On the other hand, I'm all...
You might think that this post is my effort to rectify my contradictory emotions or maybe you are hoping for an insightful look at the controversial issue of working mothers versus stay at home moms (even the terminology used for those two categories is rather revealing, isn't it?). Unfortunately, you would be wrong on both counts.
I don't believe I can be happy or sad, relieved or worried, excited or guilty. I am all emotions. And I definitely don't have any answers on the stay-at-home v. go-to-work moms. To each her own. I am 100% sure I could not be a stay-at-home mom. I would go crazy. I am, however, lucky enough to have a full-time job where my hours are rather whackadoodle and allow a great deal of freedom to spend daytime hours with my kids.
During a normal week, I have the following schedule:
Monday: Work from home 1130-4, kids with family
Tuesday: On Campus 8-115, Work from home 2-4, kids with family
Wednesday: Take Madison to gymnastics, fun with kids,
Thursday: On Campus 8-115, Work from home 2-5, kids with family
Friday: On Campus 10-12, Work from home til 3, kids with family
I do a lot of grading at night after the kids are in bed and I work here and there on the weekends as well. Those times I am working from home are entirely optional and the hours and days can be adjusted as I see fit. Some weeks, my on campus hours are extended for committee meetings, department meetings, or special projects.
Overall, my work ends up as a lot of odd hours, last minute stress, and cramming. People who enjoy a structured life with a set schedule would hate my job (and my life). For me, it's worth it as I manage to be a full-time professor and still spend a great deal of time with my kids. Life is good.
Still, if I could be a part-time professor with a full-time nanny, that would be great...
I hope things go smoothly for you as you start back. I imagine going in mid-semester is tough!
ReplyDeleteGood luck immersing yourself back in the working world! You're lucky to be able to have a schedule like that to maximize family time, too.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think I'd love a job like this—so much flexibility!—but then I remember how much of a rules gal I am. I just love my structure, and I might go a wee bit nutty without it.
ReplyDeleteI hope your transition back goes well! A post-doc in my lab recently came back after maternity leave, and she told one of our colleagues that she's excited to be back because, as she puts it, she puts the work in and gets something back from her job. With the kiddo right now, it's all "work, work, work, and he doesn't do anything!"
BEST!!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if you're well prepared and organized. I would think that's half the battle! I truly feel as if each parent must decide what works best for them and makes them the happiest in their life. Children are truly resilient and will adapt to schedules. It looks as if they're with other family members when not with you, and if so, I think that might be preferable to hiring a stranger as caretaker. I'm sure it will be an adjustment, but you'll all succeed at making it work!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a smooth transition :D You'll be great!
ReplyDeleteThat transition is hard at first, but it helps that you love your job and have a very flexible schedule! When I worked I had NO flexibility, it was all day every day and sometimes travel for weeks. This is why I quit. (And I didn't like my job, so.) You have such a good attitude, I'm very impressed!
ReplyDeleteI hope your transition goes perfect! Good luck with everything!
ReplyDelete