Wednesday, August 01, 2007

The wait is over

I've been waiting to write this entry for a while.

I've been a ball of anxiety for weeks which has rendered me able to do very little when not at work except for lay in front of the air conditioner playing "Snood." Add to that a raging summer sinus infection and horrible insomnia and I think you get the point...I've not been too much fun to be around.

I've been anxious because I've been interviewing for a new job and today I found out I got it.

I have accepted the position of Social Worker at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. I'll also be doing research in the Center for Interaction Between Animals and Society at Penn. Yes, it is a dream job...social work and animals...how could I miss?
I'll be focusing much of my work on acute grief/crisis mgmt and bereavement. I'm also interested in focusing some time developing a curriculm for Vet students (as teaching is part of the job) as well as support for pet parents coping with chronic pet illness.

After I received the offer today, I collapsed into my bed and slept like I hadn't since my vacation in May. It is bittersweet though...I've only ever worked HUP...11+ years---so this is a big move and as excited as I am, I am also terrified.

So bare with me for a while...it is a time of major change for me. My last day at HUP will be 8/24. Then I'll have a little R and R in Cape Cod before starting the new job in early September. To all of those who knew of my pursuits for this opportunity, I thank you for you support and encouragement through this process...now, it's time to CELEBRATE
Peace,

KnittyD

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Knitty D - Mazel tov! Bravo for you. What a wonderful place to work. I know you'll be wonderful at the job. They do such special work at Ryan and since we love our dogs almost more than people, it will be a good chance to (as W would say) practice your love!!! I know when I had to go in the middle of the night to put my Ziggy to sleep, I was a basket case and my husband was even worse. We become so very attached to our little creatures. My kids always accuse me of loving our dog more than we love them - and this is quite possible. Good luck. Take a deep breath - a wonderful stiff drink - and a good nights sleep...then blog on. I know I missed you. As I said I miss the podcast, Wendy's blog and, I was missing you.
PS - buy some koigu to celebrate!

Donna said...

Congrats to you! It sounds like a perfect job for you. Your love for animals shows - and the fact that you now have a job working in that field is a dream come true.

All the best!!!

EmilyG said...

Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! This is a wonderful position but also heartbreaking. I'm sure you will understand after the loss of your beloved pup not too long ago.

I think it's great that VHUP has a position like this. As a vet student in Ohio, I LOVED having a client advocate in the hospital and/or on call for difficult situations. It was a great resource for everyone.

Good luck with your new job. I know the vet students will love and appreciate you!

Jean Joo
UC Davis VMTH
Resident, Dentistry and Oral Surgery

AmyDe said...

Congratulations! PTL! Have a great time seeing the other job out and settling in for the new one. Take care of yourself! Miss you!

AmyDe

Anonymous said...

Congrats! What wonderful news -- and it sounds like the job is a perfect fit. My late kitty was seen by the behavioral medicine dept at Penn and they were great.
Yay!
--- Carol S. (not at home)

Lisa said...

Didn't know what was in the works, but congratulations on the new job! It sounds like a wonderful opportunity and new adventure.

Hope this helps you muster the energy to boot out that infection.