Returning to Work
I’m going back to work. Soon. I’m meeting for an interview next week, and there are a few other companies I’d be willing to work for to which I’m thinking of sending a resume. It’s a step — phase two of my career. I’m ready to climb back into the big machinery that is WORK. I’m looking for a way to do it that doesn’t chop me up into teensy weensy pieces, though *grin*
I’m figuring out logistics for after-school care for both kids. I know I’m giving up my free afternoons of random jaunts to the playground and doing kid-oriented things, and this makes me sad. Yet it feels like it’s time. I’ve had 5.5 years of being home with the kids. It’s been difficult to negotiate financially, and the husband has done an excellent job of making it possible thus far. We’re both so grateful that we could do this for so long. But it does feel like.. and end to something really amazing, something I’m going to miss. At the same time, I think it’s time to move on, and I think the kids will welcome this change to our family dynamic in a lot of ways.
So, do you have any advice? Any words of wisdom? How do you do it? How DID you do it? How did your parent/s do it? How did your partner do it?
I went back right away, but part time for several years…
My biggest struggle so far is trusting strangers with my kids. How did you/do you deal with that aspect? Of allowing others to care for Z, and trust that he would be fine?
That is difficult. The best kind of daycare, in my opinion, is a family daycare or home daycare. They are often more expensive and sometimes have weird hours or rules, but the care is much more personal. I think you will find that your kids will surprise you at how well they adapt. There will be an adjustment period and you may second guess your decision, but once you all settle into a nice routine, you’ll all be fine. And pretty soon they’ll both be in elementary school and after-school activities and will prefer to be with their friends, anyway. Am I making you feel better? giggle…
I went back to work when Tara was in fourth grade and Terry
went to school for the whole day in first grade. Both children were home at 2:45 and instructed to eat the cookies that were on the table until their father came home at 3:00. They had their own house key on a cool leather necklace. It was frightening even at ages 6 and 9 and school was 100 yards away.
Once again…I went back to work when Shannon and Alden were 5 and 7. This time I could only work 9 to 2 because the children were released from Gerry School at 2:30. Alden was in all day kindergarten and Shannon in second grade. I was a single mom widowed at age 55. The biggest problem for me were
half days, silly teacher conference days and snow days. I had
to scare someone up last minute. There was vacation camp and sailing camp during holiday and summer recess. At that time the only family member nearby was our great-grandmother at age 85 who could always be called on for a last minute pick up at school or who would be there for them for cookies and milk at the close of school. In Marblehead kids can walk home from anywhere in town. Imagine that, I could still count on my mom at age 85.
You will be glad that you went back to work. This will make the time you have with Allen and the kids more special. Today it is very normal for both parents to be working. You guys have given the girls a great foundation by you being off with them. You will be using your great ability as a writer and your education to futher your own resume.