What is the best job I've ever had?

 The best job I’ve ever had? 

Well, my first job was at Kandahar Ski Club where I got to mop the floors while everyone else was having fun skiing. It was one of those “character building” jobs; you know, the kind that make you want to get a profession. 

I always told my kids that since you have to work somewhere for (8) hours a day, you might as well do something you enjoy, and one that provides the kind of lifestyle you’d like to have. 

The best job I have had was when I worked for Dr. Tom Hopcian as a dental hygienist. Working for him was a true honor. He made you feel special working for him, like you were one of his chosen few. He had quality patients, who were a reflection of him and his practice. He was the only person in the world who actually got down on his knees and begged me to stay when I was going to leave. I will always have that image in my mind. 

I know few will truly understand, but I absolutely LOVED being a dental hygienist. I loved working for Dr. Tom as a dental hygienist. I think I’ll just rattle off a few reasons why…

I loved the one-on-one relationships with all of my patients and I miss those relationships all of these years later. I felt like I was good at my job. Not to brag but I scored a 99% on my State Board Exam on the clinic part. For the record, I squeaked out on the written part but passed, so that’s all that really matters. They never gave 100% so that gave me a long lasting feeling of confidence. Also, working for two periodontists as a dental assistant prior to dental hygiene school (Dr. Nick Gersch and Dr. Sue Doty) helped prepare me well. I knew what was under those periodontal pockets and I knew it was my responsibility to remove it. I loved the instant gratification (before/after). I also loved my challenging patients; the feeling of accomplishment when I was finished. 

I liked the healthcare part of it since the health of our mouths directly affects our whole body. I loved my schedule. I loved working for Dr. Tom because he didn’t make us rush our patients; he gave us enough time with each of them. He didn’t put on his white gloves and check to make sure we didn’t miss anything. He trusted we would do our best to give our patients the highest quality of care. He also never made us “sell” dentistry. 

Most people don’t understand the stress that is associated with our job. We have to have balance with our patients: talk a little, but not too much; stay on time; be a bit of a perfectionist. Dr. Tom came in to do his exams whenever he had a break in his schedule and never put us behind by having to wait for him. He always gave us raises without having to ask; he gave us .50 an hour raise every six months. He was very generous.  He was a good dentist and I appreciated his talent and his integrity! His patients brought us gifts of Godiva chocolates (unlike eggs from another dentist I worked for). I know that sounds shallow, but it just aligns with my personality a little more. 

I never minded the 30 minute drive to work. I actually missed the drive when I stopped working in Troy. It was nice having time to unwind or make a phone call. I never had to worry or even think about my job when I left the office. Some offices I have worked at made me feel stressed and anxious. Our office was clean. I loved working closely with my colleagues in the back room. We could discuss our difficult patients afterwards. I will never forget the Christmas parties Tom and Patty hosted. Dr. Tom was a class-act on so many levels. 

I was so blessed… I mean SO blessed to have a job that paid well and fit my personality perfectly. I was also fortunate to have my paycheck be a bonus. I didn’t have to work to put food on the table. I never took my job for granted. 

But… when I sit here and reflect on the best job I have ever had, I need to stop right here and change my mind. Honestly, the best job I have ever had was being a mom. The responsibility God put in my hands does not compare with working as a dental hygienist. It was hard… but rewarding. I am positive I made a lot of mistakes but I did the best I could. I couldn’t punch in and out and sometimes thought it would have been easier to go to work at an office with a lunch hour. I loved every moment with Meghan Elizabeth and John Arthur. I do not regret the decision to spend as much time with them as possible. I have to thank my husband(s) for making that possible. I do not take them for granted. I think being a stay-at-home mom is the best, most important job in the world. 

I am blessed beyond measure.