Today marks my 2 week "back at work" anniversary. This transition has been a lot more difficult than I anticipated. It is amazing the things you can convince yourself of when you are away from your baby. Over the last 13 work days I have had a lot of time to weigh the negatives and positives of being a working mom, here is what I've come up with:
- A professional mentor once encouraged me to always keep my foot in the workforce. If something were to happen to Bryan and I would need to be the sole provider for our family, I would have a lot more opportunities if I had never fully left the workforce. Pretty wise, don't you think?
- I love to learn. I love to be challenged. I spent a lot of money getting a degree and by golly, I'm going to use it. Most of the time, I love what I do. I like being a part of workforce and making a difference in the lives of my clients.
- There are 50 hours a week that I miss my baby girl. I have TONS of pictures on the computer, my phone, and posted up in my workspace; but still, my heart hurts a little bit every. single. minute. of those 50 hours.
- With Bryan and I's opposite work schedules, Addie and Daddy get some good chunks for one-on-one time. What little girl doesn't want the full attention of her daddy? And what father wouldn't love some alone time with his daughter?
-Addie is at daycare anywhere from 5 to 25 hours each week, averaging 15 hours. Here she will learn to listen to other adults, interact with other kids, and will be in a very education and structured environment. Hopefully this will grow her social skills and avoid separation anxiety for those times when she isn't with Bryan or myself. So far we love the daycare she is at, they are super personable and sweet. Most often than not, when I go to pick her up she is being held and surrounded by people.
- I'm probably going to miss a first. Maybe even miss a couple of firsts. They could be as significant as her first steps or as minor as her all-time biggest blow-out. It doesn't matter to me, I want to be there for all of them.
- The extra income is super helpful. About 3 months ago when we had no mortgage, having a job wasn't all that big of a deal - now it may be hard to make ends meet without a second income. The leftovers are allowing us to put money away for Addie's college and our retirements. We have the funds to host people, providing them with beds and food. When the Jetta dies (one of these days!) we will be able to replace it without having to sell a kidney. It is enjoyable to have the funds to be able to bless people and support things that we want to be involved in.
So there you go, the things my mind lulls over on my 6:00AM commute. Some days I arrive at work in tears and I'm always ready to race out the door at 3:30, but the positives are good reminders of why I'm there. The thought of the way it benefits our family always makes me smile
What are your thoughts on staying at home vs working as a mom?
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