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I've heard on many occasions that it's impossible to find the proper balance between home and work. At different times (hopefully), one of them is requiring more attention than the other. I've found that to be true much of the time so far in my official one year (on May 26th, but who's counting) as a working mother.
When I went back to work last year, it was in the middle of a project working long hours. As much as it was (and is) not fun to be away from my baby, at the time it was an area of my life that had familiarity. You know, since my clothes didn't fit, my sleep schedule was chaotic, and every day was different, it was nice to feel like a bit of my former self in some way.
It's no longer a novelty to me to be a working mom. It's now just what I do. And sometimes work takes more time than usual, and other days, work simmers on the back burner while I take care of my high calling at home. Sometimes the baby is sick and needs me, or I'm sick and need my bed. Life at home happens, and not according to my Type-A project plan.
But even though it may be that work/life balance teeter-totters based on the day, home matters are always the priority.
And totally random side note. We're watching the Hatfields & McCoys miniseries on the History channel because we are old souls. Mr. G and I are in total agreement that it would be totally improved by the casting of Sam Elliott in pretty much any role.
Ugh - I feel like I still haven't mastered this. I am totally curious what staying at home would be like, but I am scared to lose the stability and identity that comes with my 9-5.
ReplyDeleteYou make an excellent point about identity. I've thought about staying home a lot, and it made me realize that so much of my identity comes from working outside the home. It's been really convicting to me in my walk with the Lord to realize that.
DeleteGreat post. I don't have kids yet but we have discussed the need for me to continue to work when/if that time comes. And I think your comments on it being a balancing act is so true. And it only stands to reason that sometimes one is more demanding than the other. It sounds like while it's not always perfect you have found the way to make it all work for you. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI would say definitely prepare for both scenarios: both staying home and working. I know being a SAHM is a lot of work, but the guilt factor of working and being a mom is high. I am very blessed to have awesome care for Jack so many times my feelings about not being home are more about me missing him than him not being taken care of the best way possible. :)
DeletePreschool & Mommy work is such a blessing for our family on many days....but there are also those days when home is where we need to be. It was such a long and difficult journey for me to the place where I had confidence in making this decision day by day and not feeling like I had to live in one world or the other. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a working mom--it really has taught me so much about humility. I really thought I knew everything before I had kids and would definitely-for-sure be a SAHM! Just goes to show we never know until we walk through it...now I have way more compassion for other Mamas just going day by day trying to figure it all out, both sahm-ers and working moms. Great post!
ReplyDeleteAmyD
Motherhood teaches so much, doesn't it?!? I learn something new about myself almost every day. There are so many things I thought would be "this" way, and they've turned out to be "that" way instead.
DeleteYour post hit the nail on the head. I've always been a working mother. My oldest is now 9 and I just had a baby 7 months ago. Although my family had been and will always be a priority, I feel a sense of pride for being able to balance both most of the time. I recently got laid off and it's been difficult to adjust to being home full time.
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