Thursday, September 11, 2008

Turn Out The Lights The Party's Over

I knew it would happen eventually but I did not realize how soon.Looking back I realize I did not know just how spoiled I was.Working from home for nearly ten years, a girl gets accustomed to a certain “lifestyle”.You know, roll out of bed when the kids come in begging for milk, take the ten step commute to the office and work in my flip flops.I took breaks at the park with the kids and had “staff” meetings at the pool.My staff being the almost two year old intern and 3 year old tenure professor.

Life at the Crooked Tree has changed.I am still Chief Officer Mom but now have other obligations; that actually pay.Hubs and I thought long and hard about whether or not I should go back to the real world. After selling our business last fall I was privileged to take some time and hang out with the boys. During that time I remember thinking how hard I had it.I would be so spent at the end of the week it was all I could do to undress myself for bed.Keeping two small, energetic boys entertained is hard work.Not to mention the other responsibilities that go along with being a stay at home mom.Hubs and I decided the boys needed more structure and stimulation that I was not providing, and I really wanted something for “myself”. So last week I started working for a great non-profit in town as their web and data specialist.I absolutely love the organization, the people, and my job!

I have not given up any of my previous responsibilities; I have merely added more.I now fight traffic that I never knew existed in this town which makes my 8-5 day really 7-6. By the time I get home, it is time to feed, bath and put the boys to bed. I end up falling asleep in Little Man’s bed before he does. I am awakened to him tapping my forehead asking me to tell him a story or talk about his favorite Higgly Town heroes.

This change in lifestyle has provided me a new perspective on things.I once felt that stay at home moms were completed underrated; and I still do. The work of a stay at home mom is never done and she gets little if any recognition.I used to think that being a working gal would be a piece of cake; you get a break every day!You get recognition for your efforts!While that may be true, for me, being a working gal is even harder than a stay at home mom.My work is still never done and not only do I get less time with my family, but much less time for myself.I am so fortunate that to have experienced both sides of motherhood.My hat goes off to all the moms out there, whether at home or the office.I hope the key for all of us will be a routine.The newness will wear off and we will not be so out of sorts.It does not help that Little Man, The Babe, and I are sick.The boys started a new school and brought home some new germs and so did I!The new school had a water pipe break this week so the boys have been home with hubs which is unusual for all of us.How do you working folk do it?How do you find time for you and your family without feeling like someone I getting neglected?

9 comments:

The Rev. said...

Ah, I was wondering why I hadn't seen you around as often!

It's incredibly difficult to manage time...at least for me, it is. I've got one full time job, a second job representing a brand new brewing company in town (pays nothing yet), plus little side projects that I pretend I'll be able to work on in the evenings.

I admit it all can be a tad overwhelming - luckily, I'm able to vent my stress daily at the gym (yet another activity to squeeze into the already tight schedule!).

I usually fall asleep pathetically soon after eating dinner...gettin' more and more worn out these days!

Good luck with all the new changes!

Jenni said...

It is a HUGE juggling act...but it can be done! I am a teacher so I am right now trying to get into my back to work routine. Aaaaack.

I take lots of deep breaths. Oh. And anxiety meds. ;-D

Mrs4444 said...

I know you are "100%" person, and so am I. That makes working and being a mom difficult; you can't be 100% best at both, so something has to give. I just try to do my best and not feel guilty. Fortunately for me, my kids are older now and pretty self-sufficient. It will all work out; you'll find your groove :)

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

I have been both SAHM and working mom, and they are definitely both hard and challenging.
Good luck!

Putz said...

my daughter has balanced it all, your look alike, your same age mentor, your tempermanent clone also...on putz it is her 40th

Unknown said...

It's hard, and often times you are the last to get what you need if at all....

Aunt Julie said...

The way I found the perfect balance between Family and Work was when I became a teacher. Teaching is my Second Career. I slaved for more years than I wish to remember in "The Cubicle World." I couldn't become a SAHM, though, because finances wouldn't allow it. I went back to school, and became a teacher. I've been in the classroom for 15 years. It's the hardest, but most rewarding, job I've ever had--besides being a Mom, of course--but the hours are pretty hospitable. I get up at 5:30, I'm at school by 7, and home by 3. The 2 months of summer off help, too. I'm still making some money, my kids are happy, and I feel like I live a nicely balanced life!

Aunt Julie said...

BTW, I'm hosting a Recipe Week on my blog, starting tomorrow. Please stop by and see what's cookin'!

Anonymous said...

I can't begin to tell you how hard it is to balance it all.. that comes in time sad to say. I ended up having to go to four days a week because I was literally falling apart.. thankfully we are able to still survive on the paycheck..but it is really hard working full time and parenting..

good luck and hugs..