I worked for three years as the activities director at a high-end assisted living facility in Los Angeles.
I had long known that I wanted something different, something more.
I loved the residents, but not the structure.
I have a recreational therapy background, and I’d made some contacts at my job.
I’m like a rent-a-daughter to them; they call me the “Granny Nanny.”
(I’m actually in the process of trademarking that.)
I’ve always been a self-starter and a go-getter, so it’s nice to finally have this flexibility.
I don’t have the corporate structure hanging over me.
I can do the activities I want, and set my own hours.
It’s a lot of responsibility, but the stress level is so much less.
I’m in charge, and I really like that.
I’ve always been a person who follows my gut.
A lot of people feel stuck in their livesit could be a bad marriage, or a bad job.
But I had a passion to try, and it turned out to be the best thing ever.
I accepted a job at Yale leading a research group working on international environmental governance issues.
And it made me able to live in the same place as Noah after several years of long distance.
Within a few months of moving to New Haven, Noah and I got engaged.
I worked for a federal contracting company for about seven years.
Although I’d previously done some independent consulting, I had ended up taking that job for the benefits.
When the Affordable Care Act was announced, I was thrilled.
So health insurance is very important for me.
I love being on my own.
The flexibility has allowed me to adopt a healthier lifestyle, too.
I would never have quit my job without health insurance.
Without it, your whole decision process on a daily basis is completely different.
Not being judged for a preexisting condition–that was life changing for me.
I feel like my future is boundless now.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Subjects (3)
