Back on the Work Force

When we moved to Georgia, Matt and I both were in agreement I would take some time off to get us settled and get the twins started in school. This was my first time not working since I was a teenager. I think the reprieve was much needed and I was thankful for it.  Once I started the job search, I discovered a lot of jobs available in my field but not in my realm. Many of the jobs listed were for activity assistants with very low pay and mostly in Assisted Living facilities. Don't get me wrong, this is a great place to start in the recreation field but with my experience and length in the field, it was not exactly what I was looking for. I sent out several resumes, some of which I heard back from and didn't pursue for said reasons and others I didn't hear from at all. When I came across a facility under the ACTS corporation, Lanier Village Estates, I felt it looked promising. The position was for an Activities Director in the Skilled Nursing (WillowBrooke Court) of a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Center). Basically, it was a retirement community which consisted of Independent Living, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing.  It was about 45mins from home but against traffic in a town called Gainesville. I was called for an interview and when it was over I felt really good about both the interview, staff and facility. It was certainly different from Gurwin. The SNF was only 64 beds, 1 other staff member in the activity department and very homelike. I totally felt the calmness, the hospitality and was able to picture myself there. After my initial interview, I was told I was over-qualified but I was offered the position as the new Activities Director. This was certainly a change of pace for me, I knew it would be less stress, less drama and a healthy environment to continue my career in. I accepted the position and started at LVE on September 12, 2018. 

It's been a few weeks since I began and despite the commute, I am so content there. The staff, families and residents are welcoming, kind and thankful for everything that is done for them.  I have to say, LVE is the true definition of southern hospitality. The thing I am most enjoying is the time I get to spend with the residents. There is less focus on paperwork with the exception of what is required which allots for more time doing what I am meant to do and this is engaging with the people who live there.