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?