I always knew I’d be a working mom. I just didn’t know I would have to be a working mom so soon after my son was born. The problem was, my darling boy wanted to join our family a couple years before we planned. I was still in school, about to start one of two internships. Baby’s appearance meant that I was going to need to take a semester off, and delay my second internship- thus delaying a teaching job. Long story short- I couldn’t work nearly as much as usual and our savings dwindled fast. Meaning I would need to return to work as soon as I could convince the doctor to clear me.
I am a very busy, ambitious person and have always been on the go. I knew I wanted to be a mom and love my son more than I ever imagined. After the first few weeks, I was really not sure if I could go back to work. However, after being in the house for weeks I needed to be out in the world with adults, tackling something concrete. My son was born in January, and we live in Michigan, so even when he was old enough to be out and about, I had to hope the weather would cooperate. Stay at home moms are amazing, wonderful women who don’t get the credit they deserve.
Truthfully, I didn’t like doubting myself as a new mom, where I questioned everything. Did he have enough to eat? Was he too cold? Too hot? Was he sleeping too much? Was THAT normal? I knew I was competent at work and that it would be good for me and my family to be more self-assured again.
I am lucky enough to have a job that was flexible, not my dream job, but doable. My original plans to return to work from home fell through. At first, I was secretly happy because it meant more time with my wonderful baby. But then reality (and bills) hit home and I knew I couldn’t really enjoy it for much longer. I now work part time with a flexible schedule. I work two full days while my mother in law stayed with my son. The other three days, I leave work before my husband has to be to work, and we have a friend to help us out in a pinch. Thanks to this schedule and knowing that I get to come home on my lunch break to feed him, returning to work wasn’t as hard as it could have been. I never have to go more than a few hours without being with him.
Being home for most of the day several days a week gives me plenty of time to do laundry, cook, do other wifely things around the house, and spend time with my wonderful baby. What will I do when I have to really join the world of working moms?!?
I am a very busy, ambitious person and have always been on the go. I knew I wanted to be a mom and love my son more than I ever imagined. After the first few weeks, I was really not sure if I could go back to work. However, after being in the house for weeks I needed to be out in the world with adults, tackling something concrete. My son was born in January, and we live in Michigan, so even when he was old enough to be out and about, I had to hope the weather would cooperate. Stay at home moms are amazing, wonderful women who don’t get the credit they deserve.
Truthfully, I didn’t like doubting myself as a new mom, where I questioned everything. Did he have enough to eat? Was he too cold? Too hot? Was he sleeping too much? Was THAT normal? I knew I was competent at work and that it would be good for me and my family to be more self-assured again.
I am lucky enough to have a job that was flexible, not my dream job, but doable. My original plans to return to work from home fell through. At first, I was secretly happy because it meant more time with my wonderful baby. But then reality (and bills) hit home and I knew I couldn’t really enjoy it for much longer. I now work part time with a flexible schedule. I work two full days while my mother in law stayed with my son. The other three days, I leave work before my husband has to be to work, and we have a friend to help us out in a pinch. Thanks to this schedule and knowing that I get to come home on my lunch break to feed him, returning to work wasn’t as hard as it could have been. I never have to go more than a few hours without being with him.
Being home for most of the day several days a week gives me plenty of time to do laundry, cook, do other wifely things around the house, and spend time with my wonderful baby. What will I do when I have to really join the world of working moms?!?
The Booger (2.5 mo's old) ready to get out of the house!
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1 comment:
Nope...its not easy - either way! If you're at home, you think you should be at work...and when you're at work, you wish you were at home. I know you've had a lot of ups and downs in the last year but its working for now and there is that light at the end of the tunnel. Keep up the good work and know someday soon, it will be easier! :-)
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