Just to give a little background about me: I was a career woman most of my life. I married at the pretty ripe age of 37 and had my daughter at 38. I gave up my six-figure (barely) income to be a stay-at-home mom. I figured I had a child so late in the game, I wanted to savor every minute of it. It was also important to me that I raised my daughter instead of some stranger. As luck would have it, my husband's work situation changed, increasing his income dramatically. It seemed like fate that I should stay home to raise our daughter.
I really didn't have the fun that I thought I would have. Raising a child is a lot of work with very little appreciation. Nevertheless, I never regretted my decision for a minute. Especially when our daughter started to miss some milestones and needed some extra help, I am so thankful I was around to learn and apply the behavior therapy techniques.
The truth is, that as much as I love my mommy hat, I miss wearing my career hat too. Now that my daughter is in school, I longed to go back to work. This past year, I did just that! I landed a part-time job at a growing internet start-up company where I was able to work flexible hours. I was able to work a lot from the comfort of my own home too. It was really great!
Now that our daughter's therapies are winding down, and her school offers great after school programs, I'm faced with the dilemma of increasing my hours at work and working a more set schedule. My boss even wants me to work a full-time day or two a week, which would mean hiring a sitter to pick up my daughter from school and feed her dinner at home.
This is both exhilarating and scary to me! I think I have to redefine what motherhood is to me. Am I ready to do so? I'm not sure.
You're a smart woman and you'll make the right decision. I couldn't help but pause at this phrase: "that I raised my daughter instead of some stranger". An editor might rearrange the wording to clarify that you didn't want a stranger raising your daughter. But, the word order you chose works in an interesting way. By staying at home, you chose not to raise a stranger!
ReplyDeleteOh my dear friend.. you are one of the smartest ladies I know... I know that what ever decision you make will be the right thing...hugs!! ps.. you must be doing amazing if they offered you full time a couple days!!
ReplyDeleteI love Katie's comment!
ReplyDeleteAs with all of the decisions you've had to make over the last year, you'll find the one that works best for your family. Can't wait to hear how it goes!
I too like kates comment! Great post and good luck on what you decide to do
ReplyDeleteOh man. That is tough. I still have 3 years before I have to make that decision. I can imagine it is a tough one for sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same place. But fortunately for me my job as a teacher is always within my kids school time. So after thirteen years I'm going back to the classroom, but only as a substitute to start, and I will take it from there. Good luck with your decision. It sounds like you've got the best of both worlds.
ReplyDeleteDana
You'll make the right decisions for your family, but, trust me, I know how hard that can be. I'm always second guessing myself no matter what I do!
ReplyDeleteReady or not, it's right in front of you. Good luck. May the force be with you.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that I was a better mom because I worked. It's not the plan that everyone follows and it's not the best thing for a lot of people, but it was the best thing for me and my kids...
ReplyDeleteThese are always hard choices, but I'm sure you will make the right one. You always seem to be in tune with what's best for you and your family.
ReplyDelete=)
It would be a change for your daughter, but it just might be a GOOD change! Go for it!
ReplyDeleteChange is so scary. Always. I personally think it's okay to be happy and fulfilled...motherhood shouldn't always feel like martyrhood...and what makes one of us happy doesn't necessarily make us all happy.
ReplyDeleteGo for your own dreams. The happier and more fulfilled you are, the happier and more inspired your lovely daughter will be.
That's just my two cents.
Thanks for linking up this thought provoking post!
A+
You are facing such a dilemma which I hope you've found the best answer for it, and best suited your family need.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by..