In addition to being a full-time-mom, or stay-at-home-mom (if you will), I have decided to re-join the workforce for three days a week. I was just offered a position with the Legacy Center in Lehi at their registration desk. It's very un-glamorous, but I figure most jobs are. The benefits include short shifts (less time away from PK), a free rec pass, spending time with other adults, and of course it's all about location, location, location (the Legacy Center is about 4 blocks from my house). The down-side is I won't be getting paid nearly what I'm worth, and of course the obvious time spent away from my child. However, my neighbor has offered her daycare services, and PK loves playing with her three little ones, so I figure it's a great chance for him to work on his social development. I'm anxious to head into the unknown, as well as the obstacles and complications which I'm sure will arise with scheduling, etc., but optimistic that this will be a benefit for our family as well as myself.
Can you really tell I'm just waiting for all of you to validate my decision?
I'm sure that I'm not the first woman to ever feel torn between family and career. Ironically, there was an episode of Oprah last week where she raised the subject of women "having it all", meaning a career as well as a family. While I certainly don't see sitting at a registration desk as any sort of "career path", I do feel the guilt of wanting to please my child versus pleasing myself. It's a very personal decision for every woman, and every circumstance is different, so I wouldn't dare judge anyone else. Suffice to say my mother-in-law worked full-time outside the home, and raised a passel of great kids. So I guess if she can "have it all", why not me?
8 comments:
Congrats on getting the job!! I knew you would do fine at that interview!! When do you start??
The real question is when will you have time to read the trashy historical romances?! :)
Seriously though, if it works for you and yours then go for it. I saw that Oprah episode too and came away from it thinking that we all just need to be a little kinder, more supportive, and less judgmental of our fellow women and mothers. Life's hard enough without us tearing each other down.
congratulations on your new job! I think "having it all" is different for everyone, depending on how you personally define your "all". I feel blessed to have a part-time job that fits in so well with my motherhood schedule, and fulfills my creative and social (and financial!) needs as well. I'm also blessed to be able to trade baby-sitting with my sister, and the babies love playing together! For me, I know that Emily and Jason are my number one priorities, and as long as I keep things in perspective everything works out.
So ironic - I rarely have time to check your blog or Oprah with the crazy move and other life events going on. Just wanted to say that I was just looking on-line at jobs to get when getting to UT. Torn is an understatement. More like ripped apart....but reassurance is that it is only part time. I myself am looking for a part time job. Maybe Benji will be in pre-school by the time we get settled in.... ;) Congrats to you missy!
And PS it was ironic cuz I happened to see that Oprah and your blog on this very subject!!!
I understand the being torn. Even though I work sporadically at home, there are times when I am so swamped with work that I don't give Ryan the attention he feels he deserves. The upside (besides the money and my own personal well-being) is that he's learned to entertain himself. :D
And I completely understand the need to have adult interaction--the one-sided conversations or conversations that revolve consistently around juice, balls, and trucks can sometimes start to wear. I like being able to think about grown-up stuff. Of course, I also like being able to choose what work I take (hooray for self-imposed maternity leaves).
Congratulations on the job! I'm so glad and so glad that PK will be in great hands and that it's so conveniently located and timed. Yahoo!
So funny that you are going through this cause I just accepted a new job too. Nothing glamorous either of course, macaroni grill. It opens next month here in helena and we are all very excited to finally expand our choices of quality dining. It's at night when matt gets home from school. I am looking forward to having a little bit more of a social life other than talking to my 3 year old but I will be so sad to miss out on that time. It's hard. We need the money though so what are ya gonna do? Just what you can I guess.
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Man! I love love LOVE that our moms carry on the tradition of making chicken cordon bleu for christmas dinner! I love that dish! And it ALWAYS reminds me of christmas time!
I loved everything you chose for your seasons too. The ones I related to the most were the smell of sunscreen (it's like my crack) and the fall leaves changing in Provo canyon. Now THEN is a GREAT time to live in Utah! I loved them all though and was smiling and agreeing with all the things you listed. Way to cover all the bases! You really thought of some great ones for each season! Makes me even more excited for Autumn!
Thanks for posting!
love amie
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