From Idealistic to Realistic with Addendum

Not everyone can say they have their dream job. I am lucky enough to have had a dream job not once but twice. The first time as Collections Manager at the IMNH and the last time as Assistant Director & Collections Manager at the BCHM. Never in a million years did I dream of having such amazing jobs and working with such great people.  Life as a museum professional has been amazing but after 7 months of job hunting it is time to retire the search and move from idealistic to realistic.  In hindsight I wish I had come this conclusion earlier but it is better late than never.

I have realised it's not about doing what makes you happy but being happy and grateful for what you have.  Less than 1% of people have a job they love.  I have been very fortunate to have had my opportunity for working in my dream roles and I will forever remember all that I have learned.  Hopefully this new path will be prosperous because as we know it all comes down to money.

ADDENDUM:
Sometimes we are too hasty with our decisions. Sometimes fear of the unknown and fear of disappointing others leads us to make rash decisions.  Its been an emotional rollercoaster these past few days but I am trying to move forward.  I was looking at this from the wrong point of view, just because I haven't got that "dream"job yet doesn't mean I should give up and do a 180 in terms of career goals.  I had it in my mind that if I couldn't work in a museum then the only thing I could do was apply for minimum wage fast food, cashier roles, and baggage handler.  I flipped the switch completely and as a result pretty much broke down at the thought of having to do this for the rest of my life. I tried to convince myself for 2 days that I wanted to be a cashier for the rest of my life (not that there is anything wrong with that, it is a great job for those that love that type of work).  
Now I'm working on a mix of applications, I'm still pursuing that dream job in the heritage sector, but I'm also looking for other roles that fit my skill set and pay more than minimum wage.  My heart is happy, but my head still tells me that I'm not good for anything more than minimum wage.  

Obrigada Lisboa

I fell in love with Lisbon the moment we landed. A city rich in history with everything from castles to convents. São Jorge Castle offered breathtaking views of the city and the sea alongside a history of Moorish, Muslim and later Christian conquest.

We ventured to Belém where we tasted traditional Pastéis de Belém, and walked through the rain to Torre de Belém. The tower was commissioned by King John II to be part of a defence system at the mouth of the Tagus river and a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. The views were beautiful even if the 93 steps up the spiral staircase made slippery from the day of rain were precarious. On the way is the Padrao dos Descobrimentos depicting the explorers of the world and a tropical garden filled with palm trees, chickens, and a feeling of peace as you walk the paths.

The Oceanário de Lisboa immersed us in life under the sea with sharks, crabs, and so much more. Santini gelato was as delicious as promised and topped with Chantilly cream was a decadent treat not to be missed. Praça de Comércio with the statue of King José I and the Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta shine bright against the bright blue Portuguese sky.

The Santa Justa Lift provided a romantic view of the city at night, the São Jorge Castle and Lisbon Cathedral illuminated and the Carmo Convent (a gothic building founded in 1389 whose roof collapsed in the 1755 earthquake) just behind the lift is the perfect backdrop of this viewing platform.

Obrigada Lisboa (thank you Lisbon) for a wonderful honeymoon and a wonderful glimpse into Portuguese life. The city, the people, and the history of this small county are beautiful. We will return soon as it obvious that Lisbon has stolen a piece of our hearts.