Staying at home with my children has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. And I feel so fortunate to be living that dream now. I can honestly say that I've enjoyed every minute so far and look forward to all of the minutes to come...whether they are joyful, mundane or trying. I feel like I "fit" this new job of mine even though it's definitely an on-the-job training gig.
That being said, there are some things I miss about working and my job specifically. I'll not discuss the things I don't miss because they are probably obvious to everyone who has ever had a job. I miss the ladies that I worked with and the conversations I had with them. I miss the problem-solving and task-oriented part of my job. Some days I miss getting dressed up and feeling like I've got a place to go and I'm needed. If I'm truly honest with myself, I miss feeling like I'm contributing (financially) to our family. And, of course, I do miss the extra income...I'd be lying if I didn't mention that!
Obviously I'm needed at home and there is definitely a problem-solving element to this job too! I've put rules in place for myself as to how I spend my time to impose some sort of structure to my days. And there are some things that have actually become easier as I've spent more time at home. I feel like I have a much better handle on the laundry and other home chores. I am sure that will become harder and harder as Ethan gets older and maybe has another sibling, but for now at least, those things are easier for me than when I was away from home much more.
Ultimately, after all this thought, the decision was the right one for our family and I would make it over and over again. And I'll add a little disclaimer here to say that this post is really just meant for me to get out what I've thought about the changes of having a baby and quiting a job that I went to every day for five years. It's not meant to comment on whether I think staying home or returning to work is better. This is just the very long answer to the short question, "so, how do you like it?"

3 comments:
I feel the same way.
It's always been a dream of mine too, one I have yet to realize. Not that my situation is bad. In fact, it's ideal for a working mom.
I found you through another blogger I read.
I've been a SAHM for 10 yrs now and not a regret in the world for that decision. Our oldest daughter died at the tender age of 2 from AML leukemia and I praise the Lord that I stayed home with her, raising her, loving her for every moment he blessed us with her.
When I was pg with our son I went back to work at the bank, where I'd worked when pg with our oldest. I woked there for 4 months after our son was born and although I enjoyed my job and my coworkers, I KNEW what I was missing and it killed me and I quit and have NEVER regretted that decision and if anything regretted those 4 months I was away from him for 6-7 hrs a day (I spent my lunch hour with him, since the childcare provider was less than 5 minutes away).
Post a Comment