Is it worth it?

2nd post from my 300 Writing Prompts book:

 "Write about something that is presently in your life that is 'worth it!'"

The very first thing that came to my mind when I read this prompt is my job as a teacher's assistant at my kids' school.

I worked for Wal-Mart from 1994-2015 (with about 1 1/2 years off from 2000-2002). I worked a total of 20 years for the same company!!! I'm pretty sure that is a big deal- especially in my generation. I don't know anyone my age who can say they've worked somewhere for THAT long! I loved what I did for Wal-Mart- I was a Customer Service Manager for the vast majority of my years. 

I am a control freak.

I love power.

I loved having all the answers.

I enjoy bossing people around.

I really enjoy helping people understand how to do their job by teaching and training new employees, and I love helping people who need assistance. I knew my job inside and out! 

I always told the scared new cashiers, 

"There is nothing you can do on this register that I cannot fix!" 

And I didn't say that to be prideful or boast-y; I said it because it was just the facts.... I knew my job THAT well!

Wal-Mart is not known for its high paying positions, but I made a decent amount of money working there after all those years. 

When I had my twins in 2008, I cut back from full time hours to only working weekends when hubby was home. In the 2013-14 school year, I was a parent volunteer while the kids were in school. Then in 2014-15 school year, I became a substitute teacher. So, I was working overnights on the weekends and substitute teaching up to 4 days during the week! I was exhausted... BUT during those two years, I realized that the school is my passion. It is where I longed to spend my days! 

History:

I have always had a passion for kiddos! 

I taught Sunday school at my church for years- because it was all about the kids!

I once wanted to be a child psychologist- because it was all about the kids!

Then, I went to Bible College and studied children's ministry- because it was all about the kids!

Then, I thought I wanted to be a Peds nurse- because it was all about the kids!

So, after volunteering and subbing for 2 years, the principal hired me on as a Teacher's Assistant! SO, I left Wal-Mart... my good-paying job... my job that paid me TWICE/hour what I get paid at the school... so that I could work full-time at school! 

Now, here I am.... working at a school for my 2nd year-

BECAUSE IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!!

The question posed in this post is "Is it worth it?"

My answer:

a resounding 

YES

Do I wish I still had the rate of pay that I gave up? Of course, but working at the school makes my heart happy. THIS is what I am called to do- working with kids, shaping our upcoming generations, being a model of how to live for children who may otherwise never see it... 

IT IS SOOOO WORTH IT!