Confession of A Trend Forecaster – How I Worked Two Jobs in Leadership
Today is my final day in a position I have held for 8 years and 7 days. I feel a weight lifting as I cathartically write this post, as I have hidden this fact on LinkedIn.
Since March 8, 2017, I have been working two jobs,one as an employee in various corporate roles and the other for the state of Washington as a foster parent. Ha! I got you! Yes, this was all above board, and I had complete transparency with my paid employers.
For 8 years, Roger Jackson, my brilliant and creative husband, and I have had over 30 foster kiddos in our home, from newborns to young adults in extended foster care. Next Monday, we are adopting our fourth and final child and closing our foster license.
Being a foster mother has been the role that has shaped and defined my heart like no other. Not only was the interview process brutally long, but we also had to relicense three times—with credit checks, fingerprint scans, background checks, physicals, interviews, multiple references, and home visits! The state does not take this position lightly, and rightly so.
We endured times of uncertainty, heartbreak, and loss. Staying up countless nights with newborns and then showing up for our day jobs. We should get frequent flyer miles for doctors’ and specialists’ visits, but we are quite satisfied by all the knowledge we’ve gained. The most profound lesson has been witnessing the resilience and healing power of the body. I actually got to see our new daughter go from death to abundant life! It is one of my favorite stories to share, so if we meet and you want to hear it.I have photos!
I have sobbed alongside biological mothers and families affected by family separations due to inequality and lack of resources in our developed country. I have also been on the receiving end of an angry parent or caregiver lashing out. However, through it all, I am stronger and more empathetic. I have been blessed beyond what I gave.
For those of you considering this type of position. The pay is rubbish, and there are only about six days of unpaid vacation a year. But it was an adventurous journey that showed me I was never alone. You, too, can learn more about yourself and your character by accepting this role. For me, I saw the importance of my faith in God to hold me up. I experienced a deeper dependence on and love from our family and community. They continued to show up in unexpected and deeply appreciated ways.
Thank you, everyone, for walking alongside our family. You are answers to prayers. Thank you to our employers who supported us in this work and provided financially for us to have a home equipped to serve these kiddos. Special thanks to the leaders at Roger’s places of employment. Teague, Sonos, and Stanley1913 and, to my workplaces, Tommy Bahama, Frontgate, and Soma.
Finally, in closing, I get to add a unique subheader to my LinkedIn profile: Former Foster Parent with DCYF Washington State.
I bet many of you out there are holding secret “jobs”. Battling cancer, rebuilding after loss, caring for sick and aging family members. Thank you for showing up in your power! This should be celebrated.
I would love for you to share the good work you are doing in secret. Feel free to reach out on my contact page
Right now, we could all use some good news. What wonderful things are you doing that are going unseen by the news?
Anne Marie Jackson
Trend Forecaster & Former DCYF Caregiver