Zero to two in under three

Talk about amazing. After six months with no paid employment I followed a lead from a friend which led to me accepting a part-time position in Palliative Medicine. The NEXT DAY I had an interesting phone call testing out my interest in a Public Health role in a new medical school. Today I had an interview which led to an offer and I will start that academic position part-time in two weeks. Still to be officially confirmed of course but all is in train to complete the paperwork. So from no job to two jobs in less than three weeks! I am a happy lassie. And even more so when I found the Uni is across the road from an art supplies shop. I love beautiful papers and this shop is full of those. As well as every kind of paint you can imagine. It was a great place to look around after the successful interview.

I'm not sure what to make of all this. Should I just have been more patient and trusted that the right position would eventuate? Was my 'bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' mentality about the first offer an example of that lovers' impetuous nature that leaps at the present and doesn't plan for the future? Was I just giving in to the pressure from within and without to find a job? At some level I know I was wondering what is wrong with me that I was perpetually shortlisted but never appointed. Others around me were asking the same question.

Then again - if there is any branch of clinical medicine that I would consider Pall Med is in there - alongside rehab/ psych/ addiction med/ gerontology. It was not a rash decision but something I had been thinking about for some time. Attending PallMed journal club I find synergies between the issues my new colleagues discuss and my experience in Public Health. Both these positions came as a result of invitation to consider. Both 'seemed right at the time'. One extends me in new directions and the other is a consolidation and affirmation of experience to date. In time I think I will find that the diversion into PallMed will have significant impact on my professional development. The Public Health questions around end of life care need to be addressed. I have a new perspective already.

So I am glad. Not too interpreting. Glad and grateful. For opportunities abounding and knowledge to gain and to share. However I got here.