don't have, but also want to share my story.

With that said, I very honestly love my job, my workplace, the people I get to work with every day {who are really more like family than just coworkers}, and the joy of the Lord that shines through that place. I cannot, for the life of me, imagine working anywhere else right now.

So here are a few pictures of our departments & my desks over the years. Some are poor quality from scanning from a scrapbook, and I know I have a million others on disks somewhere but I don't feel like going through them. Maybe next year for my 10th! ;)

Here was my desk sometime within my first year {I know this from the Mac computer and old phone}. My boss's wall is on the other side of the wall to the right. This area is now a printer/copier and work counter space. Buh bye old desk!

This was the Creative Services department in May 2002 when our boss Brian was leaving. Here's Chris, Joe, Liita, Rose, Kathy, Brian, Sina, me, Kris, and Marie. Two of us are still here.

Me sometime over the next couple years while assisting my boss Geoff. {No pics of him easily to find, sorry.}

The Creative Services department in June 2007. Joe, Al {boss}, Kathy, Keane, Dallas, Jon, Jessi, Josh, Kate, Phil, me, Don, and Amy. 10 of us are still here, just in different departments now.

Me at my desk June 2008 during celebrations for my 30th birthday :) {I'd been at this desk for 9 months in 05-06, then was in a different office for 2 years, and now I've been at this desk since early June 08. So this is what feels like 'home' to me, I love it!}

After redoing some things in the company and splitting into divisions, this is the new book division in July 2009. Joe, Bill, Al, Sherah, Lydia, Ted, Jill, me, Kathy, Sarah, and Justin. All but Ted and Sherah are still here.

Book Division May 2010: Jill, Al, Kathy, Sarah, Ben {intern on his last day}, Justin, Mattie, Joe, Lydia, Bill, me.

Consistently from picture to picture, there's only 2 of us that remain in all of them. Can you tell who the other one is besides me?

I feel so very blessed and don't want to take a moment of it for granted. Thank you Lord!!!