The first post is the hardest (the first cut is also the deepest!)

Hello social workers!

I am excited to begin this blog which may just serve to keep me sane in the coming days. I am a full-time employee getting my Master's degree in Social Work. Until now, my schedule has been pretty reasonable. All of my classes have been on Saturdays and my day job is just that: 9-5, M-F.

In January I will begin my first field practice which will entail 20 hours during the daytime (9-5). I will also have a full day of classes on Tuesdays. If we do the math, that's 28 hours that will cut right into my 40-hour work week.

My life is about to change big time.

Last Monday (Dec. 1), I spoke with my boss about the schedule changes. I made a proposal to stay and work less hours at different times (afternoons, evenings and Saturdays.) I am awaiting her decision after she speaks with the publisher.

I am an editor at a city magazine. Ironically, this fall I got a promotion. For more than 5 years I have worked at the mag, and now I have everything I ever wanted in terms of job description.

There are just a few minor glitches. No. 1: I want to be a social worker.

Glitch No. 2: It would be nice to keep the job for a little bit longer. While I am lucky to have a partner who has a great job and is very supportive, you know how it is when you get used to two incomes. I also carry the insurance for the two of us.

And, I've "turned it over." I am trusting "the universe" to make this work. I will do all the footwork and then let it go. There is nothing I can change about the situation. My field practice is set. I will be doing my generalist practice at TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) beginning Jan. 12. There is no turning back.

Stay tuned. I'll let you know how it comes out. Will I be given the chance to continue at the magazine or will I be looking at Plan B (Starbucks does offer full benefits at 20 hours)? Either way, I am sure it will be okay.

-- Ms. T. J.