As most of you know, I started back at work very part time about a month and a half ago. Just as a back-story, it’s for a non-profit. I have worked in some way at this non-profit for the past 15 years. (Yikes!) So needless to say, I am extremely qualified for my dinky super part time position in which I get to bring Vivien with me.
I have a passion for this non-profit. I grew up working there, and it changed my life. It’s been there for me in so many life stages. It’s given me my very best friends, and a sense of community, no matter where I lived. I love it, and always intended on returning full time again once my babies were in school.
Well, the coordinator that is my direct supervisor just put in her notice, as her family is moving. Guess who they turned towards, to fill her position? That’s right, friends. Me.
The job that they are offering me would be full time, however, it will be different than what I am accustomed to. I won’t be working in Aquatics full time, as there is already an Aquatics Director. The Executive Director assured me that most of the work load would be handled from home, and most of the hours that I would have to do at the location, I could continue to bring Vivien. She urged me to check into putting Vivien into daycare for one day a week, so that I can still do office hours, and attend meetings on that day.
In all reality, the job sounds perfect. Also, the money would more than help us, at this point. We could pay off credit cards, and be virtually debt free (which is something that we are on the track to doing right now, but it’s very slow going.)
We could afford to put some extra money into our car payment each month, and not be worried about money as much as we are right now.
But then the thought of returning to work full time makes me sad. I want to be around Vivien all the time. It ate me alive dropping her off at daycare before- would I still feel that way now? Would this benefit her, since I’m sure that at her particular age, she would probably enjoy going to a daycare program once a week? Am I being too sheltering by keeping her home with me 24/7?
Quite honestly, it sounds ideal to be working from home 80%-90% of the time (or taking her with me) but there are also some huge changes that would occur with me returning to work full time. Writing, and blogging would have to be more scheduled. Waking up at 9:30am would disappear.
As you can see, I am very torn about this decision, and would appreciate any advice, guidance, encouragement, or prayers that you may be willing to throw my way.
To me that sounds like the ideal situation. That is exactly what I would want if given the opportunity. Also, if they provide the daycare, it’s not like you’re miles away, you can walk to her anytime. She also loves people at this point, it would be good for her to have new friends! However, if you don’t like the idea and decide not to, you KNOW I support that too.
It sounds like a really really great opportunity! A day a week in daycare will be good for her and will slowly introduce her to the concept for preschool (if you go that route). And I think you’ll kick yourself if you don’t at least give it a shot. If it doesn’t work out for whatever reason, at least you’ll know you gave it a shot.
Good luck in whatever you decide!
beckyj @ alazycrazylife recently posted…The conference.
As a full time working mama, I can totally empathize with your decision. It’s hard! My son is in daycare 4 days a week and I only see him in the evenings and weekends, but for now, that is what has to work for us. I think this job opportunity sounds amazing! Especially since you can do work from home and bring Vivian with you. What an ideal full time working situation! Just trust yourself. You know what’s best for you and your family. Good luck! And congrats if you take it!!
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OMFG! What an insane opportunity!!!! I think you’re doing the best thing right now by really thinking about what the implications of either choice would be. It’s so hard for me to say you should turn it down, because it sounds soooo perfect, but I also know that it’s your dream to be home with your kids too. What a dilemma, my friend!! I’m really excited for you whatever you choose.
The only thing I would consider is this – when exactly would you do your work from home? I know that if I try to do so much as answer an email during the day when Ben is around, it’s nearly impossible. I’d love to find a work from home job, but I know that if I did, I would have to be able to do the work at nights once he goes to sleep – and even if I pushed myself to work til midnight, 8-12 doesn’t equal full-time. Derek is always on my case about finding some kind of work (which I have been looking for), but I always stress to him that I would need his full buy-in/commitment – he would need to be home from work by a certain time every day, handle bedtimes and wakeups while I’m working away at night – plus, manage Ben any time on weekends that I needed to work. It’s definitely easier for moms of school-age kids to work at home, since they get relief during the day, but toddlers are a full-time job as it is.
With all that being said, the thought of having some financial relief is so freaking tempting. Like, OMG, that would be so wonderful. Plus, since you’re so experienced, I’m going to extrapolate a bit here and say that your work wouldn’t be hard for you (like, you wouldn’t be slaving away on your computer, getting so stressed out that you have headaches, constantly worry about deadlines, etc., because you’re an old pro), which is a huge huge plus. That’s like my dream right there.
I cannot even imagine having to make this decision. My best advice is really corny, but true – really follow your gut. What’s it telling you to do? When I was pregnant with Ben, my office relocated several states away, and I was offered a sweet (like, holy crap, OMG) relocation package to take a job at the new office. It was SOO hard to turn all the money down, but I knew the timing of it (and the job itself would be craaaazy stressful) just didn’t work for our family at that exact time. I was so worried about making the wrong decision, and really analyzed it for awhile, and in the end, I followed my gut, and it didn’t steer me wrong. So that’s my best advice. I’m sorry I can’t solve this for you! But seriously, so exciting
I’m proud of you, BBF!
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Wow. Didn’t look like that was as much of a novel in the little comment typing box. Hahaha.
cookiesforbfast recently posted…Anti-Social – A Mommy Confession
We thought working home would be good for me and nugget both. She drove me insane. Enrolled her in a center part time and a new child emerged. Well behaved and smart. As hard as it was to start her in a new daycare, it turned out to be a godsend. She walks through the halls asking where her friends are. It’s a mixed bag. I’m sure whatever you choose will be the best.
Follow your heart and you will make the right decision! I completely understand and I’ve been there, I went from full-time to part-time to no-time (ha!) so now I’m a full SAHM and I think because of the journey it went through to get here, I really enjoy this time.
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The upside to taking it, you can always go back to doing what you were doing before if it gets to be too much right? Whereas if you don’t take it, the position will be filled and you may not get the opportunity to do it again…
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