Future Tarot

What do you do when a friend in trouble asks for advice? What do you do if you read Tarot and your troubled friend asks for a reading? Giving bad news in a Tarot reading is always painful but when that bad news is for a friend it can be truly heart-breaking, it can even damage friendships. But when a friend needs help, is there really a way we can say no?

Deb’s friend needs help and has asked Deb to give her a Tarot reading. Like all of us, Deb isn’t keen to give bad news. Miss Michele and I have our own thoughts on the matter but in this case, the Tarot had it’s own advice to give.

[Miss Michele] Deb first I believe?

[Tilanthis] Yes. I’ll wait my turn.

[Amanda] Yes, go Deb.

[Serenity Bly] What’s up Deb?

[Tilanthis] Can I add my interpretations too?

[Deb] Okay, I’ve been asked to do a Tarot reading for someone tomorrow, and I’m not sure she is gonna be ready for the response. She is in a high-stress situation, and has been dreaming of suicide. I’ve been trying to help her get on her feet, but it’s a lot worse than I had thought at first.

[Amanda] Oh dear!

[Miss Michele] Wow… I’d not do it. Just personally, and based on what you’ve told us so far about this particular situation.

[Deb] She asked me to do a reading for her today, but I begged off until tomorrow.

[Miss Michele] At Future-Tarot we make it clear that Serenity and I are not psychologists, life coaches, therapists, or anything of the sort. You are a better friend than I.

[Serenity Bly] Sometimes, when a situation is out of our depth, it is better to refer the querant to a professional.

[Deb] I’m gonna have to do it sooner or later, and this ties in to my stuff about not doing readings that are will upset people.

[Amanda] You know, in moments of crisis sometimes a reading can be a great way to get some perspective. It’s a cry for help… which means she may not be the suicidal type.

[Deb] Yes, I know. I have already told her what needs to be done to get herself out. She needs to disengage.

[Serenity Bly] I recommend doing a PRE-reading, draw cards before she is there. Prepare in advance for the sort of reading she’ll be getting so that you can temper the reading based on what you already know about her situation. But, I would actually say, GET SOMEONE ELSE to do the reading. Because you already know this person, you have an emotional attachment to the outcome and the result. She won’t be as receptive to your reading as she would be to a strangers and is more likely to be hurt by the home truths that may come up.

[Deb] She is determined that I do it. I’m less worried about the emotional attachment

[Miss Michele] If you’ve already been “counseling” her as a friend to a degree, then it’s good to do the reading. You can back up what you’ve been saying. Both in YOUR mind, that confirmation, plus sometimes hearing it from the cards makes a difference.

[Deb] She’s been listening to me, as best she can but I know that until a person is ready, they won’t jump. I told her already to discuss some of this with our WW leader, since he’s really good at getting people to reframe things.

[Serenity Bly] If you do go ahead with doing the reading yourself, draw cards before she is there so you know in advance if any ‘bad’ news is likely to come up. It’ll give you time to seek deeper into the situation for the good that goes with the bad. And remember, there ALWAYS is some. Every bad situation has a purpose, a reason, an upside. It still sucks but the important thing is to shine the light down the tunnel.

[Deb] I know that — I’m sure this has been presented to me as an opportunity to overcome some of my stuff about doing readings that aren’t happy.

[Serenity Bly] But as Artgra mentioned, she most likely isn’t suicidal. Because those who truly are don’t ask for help.

[Deb] True. I’m less worried about her being suicidal than about her sabotaging herself. Her brother is a real piece of work. He makes my sister look like an amateur.

[Amanda] I think you should do the reading. Like i said earlier, maybe it’ll sink in if conveyed through a ‘third party’ so to speak.

[Serenity Bly] And there would be several (some theorize 9 specific and separate) issues that create the trigger for suicide. Basically, in the mind of someone who will go to that extreme life seriously sucks and there are no other options. It sounds like this woman is still looking for options.

[Deb] Yes, she is, but she still wants a magic fix, and those are few and far between.

[Miss Michele] They exist? Where can I order my fairy dust?

[Serenity Bly] I think you’ll find, the worst that can happen from your reading is absolutely nothing.

[Deb] I refuse to rule them out completely, though – know too many people whose lives changed in a flash.

[Miss Michele] And that may very well BE the worst thing–to do nothing–for this woman.

[Serenity Bly] It’s worth doing the reading because it’ll sink in on some level. Even if she’s not really receptive to the idea of “helping herself”.

[Miss Michele] You know, in a lot of ways, the universe gives us magic when we’re open to it.

[Deb] I’m still sure this has come up because this is my stumbling block when doing readings.

[Tilanthis] That is a powerful statement Miss Michele

[Deb] Any advice from the cards, ladies?

[Miss Michele] Oh! You want a reading, too??? lol Just kidding!

Deb thwaps Miss Michele

Miss Michele giggles.

[Miss Michele] ROFLMAO! (at the cards this time)

[Deb] Oh?

[Miss Michele] Let go of your blocks, they say. (in the form of the Death card.)

[Deb] Gee, how did I know that would come up in a reading for me.

[Serenity Bly] Deb, you might want to read our new Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. It might help empower you to do ANY reading.

[Miss Michele] Followed by Four of Swords, indicating… this card has meant so many things for me over the past few days… I’m not sure how to interpret it anymore. I see this as you’re weighing your options… meditate on it. The card is literally a “rest.”

[Serenity Bly] I suspect the Four of Swords is echoing my earlier advice, to take the time to pre-prepare before the reading. It talks about introspection, pausing, gathering your resources.

[Miss Michele] YES!! The good news is that this WILL be ‘popping the cherry’ so to speak on difficult readings. It will work. And sorry, couldn’t think of a less crude way to phrase that right now.

[Serenity Bly] *chuckles* That’s a terrible turn of phrase. How about ‘turning point’, ‘catalyst’, ‘paradigm shift’?

[Tilanthis] Quite matter of factually… it is the hold the reins, gather your forces and focus your mind and intent.

[Deb] That’s okay. So what’s the last card?

[Miss Michele] The Knight of Wands – Knights are messengers and harbingers of change. You will be FREE, Free as the wind, which is the element associated with wands, to do all manner of readings in the future. BUT you need to let go.

[Deb] That is good to know.

[Serenity Bly] I love the Knight of Wands. It’s the “go for it” card! The advice here seems to be to put aside your personal reservations, face the situation from a subjective perspective, and do the reading as you would if you were expecting good news not bad. Who knows, maybe there is good news ahead for her. Good luck Deb and we’ll look forward to hearing how it goes.

The start of a new year is the best time to layout an 12-Month Spread. In January, Jenine asked us to discover what she can expect and prepare for in the year ahead. Lets break it down, month by month.

January: Strength

This month began with personal growth for you, as we’ve seen. You’ve learned how to harness your inner strength to begin making positive changes in your life, and also learned how to capitalize on your own strengths for business success. In the process, you’ve learned you’re stronger than you’ve always believed.

February: Four of Wands

Expect a celebration of your successes in February, gatherings with friends and plenty of social invitations.

March: Justice

This month, you are able to balance discipline with kindness. You have fabulous ideas and are able to view things from unique perspectives. This card represents your getting in better touch with your classroom persona – you are strict, but kind and wise. Remember to maintain balance in all you do. Watch out for responsibilities that may drain you of time and energy, but offer little in return.

April: Two of Swords

The spring, March and April, is also about balance, indicated by the coupling of Justice with the Two of Swords. When I look at May (Four of Cups), and the clarification card I felt called to draw, it all comes together. You may be doing too much! You were on a whirlwind of utter excitement and success, but began neglecting certain health matters. (For instance, pay attention to eating balanced, frequent meals to keep your blood sugar on an even keel?) You may feel as if people – family, clients, your day job, other commitments, are pulling you in too many directions.

As shown by the Two of Swords, a powerfully graphic card showing a woman, arms crossed, blindfolded, there are factors you are choosing not to see. People who may want, want, want, without being willing to give back. And in this case, there is nothing in it for you. You’re better to walk away…for your health.

When I pulled a clarification card, the Four of Swords came out, and the Five of Cups kind of hitched a ride with it. Granted, my Robin Wood deck is smooth and slick, especially on the graphite surface of my new desk, but the meaning is clear… You must be aware of your health or, (Four of Swords) a rest will be forced upon you. The Five of Cups indicates loss, disappointment, poverty and mourning of what may have been. Again, this could be your feelings if you don’t do what’s necessary. Now is a good time to evaluate all your balls in the air and decide what isn’t crucial and most importantly, what doesn’t provide you joy.

As friends and colleagues of yours, both Serenity Bly and Miss Michele would like to remind you of the support system you have here. Turn to us for help, whether for additional readings, professional support or simply a shoulder. You also have other strong support systems… use them. It’s important not to retreat in the spring.

May: Four of Cups

The Four of Cups represents the aftermath of what is admittedly, a rough April. Again, I want to remind you it will only be rough if you make it that way. By being aware of those factors, acknowledging them, and choosing to focus on making things otherwise, you CAN change it! The Cups in the Four of Cups may be empty, but empty cups mean potential to fill them.

June: Ace of Pentacles

That opportunity comes in June when you literally face a new beginning, perhaps a new business idea. It certainly indicates a renewal of your energy. And what better time for a rebirth?!

July: Nine of Cups

I absolutely love this card, the Wish fulfillment card, and it’s perfectly suited for you at this stage. You are seeing that truly, whatever you ask for, the Universe offers. Your job is simply to allow it in and know you deserve it. Conceive – believe – receive… where have you heard that before?

August: Ten of Cups

Success continues in August… there’s hard work ahead, but you are fit and ready for the task.

September: The Devil

There will be more pulling and demands of your time in September… challenges similar to what you faced in the Spring will rear their heads again. You’ll need to stand your ground against people who want a piece of you – and may not deserve it, appreciate you or be willing to pay what you’re worth. Additionally, the Devil indicates a desire to bury your head in the sand, ignore all the work and demands you face, and goof off. Resist that desire, as then tasks will only build. Do what you can, and say “No,” (or, better yet, “Not now, thank you”) to the rest.

October: Tower

You experience a significant breakthrough in October, that begins paving the way to the “new you.” You realize, after that “Devil moment” in September, that things absolutely cannot continue the way they are. I’m wondering if this doesn’t indicate your leaving your day job… under circumstances that surprise you but ultimately, wind up for the best. You definitely do NOT emerge the same woman you were in the beginning of October by month’s end.

November: The Magician

Following your Tower breakthrough, you become a master at harnessing your skills and talents to achieve success. The Magician’s number, 1, indicates you’re still at the beginning of this journey, but that’s okay. The Magician is proficient at what he achieves when he uses his special skills.

December: Queen of Pentacles

An extension of the Magician, with an emphasis on the feminine, you see the fruits of your labors from November. This card also indicates your role as a caregiver of those around you, and a hostess for the holidays. You are in “nesting” mode, preparing your home for the holidays, baking, shopping, and making things.

Overview: 5 of Pentacles

This overview card, often signifying poverty, seems to contradict the positivity in the rest of the reading. In fact, in this case, the card represents Recovery. Rather than showing the year, it shows where you were – in despair, with both health and financial problems, coupled with a dose of self-doubt. Unfortunately, these shadows of your former self still haunt in you—even in the face of your great successes in 2010.

The best way to contradict these feelings is to be aware they are there. Do not forget your roots, or what can happen if you stop working, change paths or give up your dreams. By the same token, it’s important not to harp on it. Acknowledge it as part of your past, and move on. It is no longer you. In the Robin Wood deck, the person with the can, with one leg and a bandage over one eye, is forging ahead, in contrast to the destitute person crumbled on the floor beside them. You, too, must forge ahead in spite of any of your perceived in adequacies – because that is all they are. YOUR perceptions. Other people view you as the Strength card of January, the Queen of Pents, and the Magician – all figures which feature prominently in this year for you.

With all the Cups and Pentacles in this reading, along with Major Arcana, this will be a significant year of you learning to make money doing what you love. It will be about finding personal fulfillment and, from that, the money will follow. Most cards are lower – ones, fours and fives, indicating you are in the beginning stages of this development. However, bright spots include that 9 and 10 of Cups in the summer. It is a year to look forward to, to dive in headfirst and accept all the good the Universe is offering you.

This is a year Chryselle’s youthful exuberance pays off in big ways. She’ll find fortune comes her way. Her biggest challenges will be in remaining true to herself. She may encounter a man, possibly a love interest, who wants to dominate her but should never let it happen.

In the latter half of this year, people attempting to deceive Chryselle will be a recurring theme. The events of last year really shook Chryselle’s trust and faith in people. However, the more she expects people to do wrong by her, the more mistrust, she attracts into her life. Your beliefs are proven true, until you begin to change that belief system. It’s hard when those we trust betray us. But the expression of “not letting a few bad apples spoil the bunch” is very true in this case. Chryselle, don’t let these brief dark spots put a damper on your year – overall, you can look forward to fun, celebrations and good times, with little struggle (and those struggles you do have will be minor, and self-made.) Don’t be afraid to take a chance this year; it will work out for you!

January: Wheel of Fortune

The year began with a change in your fortune from 2009. You may have experienced a windfall of money, or a new, fun opportunity.

February: Eight of Swords

You are feeling trapped by circumstances, as if there’s no way out. It could be this winter weather getting to you, too many commitments that you’re not enjoying, or an overall sense of restlessness (or all three.) This card shows a woman tied up, with a blindfold over her face, surrounded by eight swords that create a sort of prison. What’s holding you back?

March: The Empress

These feelings pass with the arrival of the Empress in March… when you are learning to harness your feminine intuition, kindness and nurturing nature to create pleasant things around you. The focus is on creativity. You may have found work that is fulfilling. If you are in school, you’re taking classes that inspire you. Ideas run rampant – the key is to focus your energies. But after February’s stagnant feelings, you are moving forward.

April : King of Swords

This card represents a powerful male influence coming into your life. He may try to dominate; you’ll need to harness the inner strength of last month’s Empress to stand up against him. This is important, as, based on the cards surrounding it, this person could be a new love. I drew a clarification card, the Three of Wands, and it indicates that yes, this person is either a new love or perhaps a business partner. In either case, equality and balance are important in this relationship.

May: Page of Wands

This Page supports the fact that the new person in April could slowly grow into a love interest. You approach this new relationship with vigor and enthusiasm. This also represents continued interest in creative endeavors. You are at a great age – the enthusiasm of youth, but also with wisdom beyond your years that you are just beginning to use. You’re developing greater self-confidence this year. In 2010, I see a young woman blossoming into adulthood, becoming more certain of her abilities, and a brilliant future beginning to fall into place!

June: Four of Wands

June wedding? Maybe not for you, but it’s definitely a month of celebration. You may be a maid of honor or bridesmaid for a friend, and that suits you perfectly well at this stage of your life. You bring something special to every celebration you attend, whether it’s a wedding or just a small dinner party. You’ll look to hosting your own events this month, too. You are the consummate organizer, getting everyone together for that awesome beach trip, and packing the lunches for everyone, too!

July: The World

Your talents, abilities and creativity pays off in July. You’re enjoying the summer to its fullest, with plenty of everything – sun, friends, money, fun! This Major Arcana symbolizes the fulfillment of everything you could possibly want in life and, for the moment, that’s exactly what you have. Don’t forget to take a few moments to be grateful for it all, to absorb it in silent (or vocal) appreciation. Truly, the better it gets, the better it gets!

August: The Magician

It’s a powerful summer for you with these two Major Arcana cards in a row. Major Arcana symbolize important – often life-changing—events. Often, the Magician represents our own ability to use our special skills and talents to get what we want. The Magician is a master salesman, manipulator (in both the positive and negative sense), politician, and business success, with the creativity and intelligence to attract success. In this case, I believe you will encounter a very strong Magician type person. Just be sure this person doesn’t overpower your own strong personality or steal the spotlight. There’s more than enough for everyone; there’s no reason for you to shrink into the shadows just because someone else has come on the scene.

September: Eight of Cups

My intuition tells me September’s happenings have to do with that Magician. Remember I said the Magician is a Master Manipulator? You’re going to be getting plain old Bad Vibes about this guy. Trust your intuition. Remain on your guard and seek out positive, trustworthy people with which to spend your time.

October: The Sun

Yes, another vacation may be in the cards for you… after summer’s celebration, you have another opportunity to enjoy sun, surf and sand. Take the opportunity – there’s absolutely no reason not to! You’ll find the getaway, however short it may be, will give you a boost in creativity and a second wind to face the impending winter.

November: Two of Swords

Once again, you have to contend with factors you may not WANT to see… these people (I don’t know if there’s more than one) are still coming into your life – ones you can’t quite trust. I don’t think you’re fully rid of the Magician, or the King of Swords. You feel trapped. This card also indicates a need for balance… after all the partying, it’s time to focus on your goals.

December: Four of Swords

The holidays have you worn out, plain and simple. On top of all the partying and the drama with other people, you’re ready to simply lie down and rest. That’s a good idea. The Four of Swords tells us if we don’t take a break, it will be forced on us. Say no – to social invitations, commitments, etc. — especially if you can’t come up with a compelling reason that you want to attend! Surround yourself with peaceful, spiritual people who have your best interests at heart.

January 2011: Three of Pentacles

With the New Year (and possibly new semester) it’s time to hunker down. The emphasis is on work and learning, possible internships, and action that will help you advance on your chosen career path. You’re ready for a mentor, and you’ll find one. After all, this reading shows the Universe gives you what you want.

February 2011: Eight of Wands

This card typically indicates an amazing job offer. Things are once again moving quickly – what you learned in your Three of Pentacles time paid off. Don’t stop learning, even as you begin to profit from your skills.

Overview: Page of Swords

The Page of Swords as our year overview shows you charging full-speed ahead into everything you do. This is a great attitude to have. Most times, it works out well for you!

The Tarot would warn, throughout 2010, to be aware of those “ups-and-downs.” Things are great, then, Crash! Only, the crash isn’t really as bad as you perceive it to be when you’re in the thick of it. Take the time to count your blessings when things are going well, and you’ll encounter more blessings. You are someone other people may consider “lucky.” But there’s really no such thing as luck. You create everything you receive, because you believe you deserve it. When you let self-doubt creep in or begin to take things for granted, that’s when you experience that emotional crash.

Hyna says:
“I’m unsure on how much info I need to tell you to get the most accurate reading. But anyway. My ex and I had been friends and neighbors since 2005. Then we became lovers around 2007 and everything went so fast from then. We move in together after just being bf/gf for 3months and it was fine at first but went downhill. We stopped living together but still tried to work things out. And still keep trying at this moment and just think its getting old and need some change. I just need some guidance. I love him and I think he feels the same way that’s why we keep going back and forth on this.”

Past Experience in Love

Page of Swords
This card shows how the relationship was tumultuous from the beginning. You were both young, full of fire and passion and adventure. This worked well for a time, as you had a fun relationship many people would envy, but when “real-life” set in, no one was the balancing aspect or the adult in the relationship.

Current Experience in Love

Knight of Pentacles
Currently, you’re ready for that adult relationship. You’re putting a lot of “work” into the relationship in the hopes it will change, but the key factor missing in this love reading, which is conspicuously lacking any cups and filled with swords and pentacles, is missing. It does not have to – should not – be this hard. That’s not to say relationships don’t take work — they do. But it’s work you should love doing because of your love for the person you’re with. That’s sorely lacking here. This has turned into – to continue the analogy – that job you work just for the paycheck, dreading every Monday morning when the alarm clock rings. It’s tedious.

Factors you’re not seeing currently

Three of Swords
You are ready for the break. He may not be, but you know, instinctually, that this is not a true love relationship and you deserve so much more. He’s scared to let you go. In the past few years, you’ve matured beyond him, both emotionally and as far as outside factors are concerned. You are living a different life than you were when you met him, and there may not be any place for him as a lover in your new world.

What you Need from a Love Relationship

Three of Pentacles
You need someone willing to work in the same way you are at a relationship. You can work really hard at something, but if you’re doing things incorrectly, you won’t get the outcome you desire. Or, you can work in the “right” way and things get easier. This is where you are now.

Your greatest strengths in a relationship/What you Offer

Four of Swords
You offer kindness, understanding, patience, and a balancing, adult influence on your partner. Additionally, this card shows that you are simply “tired” of working and fighting. It reiterates that you need a break.

Possible Future Outcome

Knight of Swords
If you continue as you are, this will end in a messy way, with you charging out of his life. On the other hand, if you heed the tarot’s advice and make a clean break, there’s a chance you’ll resurrect the friendship and remember the things you both enjoy about each other. In the future, I see another relationship that will begin, as this one did, as a firestorm of passion. Learn from the past and take it slowly to prevent repeating history.

I want to note a few significant aspects of this reading:

1. All these Pages and Knights tell me you are still, emotionally, very young. Being young at heart (or even young in reality!) is admirable and wonderful – traits to hang onto. It’s okay if your ex is not the one for you. Take the youthful aspects of your personality and nurture them but remember it’s okay to grow up in certain ways, as well…I see you on the path to maturity and letting go of things and people in your life that aren’t working to make way for new ones is okay!
2. The lack of Cups in this reading shows just how much this relationship has gone stale. Pentacles are the work cards, showing how much “work” this relationship has become, and swords represent the tumult within the relationship that I suspect was there from the start. At one point, it made things exciting. But one cannot live in a “Sword” mindset – always prepared for a fight – constantly. It becomes tiring and the Four of Swords (a need for rest and respite) is the result. I suspect you’re almost ready to live your next relationship from a “Cup” place, filled with love and understanding, but your ex isn’t there yet.
3. The lack of major arcana cards in this reading tells me the decision is entirely in your hands. I know you will make the best choice for both of you, to preserve the friendship and to make way for better things in your life.

Serenity Says: I just want to add a quick word to Miss Michele’s deeply tuned reading. I get an impression from the swords and pentacles in this reading that a part of the struggles you’ve had in the past revolve around your sense of security. When in a relationship financial and material burdens are, in an ideal world, the shared responsibility of both partners. A lack of balance or support creates emotional dependence and a destroying sense of insecurity. In this reading, I get the impression you’ve felt this with your ex.

If you choose to step away from the relationship you’ll be giving yourself the opportunity to build a firm foundation of security and independence for yourself. When you can approach your relationships without feeling like you NEED your partner you’ll find yourself able to rejoice in the joy, the desire and wanting of the relationship. A relationship that is out of balance tends to need work through desperation. Where as, if you feel a sense of balance and security within the relationship the ‘work’ involved in making it work is inspired by passion.

Best wishes from the Future-Tarot team!

Sometimes making choices that are in your families best interest isn’t as straight-forward as one might originally believe. At one of our recent Future-Tarot Live Chat Sessions, our good friend and host at The Echo of One, Mysti, was faced with just such a choice. To stay with a job that was demanding more of her time than originally promised or to spend more time with her children…

As a mother, I know how difficult it can be to weigh up considerations like income and me-time with the needs of two small children and Mysti’s decision could influence her life in so many ways. What advice would the Tarot offer for this difficult question?

[Mysti] Am I making the right choice in this job.

[Serenity Bly] *ponders* Interesting, lots of introspection, thinking, choices, right now especially. You’re examining your options, carefully and I feel like that’s the right way to go about it. Six of Cups in the past. Four of Swords in the present. Knight of Cups in the future.

[Mysti] I’m struggling with this as the agreement made when I took the job isn’t being upheld. One person has made changes and I can’t adjust my schedule.

[Miss Michele] YES… you’re WISHING it could have been differently, back to what it was before.

[Serenity Bly] You’ve had to seriously consider your… I want to say ‘moral’… outlook. You want to be true to what you believe is right and good and you’ve embraced that, letting things happen as they will but really wearing your heart when it comes to your decisions.

[Mysti] Given the situation in our home with J, it is a very emotional decision to make.

[Serenity Bly] The cups is very much your focus being on your family and wanting to keep that for yourself. You got into it because it was something you could bend around your families needs, not the other way around. The four of swords brings you to the point where you’re looking at your options.

[Mysti] My time is truly more valuable at home with the kids than in a paycheck. That’s exactly it!

[Miss Michele] About the cups–was just going to say exactly that! I think it also indicates a need for rest. So family first, decisions second & family in the future. Step back and look at what is lacking in your life and how you can best fill that void.

[Serenity Bly] And just from the vibe I’m getting from you and the knight of cups odds are you’re going to choose to walk away from the swords and really return your focus back to the family. But that doesn’t really mean giving up an income. The knight isn’t all on the home front. He’s in transition, on the move, making choices that will bring the family to a firmer ground.

[Mysti] You’re right about the income thing.

[Serenity Bly] It’s time now to look at what the best choices are for your family, where do they need you most. Can you make this job work around that? Because the swords shows that you really do have the chance now to turn things to your favor. If what their asking you to do doesn’t suit what you need to be doing, negotiate. These minor arcana puts everything in your hands.

[Mysti] So I’m very much on the right path in the choice I will make. I just need to prepare everything so that it’s an easy transition with full instruction. As it was stated, there would be no room to negotiate. And I absolutely cannot spend 8-10 hours in the office in one day. Especially not with all that’s going on, and that’s okay.

[Serenity Bly] With today’s technology 8-10 hours in an office is a waste of time. Get them a copy of Tim Ferriss’ book, The Four-Hour Work Week. If they gave you 2 hours in the office you’d get as much done as you would in 8. Tighter deadlines often lead to increased productivity. And everything else you don’t have to do IN the office.

[Mysti] Considering what I do and their fear of any info getting out about the business they won’t work out an arrangement like that. I can’t do billing at home and payroll must be done in office. It’s really ridiculous!! But that’s my boss for ya. lol

[Serenity Bly] What kind of environment is the office? If it’s closed (not public), and clean, you could always set up the kids to come into the office with you.

[Mysti] I did that… On Monday afternoon and it was HELL. There ended up being all the kids that work on the crew in the office… DOGS in the office… I was going WTH!

[Serenity Bly] *raises eyebrow* Wow, sounds like a nightmare.

[Mysti] I’m going to carry through with my plan for the week then. I’ll get everything organized (as they really stink at that! They had 2008 files in with 2009!!!!) leave full instruction in the work holy grail and leave it ready for transition.

[Serenity Bly] I guess it comes back to following your heart. Things in your family changed for very serious reasons recently so they’ll understand if you opt to put your focus 100% back to the boys.

[Mysti] Yes, Serenity! Major changes and complete disruption in our own family. Not to mention lack of sleep for me = a much harder time focusing on small details like this position entails.

[Serenity Bly] Some things you just can’t plan for, Mysti. And you’ve had an experience, you know going back to work won’t be so daunting next time you do it because you’ve done it and survived. Sometimes we just have to roll with the punches life is giving out.

[Mysti] Thank you!!! I know all about rolling with the punches!! Mr. S assured me of that!