And Suddenly Things Change...

When I made the decision to move to Canada, it was a big deal on many levels. One of the biggest changes was that I was choosing to go from a Full Time Permanent position at the Thousand Oaks location to a Full Time Contract position in Canada. I knew the difference between the two from a US perspective... you're extremely temporary, it is similar to working for a vendor - not for the company itself. I was told, and would eventually come to agree, it is very different in Canada. By law, they basically have to treat you the same as everyone else. You get roughly the same benefits - no need for health insurance really... but you still get dental/vision coverage. There are bonuses but no stocks, retirement contributions or vacation increases. Most important for me at this point in my life... no maternity leave top up. If I were to go on maternity leave as a contract worker, the company would not be legally obligated to hire me back, nor would they top up my salary. Maternity Leave = Resigning. And suddenly things change...

Yesterday, Ian and I were both home sick. I was more or less asleep on the couch when the phone rang. In my haze, I had Ian pick it up and hand the phone to me. It was my boss - this scared me because she's the type of manager that if you're sick or on vacation, she will NOT bug you. I'm not sure exactly how the conversation went.. but at one point I was laying down and the next minute I bolted upright and was screaming "OH MY GOD ARE YOU SERIOUS??" with a few tears. Queue Ian miming in the background :) or :( and me confused but miming back :). After getting off the phone I tried to relay as much of the conversation as I could remember. (And of course I called my mommy :P) Basically they offered me a permanent position, effective in two weeks. All the normal bits of an offer letter... salary increase, bonus, stock options... I'm back to being permanent. I spent 4 years on contract and while no would one would say that I didn't deserve to be converted, it was always a "bad environment", "bad timing", "zero chance of getting a headcount", etc. I'm thankful that I had a boss who pushed for this and was sympathetic every time the answer was no. All I can feel now is just huge relief. No job is entirely secure and things can change at any time. But I don't have that contract tag anymore.. and it feels so good.