Mom- go back to work already!
As I have written about before, prior to our move I was working full time at a job I really enjoyed. This was not without stress, and since we moved I have been home with the kids. Recently I have decided to pursue an opportunity that is similar to the work I was doing before and have been going on interviews. I mentioned this to my 5 year old daughter to keep her in the loop on this latest development. The conversation did not go at all how I expected.
Me: Mommy has a job interview. That is where they ask a bunch of questions and then decide if they want mommy to come work for them. How would you feel if mommy went back to work every day?
H: I would love it!
Me: Why?
H: You could come in my class and talk about what your job is. I would like that.
Me: If I started back to work you would stay at school and mommy would pick you up after work.
H: Great! I would get to play with my friends, and I wouldn't have to walk home.
Since this conversation she has asked me every day when I am going back to work. For years I have been agonizing about whether I am spending enough time with the kids, and feeling guilty about being at work. Turns out, my oldest actually prefers it that way!
Now H has been in daycare since she was 3 months old. And that is what she is used to. Me being at home more is a change for her. One thing about her reaction struck me though. I appreciated her comment that she wanted to share what I do for work with her friends. I did this when we were in Ohio and I suppose it stuck with her. One of the reasons I enjoy working is to show her that it is possible (although not always easy!) to have a career and a family. That women can be a mommy and something else too. To her this is normal, and she is proud of me. And that is the best compliment ever.
Me: Mommy has a job interview. That is where they ask a bunch of questions and then decide if they want mommy to come work for them. How would you feel if mommy went back to work every day?
H: I would love it!
Me: Why?
H: You could come in my class and talk about what your job is. I would like that.
Me: If I started back to work you would stay at school and mommy would pick you up after work.
H: Great! I would get to play with my friends, and I wouldn't have to walk home.
Since this conversation she has asked me every day when I am going back to work. For years I have been agonizing about whether I am spending enough time with the kids, and feeling guilty about being at work. Turns out, my oldest actually prefers it that way!
Now H has been in daycare since she was 3 months old. And that is what she is used to. Me being at home more is a change for her. One thing about her reaction struck me though. I appreciated her comment that she wanted to share what I do for work with her friends. I did this when we were in Ohio and I suppose it stuck with her. One of the reasons I enjoy working is to show her that it is possible (although not always easy!) to have a career and a family. That women can be a mommy and something else too. To her this is normal, and she is proud of me. And that is the best compliment ever.
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