Today started out great. I had some work stuff in my mind most of the night, but was able to push it to the back this morning.
We started by making breakfast as a family, sending Tato off to work, then hopping into a bubble bath (Zak) and hot shower (me). We picked out our clothes, which Zak absolutely has an opinion on now. Which reminds me of a story I forgot to blog about. The other day I picked out my clothes and put on some tennis shoes (Pumas)...apparently Zak didn't like those shoes. He went to my closet and picked out a pair of sandals, and insisted I put them on. Once they were on, he said "Nice, Mommy, nice." I figured he was just in an obstinent mood....so I asked him to check out Babcia's shoes, confident he'd make her change hers as well. She had on a pair of "ballerina" style tennis shoes. He checked them out, and proceeded to tell her "Nice Babcia, nice." I guess Babcia has better taste than me.
Anyway, it's a lot of fun picking out our clothes together and having him give his opinions. We then got the bikes out (I'm realizing I'm car adverse on my days with Zakie)...and rode up to KMart to buy some potting soil and pots so that we can finally plant the flowers Zak picked out last week. Babcia kept saying it was too cold for bikes (48)...but we just bundled up and went anyway. On the way back, with 25lbs of Zak + 25lbs of soil, I was sweating :-)
We then packed up to go visit Aunt Sara for lunch. It was a great lunch, and we got to talking. Something we both wondered about is, why is it only women with children who seem to make this type of decision. She herself feels her work balance is not where it should be to stay healthy. And look at my own family, Kuba and I, both work for the same company, both have the same options, yet Kuba has no interest in working 4 days a week to give another day to Zak or himself. It's just interesting. Almost everyone I know who has taken advantage of this type of benefit is a woman, with children. Hmm. Maybe everyone else can just handle it better than me :-)
I'm also realizing that the time of day that I blog probably affects a great deal the tone of my entry. Right now, Zak is napping, the sun is shining, I left work yesterday if not completely caught up, with a plan for how to catch up...in general I'm feeling pretty ok today.
This afternoon I'm hoping Zak and I finally plant those flowers. Then we might head out on the bikes again to the library. I'll let you know how we do :-)
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Day 6
Well, Friday was better, but things still aren't working how I want them to. I think the reason Friday was good was because I had the whole weekend ahead, so I was able to shut off a bit. I still came in overly stressed on Monday morning. I'm going to give it another month, then decide if/what I need to change. I don't want to dread going to work, and right now I do because I know the whole day will be filled with stress and more work than I can accomplish. I can not work in an environment where I feel like I can't keep up. So I definitely need to keep adapting.
On the positive side, Friday was filled with fun times with Zak. We had Tumblebees in the morning, and Zak was absolutely awesome. They are required to sit and listen to instructions for 5 minutes every 15 minutes or so. This is the first time (since he's been 2 - before that, it was easy for him) that he's sat and listened intently. I think the new teacher made it easier too, as she was very animated as she was giving the instructions. Anyway, he followed the instructions so well. Even doing jumping jacks when he was supposed to.
We met with Rowan later that day and went to the indoor playground at Kid's First because it was rather cold. He really enjoyed that. So many clubhouses, slides, cars.
At some point during the day I went to get my taxes done. I called Zak on the way back...he didn't answer as he always just puts the phone to his ear, but I knew it was him. I said "Hi Zak, I'm on my way home..." He started yelling "My Mommy! My Mommy!" :-) Call me sappy, but I love the MY part of that :-)
Oh, and I got my first paycheck. Ouch! I knew it would be smaller, but I guess wasn't mentally prepared for just how small. Definitely I will have to change my buying habits a bit :-)
On the positive side, Friday was filled with fun times with Zak. We had Tumblebees in the morning, and Zak was absolutely awesome. They are required to sit and listen to instructions for 5 minutes every 15 minutes or so. This is the first time (since he's been 2 - before that, it was easy for him) that he's sat and listened intently. I think the new teacher made it easier too, as she was very animated as she was giving the instructions. Anyway, he followed the instructions so well. Even doing jumping jacks when he was supposed to.
We met with Rowan later that day and went to the indoor playground at Kid's First because it was rather cold. He really enjoyed that. So many clubhouses, slides, cars.
At some point during the day I went to get my taxes done. I called Zak on the way back...he didn't answer as he always just puts the phone to his ear, but I knew it was him. I said "Hi Zak, I'm on my way home..." He started yelling "My Mommy! My Mommy!" :-) Call me sappy, but I love the MY part of that :-)
Oh, and I got my first paycheck. Ouch! I knew it would be smaller, but I guess wasn't mentally prepared for just how small. Definitely I will have to change my buying habits a bit :-)
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Day 5
Today I conscoiusly agreed to have a meeting in the afternoon. I did this for a few reasons: a key person in the meeting was in town from Brussels, so we could meet face to face, I still have the luxury of having my mother-in-law in town (for 2 more weeks) so I don't have to worry about daycare, and it was a very important meeting. What do you think? Was it the right move? I can hear all of you now, NO, such a slippery slope to start down so soon! And I've turned down many, many requests for important meetings already (in only 5 days!)...but I also don't want to become too rigid on all this. After all, I do think it is a privledge that I'm getting to do this. But read on...and you'll realize you were all right after all :-)
Let me tell you, knowing I had a meeting at 1:30 changed the whole day, but I was determined to try NOT to let it. But even from the morning when deciding what to wear...the meeting was in the back of my mind. I was actually afraid I'd forget about it, and that would be worse than not having it at all :-) Still, the weather was beautiful, and I wasn't going to let the whole day get away from us...so at 9:30, Zak and I set out to go on a 3 hour trek together.
We started by collecting some toys to give away and loaded them into his little red wagon and set off to Goodwill. Normally that's a 10 min walk, but I let Zak walk at his own pace, stopping to look at every water drain and squirrel...so it took us about 30 minutes. We handed over our stuff, then walked up to Pipkens to buy some flowers to plant (Zak picked some purple ones...I don't remember what they are called). By the time we were walking back, I was already getting antsy to get downtown for my meeting. What if traffic was bad? What about parking in the middle of the day? Still...I wouldn't let myself leave earlier than I had planned. We got back home and we threw the ball around a bit...and then Zak surprised me.
We accidentally threw the ball under the car...teaching moment! Zak, make sure you never, ever go under the car unless you Mommy or Daddy sees you and tells you it's ok...so for now, I tell you you can go get it. He appears to ignore me and walks away. I figure I'll let Kuba get the ball later (I have no intention of crawling under the car.) A few minutes later, Zak comes back out of the house with a broom. I was so impressed! I start telling him what a great idea and proceed to try to take it from him to push the ball out. He refuses to hand over the broom and gets down on the ground and sweeps under the car, the balls comes flying out. I'm gushing with pride. THIS IS WHY I'M DOING THIS! Would I have gotten to see something like this on the weekend? Probably, but I'm guaranteed to see 2x more having 2 extra days for it! Of course, then it became a game for the next 10 minutes as he continued to throw the ball under the car, and then sweep it out. But hey, the original problem solving skills were there!
So we wrap up our morning with another lunch on the patio. I get him tucked into bed then proceed downtown.
Only to learn that the person from Brussels had double-booked himself. (That will teach me!) The whole meeting was almost cancelled except I used every guilt trip I could to keep everyone else in the meeting. It actually turned out very productive, with extermely quality outcomes. So it was worth it...but not worth the special schedule to accomodate the face 2 face from Brussels. Live and learn.
So, for a 1 hour meeting, I gave up 3 hours of Zak time (driving, parking, etc)....so I came home with renewed energy. Zak and I hopped on the bikes and went up to the library, where he played with, what else? The trains (didn't really need to go to the library for that, but ok).
And so, Day 5 ended up ok.
Let me tell you, knowing I had a meeting at 1:30 changed the whole day, but I was determined to try NOT to let it. But even from the morning when deciding what to wear...the meeting was in the back of my mind. I was actually afraid I'd forget about it, and that would be worse than not having it at all :-) Still, the weather was beautiful, and I wasn't going to let the whole day get away from us...so at 9:30, Zak and I set out to go on a 3 hour trek together.
We started by collecting some toys to give away and loaded them into his little red wagon and set off to Goodwill. Normally that's a 10 min walk, but I let Zak walk at his own pace, stopping to look at every water drain and squirrel...so it took us about 30 minutes. We handed over our stuff, then walked up to Pipkens to buy some flowers to plant (Zak picked some purple ones...I don't remember what they are called). By the time we were walking back, I was already getting antsy to get downtown for my meeting. What if traffic was bad? What about parking in the middle of the day? Still...I wouldn't let myself leave earlier than I had planned. We got back home and we threw the ball around a bit...and then Zak surprised me.
We accidentally threw the ball under the car...teaching moment! Zak, make sure you never, ever go under the car unless you Mommy or Daddy sees you and tells you it's ok...so for now, I tell you you can go get it. He appears to ignore me and walks away. I figure I'll let Kuba get the ball later (I have no intention of crawling under the car.) A few minutes later, Zak comes back out of the house with a broom. I was so impressed! I start telling him what a great idea and proceed to try to take it from him to push the ball out. He refuses to hand over the broom and gets down on the ground and sweeps under the car, the balls comes flying out. I'm gushing with pride. THIS IS WHY I'M DOING THIS! Would I have gotten to see something like this on the weekend? Probably, but I'm guaranteed to see 2x more having 2 extra days for it! Of course, then it became a game for the next 10 minutes as he continued to throw the ball under the car, and then sweep it out. But hey, the original problem solving skills were there!
So we wrap up our morning with another lunch on the patio. I get him tucked into bed then proceed downtown.
Only to learn that the person from Brussels had double-booked himself. (That will teach me!) The whole meeting was almost cancelled except I used every guilt trip I could to keep everyone else in the meeting. It actually turned out very productive, with extermely quality outcomes. So it was worth it...but not worth the special schedule to accomodate the face 2 face from Brussels. Live and learn.
So, for a 1 hour meeting, I gave up 3 hours of Zak time (driving, parking, etc)....so I came home with renewed energy. Zak and I hopped on the bikes and went up to the library, where he played with, what else? The trains (didn't really need to go to the library for that, but ok).
And so, Day 5 ended up ok.
Day 4
Today was better. I stayed late yesterday and at least sorted through all those emails. I cancelled a couple of meetings and shortened others so I could at least get a start on those vp presentations. My mind is clearer, and the weather is perfect.
Zak and I went to Tumblebees, and then to Sharon Woods park. That was fun! I didn't realize what a great park they had. Zak loved it! He's so big! He can climb on everything an dhe's such a dare devil. He likes to stand right on the edge of the platforms, hold his hands out and keep his balance. We then went home and had a great lunch on the patio, and we even napped together in our outdoor rocking chair.
Then Rowen (he's 1.5 yrs old) and his mom Dana (my friend who also works less than full time) came over and we all went for a long walk together.
I then actually had time to take some dinner to my friend whose 6 month old just had to have kidney surgery. I wanted to do something to help them, and for the first time in a long time I hand delivered my own gift :-) I picked up the dinner from Montgomery Inn, then drove it down to them and actually got to visit with the baby for a bit. It's been so long since I've had time to do something like that.
A MUCH BETTER DAY!
Zak and I went to Tumblebees, and then to Sharon Woods park. That was fun! I didn't realize what a great park they had. Zak loved it! He's so big! He can climb on everything an dhe's such a dare devil. He likes to stand right on the edge of the platforms, hold his hands out and keep his balance. We then went home and had a great lunch on the patio, and we even napped together in our outdoor rocking chair.
Then Rowen (he's 1.5 yrs old) and his mom Dana (my friend who also works less than full time) came over and we all went for a long walk together.
I then actually had time to take some dinner to my friend whose 6 month old just had to have kidney surgery. I wanted to do something to help them, and for the first time in a long time I hand delivered my own gift :-) I picked up the dinner from Montgomery Inn, then drove it down to them and actually got to visit with the baby for a bit. It's been so long since I've had time to do something like that.
A MUCH BETTER DAY!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Day 3
Ok, well this one isn't as nice as the first 2 days, but I committed I'm going to try to be as honest as I can. I guess I will have some good and some bad days, and today was definitely a bad day. Today I thought, wow, I really don't know if I can do this. Now granted, its the 3rd day back from vacation, which can be stressful anyway, so I'm hoping it's nothing systemic. I certainly need to learn some things from it.
The problem is I closed Tuesday night with 400 unread emails. I've still not learned how to not relate unread email to a feeling of loose ends or unfinished business. On those rare days when I have 10-20 unread emails, I still at least scan the subjects and the from to make sure I haven't missed something important. Not possible with 400. I worked later than normal Tuesday night, and skipped my tennis practice (2nd time in a row). Even with that, I had 400 unread emails.
I also had 3 vice-president reviews to prepare, with only 2 days to prepare (Thursday and Monday) and since people were missing me when I was out, my calendar had exactly 2, 30 minute slots open starting from 6:30am to 4pm. My stress level was very high.
So I didn't sleep Tuesday night. I get up Wednesday morning and try to have a nice breakfast with Zak, unfortunately with a slightly pre-occupied mind. I take him to TumbleBees (make-up class from vacation), we have lunch and I selfishly try to get him to nap ASAP so I can sift through a little email.
The weather is rather nice, so I sit out on our new patio and start to work. The real trouble began when as I was steadily reading through and I got on escalation about something I hadn't managed to catch up on while I was away last week. This gets my blood pressure going. I don't like not being on top of things.
As I start racing to fix the escalation, my Polish mother-in-law chooses that time to try to talk to me about buying some new facial cream "because it is too expensive in Poland." I manage to tell her "pozniej" (later), then she continues to ask me about how Zak slept last night, what he ate, etc.
Now, I don't know what my mother in law thinks I do for work, but I'm sure she thinks I just type away, not really needing my mind to do so. It's hard enough multi-tasking with someone next to you speaking English, much less in Polish. My blood pressure rises higher as I keep telling her "Nie wiem, nie pamietem, or pozniej" as I desperately try to close out the escalation. Finally, I give up. I'm not supposed to be working anyway. I hear Zak starting to wake from his nap. Maybe it's a sign to let myself calm down before trying to close out this issue.
I close the computer and my mother-in-law say "Juz?! Skoniecz pracy?" (Already finished with work?) I don't know if she understood my slightly esasperated smile but I simlpy said "Tak, juz" - yes already. But my mind was whirring the whole rest of the day and night. I vaguely remember going for a bike ride with Zak later that afternoon, and then playing some puzzles, but my mind and heart weren't there.
I was preparing how to close the escalation and finish those 3 vp presentations with the one hour free time I had. I got up at 4 the next morning to get to work early.
I hope this is a symptomof coming back from vcaation and not a sign of whats to come.
The problem is I closed Tuesday night with 400 unread emails. I've still not learned how to not relate unread email to a feeling of loose ends or unfinished business. On those rare days when I have 10-20 unread emails, I still at least scan the subjects and the from to make sure I haven't missed something important. Not possible with 400. I worked later than normal Tuesday night, and skipped my tennis practice (2nd time in a row). Even with that, I had 400 unread emails.
I also had 3 vice-president reviews to prepare, with only 2 days to prepare (Thursday and Monday) and since people were missing me when I was out, my calendar had exactly 2, 30 minute slots open starting from 6:30am to 4pm. My stress level was very high.
So I didn't sleep Tuesday night. I get up Wednesday morning and try to have a nice breakfast with Zak, unfortunately with a slightly pre-occupied mind. I take him to TumbleBees (make-up class from vacation), we have lunch and I selfishly try to get him to nap ASAP so I can sift through a little email.
The weather is rather nice, so I sit out on our new patio and start to work. The real trouble began when as I was steadily reading through and I got on escalation about something I hadn't managed to catch up on while I was away last week. This gets my blood pressure going. I don't like not being on top of things.
As I start racing to fix the escalation, my Polish mother-in-law chooses that time to try to talk to me about buying some new facial cream "because it is too expensive in Poland." I manage to tell her "pozniej" (later), then she continues to ask me about how Zak slept last night, what he ate, etc.
Now, I don't know what my mother in law thinks I do for work, but I'm sure she thinks I just type away, not really needing my mind to do so. It's hard enough multi-tasking with someone next to you speaking English, much less in Polish. My blood pressure rises higher as I keep telling her "Nie wiem, nie pamietem, or pozniej" as I desperately try to close out the escalation. Finally, I give up. I'm not supposed to be working anyway. I hear Zak starting to wake from his nap. Maybe it's a sign to let myself calm down before trying to close out this issue.
I close the computer and my mother-in-law say "Juz?! Skoniecz pracy?" (Already finished with work?) I don't know if she understood my slightly esasperated smile but I simlpy said "Tak, juz" - yes already. But my mind was whirring the whole rest of the day and night. I vaguely remember going for a bike ride with Zak later that afternoon, and then playing some puzzles, but my mind and heart weren't there.
I was preparing how to close the escalation and finish those 3 vp presentations with the one hour free time I had. I got up at 4 the next morning to get to work early.
I hope this is a symptomof coming back from vcaation and not a sign of whats to come.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Day 2
And now it's Friday...day 2...and the day before our week of vacation!
I worked way late last night, knowing I didn't want to have to do anything for work today. I hope I don't have to do that often, but again, the week before and after vacations are always tough.
This morning we went to Tumblebees. Again, WOW, Fridays are just so different than weekend activities! When I take him to Tumblebees during the evenings or on the weekend, the place is jam packed with people. On Friday morning, it was absolutely dead! At first, I thought I had gotten the time wrong....there weren't enough cars in the parking lot!
So even before the class, he was running around with the other kids, pointing out the cool sun (there is a huge giant sun hanging from the ceiling there that he absolutely loves), and just being very relaxed. The glass was great as always. He's a little monkey, so climbing the wall, swinging from the rope, walking on the balance beam...it's all just great for him. The only part he doesn't like is the 5 minutes of sitting a listening to instructions in between stations. He absolutely just doesn't want to sit there. I hope it's not a problem, it seems most of the other kids (especially the little girls) sit quietly and listen intently. I did notice one other little boy whose mother was having to hold him down too :-)
After that, we went up to Mason for a playdate with cousin Ethan (he's almost 2!) That's where I realized Zak's potty training is apparently only at home. He refused to sit on Ethan's potty...oops. I didn't realize he was so attached to his :-) Reagrdless, we had lunch with them, then came home.
We had our nice snooze in the rocking chair again, and this time I packed for our vacation while he slept. He only slept for 1 hour today...so then he helped.
We get another 9 days together, and with Kuba (my husband) too! I'm so looking forward to it!
I worked way late last night, knowing I didn't want to have to do anything for work today. I hope I don't have to do that often, but again, the week before and after vacations are always tough.
This morning we went to Tumblebees. Again, WOW, Fridays are just so different than weekend activities! When I take him to Tumblebees during the evenings or on the weekend, the place is jam packed with people. On Friday morning, it was absolutely dead! At first, I thought I had gotten the time wrong....there weren't enough cars in the parking lot!
So even before the class, he was running around with the other kids, pointing out the cool sun (there is a huge giant sun hanging from the ceiling there that he absolutely loves), and just being very relaxed. The glass was great as always. He's a little monkey, so climbing the wall, swinging from the rope, walking on the balance beam...it's all just great for him. The only part he doesn't like is the 5 minutes of sitting a listening to instructions in between stations. He absolutely just doesn't want to sit there. I hope it's not a problem, it seems most of the other kids (especially the little girls) sit quietly and listen intently. I did notice one other little boy whose mother was having to hold him down too :-)
After that, we went up to Mason for a playdate with cousin Ethan (he's almost 2!) That's where I realized Zak's potty training is apparently only at home. He refused to sit on Ethan's potty...oops. I didn't realize he was so attached to his :-) Reagrdless, we had lunch with them, then came home.
We had our nice snooze in the rocking chair again, and this time I packed for our vacation while he slept. He only slept for 1 hour today...so then he helped.
We get another 9 days together, and with Kuba (my husband) too! I'm so looking forward to it!
Day 1
Ok, so I started my less than full time as of March 1. Since I've never blogged before, I kept notes in a notebook....but now will publish them here.
Maybe it was a weird week to start, because next week we go for one week of vacation. Work is stressful the week before vacation in any case, but at 3 days...well, ok. I'll just have to deal.
So, Tuesday night I came home feeling rather overwhelmed, but was determined to make my first Wednesday off a great one. Zak and I got up at 7 (way late for me!!!)...I took a shower while he took a bubble bath. We had a slow breakfast...and then headed down to the Childrren's museum. WOW!
Let me just tell you...going to the museum on a week day is so different than going on a weekend! I actually didn't have to worry about him getting trampled by kids, and he could play in every area! In the past, he longingly looked at the ball area, a section where levers, pulleys and vacuums scoot plastic balls all around the place. The problem is always that's where all the 8-12 year olds like to play and so he'd always get bumped around. We were one of only 3 kids, all under 2 there. So he really got to interact with the machines. It was so much fun!
We did everything they had to offer. The tree house was another absolutely precious time! We spent 45 minutes there, climbing all around. Again, no worries about getting shoved around. He was one of a few, and he loved climbing in, and then waving down to me, pulling me up with him, stopping in a special hideout so we could pretend to rest. It was so much fun, really.
We came home, had lunch. And then I rocked him to sleep in our favorite rocking chair. I fell asleep too. I'm sure the first day was a honeymoon day, but it was just so precious. Wednesdays are dedicated to Zak, so I felt no need to rush around. No grocery store visits, no hair cuts, no friends or familiy to meet. Just Zak and I, dozing in the rocking chair.
After dozing in the rocking chair for 30 minutes or so, I put him to his bed, and I pulled out the work computer. I told myself I'm making a conscious decision to do this. I'm working 60%, so I need not feel obligated. And I really do want to use some of Zak's down time for my own down time. I think part of my not feeling like I was doing a good enough job as a mom is not only my lack of time with Zak...but my lack of time for myself. So I do hope that as I get better at this, I can use that time for myself. Read up on the news, look for volunteer opportunities, become more self-aware.
But for today, I decided to work. Vacation coming next week and it being budget time at work meant I had a lot to do...and I rationalized that my head would be clearer if I cleaned out my inbox.
Zak work up a couple hours later. And I felt great! I had cleared out quite a bit on my to-do list before vacation nd was ready to dedicate time to Zak again.
We worked on our potty training (he went 2x!), and started prepping for Tato's return from work.
A really, really great first day. We had so much fun together. I hope it continues like this.
Maybe it was a weird week to start, because next week we go for one week of vacation. Work is stressful the week before vacation in any case, but at 3 days...well, ok. I'll just have to deal.
So, Tuesday night I came home feeling rather overwhelmed, but was determined to make my first Wednesday off a great one. Zak and I got up at 7 (way late for me!!!)...I took a shower while he took a bubble bath. We had a slow breakfast...and then headed down to the Childrren's museum. WOW!
Let me just tell you...going to the museum on a week day is so different than going on a weekend! I actually didn't have to worry about him getting trampled by kids, and he could play in every area! In the past, he longingly looked at the ball area, a section where levers, pulleys and vacuums scoot plastic balls all around the place. The problem is always that's where all the 8-12 year olds like to play and so he'd always get bumped around. We were one of only 3 kids, all under 2 there. So he really got to interact with the machines. It was so much fun!
We did everything they had to offer. The tree house was another absolutely precious time! We spent 45 minutes there, climbing all around. Again, no worries about getting shoved around. He was one of a few, and he loved climbing in, and then waving down to me, pulling me up with him, stopping in a special hideout so we could pretend to rest. It was so much fun, really.
We came home, had lunch. And then I rocked him to sleep in our favorite rocking chair. I fell asleep too. I'm sure the first day was a honeymoon day, but it was just so precious. Wednesdays are dedicated to Zak, so I felt no need to rush around. No grocery store visits, no hair cuts, no friends or familiy to meet. Just Zak and I, dozing in the rocking chair.
After dozing in the rocking chair for 30 minutes or so, I put him to his bed, and I pulled out the work computer. I told myself I'm making a conscious decision to do this. I'm working 60%, so I need not feel obligated. And I really do want to use some of Zak's down time for my own down time. I think part of my not feeling like I was doing a good enough job as a mom is not only my lack of time with Zak...but my lack of time for myself. So I do hope that as I get better at this, I can use that time for myself. Read up on the news, look for volunteer opportunities, become more self-aware.
But for today, I decided to work. Vacation coming next week and it being budget time at work meant I had a lot to do...and I rationalized that my head would be clearer if I cleaned out my inbox.
Zak work up a couple hours later. And I felt great! I had cleared out quite a bit on my to-do list before vacation nd was ready to dedicate time to Zak again.
We worked on our potty training (he went 2x!), and started prepping for Tato's return from work.
A really, really great first day. We had so much fun together. I hope it continues like this.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Background
Ok, well. I'm now officially one of those women that has at least taken a small pause from my "high-powered" career to spend more time with my son. Apparently this is a growing trend in the US. I know, because like all my big decisions in life, I researched quite a bit before finally deciding to do it.
I'm an Associate Director at a Fortune 50 company. Still slightly on the young side, and certainly my career is still on the up swing. In my whole life, I've always pushed for that next grade, next rating, next promotion. Maybe now I'm pushing to be the perfect Mom. I still feel I'm pushing to be the best I can at work too, just in 3 days instead of 5, but certainy I've gotten a lot of comments, including one person who suggested I was rather brazen to do this after only 1 year as an associate director. I recognize it's a trade-off, but mybe my overachieving side really thinks I can be the perfect mom and perfect AD in 3 days. Hard to tell, but I ccertainly have at least admitted I didn't feel I was doing a good enough job on the Mom side, so needed to make this change.
It was a TOUGH decision! 60% of my salary, putting myself in a risky position when the economy and unemployment are so high, never ever putting something ahead of my career in the past. It took a lot of soul-searching. In the end...well, let's see how this goes.
I admit openly that I'm extremely lucky to even have this option. Many companies wouldn't even consider a 3 day work week. On the other hand, they are getting a great resource at 60% of the pay :-) At a time when we are looking to cut and cut...maybe there is an upside for my company as well (gives me a little breathing room on my budget too!)
In general, people at work have been very supportive. Most of my colleagues have said they absolutely understood this decision, and that most of their wives (amny are male colleagues)had given up their high powered jobs to take care of their family ... and they wouldn't have changed anything. They understand how fast their children have all grown up (and most already have their children grown)....so even have sounded a little sad when they coach me to treasure every day.
I did have a few interesting interations (not all from work colleagues). One I mentioned already, saying this was a rather brazen act. Another asked had I really thought this through? What am I really going to do with my son all day? Another suggested "You know, he (your son) won't remember this once he's grown." Someone suggested it looked like I was doing this to prove a point.
Most of those comments had nothing to do with my decision to do this. Maybe I am trying to prove I can do both, so maybe I'm trying to prove a point. But at the end of the day, what I really, really wanted, was more time with my son, with my brain turned off from work.
And so...the journey begins. I start this blog so that on the most optimistic side, maybe others considering a similar decision can see what another person who has made this decision is going through. I promise to try not to "over-sell" the decision and make it as real as possible for the day I'm writing. On the least optimistic side, well, then Zak will have a good momento of what I did when he was very young.
And so it begins....
I'm an Associate Director at a Fortune 50 company. Still slightly on the young side, and certainly my career is still on the up swing. In my whole life, I've always pushed for that next grade, next rating, next promotion. Maybe now I'm pushing to be the perfect Mom. I still feel I'm pushing to be the best I can at work too, just in 3 days instead of 5, but certainy I've gotten a lot of comments, including one person who suggested I was rather brazen to do this after only 1 year as an associate director. I recognize it's a trade-off, but mybe my overachieving side really thinks I can be the perfect mom and perfect AD in 3 days. Hard to tell, but I ccertainly have at least admitted I didn't feel I was doing a good enough job on the Mom side, so needed to make this change.
It was a TOUGH decision! 60% of my salary, putting myself in a risky position when the economy and unemployment are so high, never ever putting something ahead of my career in the past. It took a lot of soul-searching. In the end...well, let's see how this goes.
I admit openly that I'm extremely lucky to even have this option. Many companies wouldn't even consider a 3 day work week. On the other hand, they are getting a great resource at 60% of the pay :-) At a time when we are looking to cut and cut...maybe there is an upside for my company as well (gives me a little breathing room on my budget too!)
In general, people at work have been very supportive. Most of my colleagues have said they absolutely understood this decision, and that most of their wives (amny are male colleagues)had given up their high powered jobs to take care of their family ... and they wouldn't have changed anything. They understand how fast their children have all grown up (and most already have their children grown)....so even have sounded a little sad when they coach me to treasure every day.
I did have a few interesting interations (not all from work colleagues). One I mentioned already, saying this was a rather brazen act. Another asked had I really thought this through? What am I really going to do with my son all day? Another suggested "You know, he (your son) won't remember this once he's grown." Someone suggested it looked like I was doing this to prove a point.
Most of those comments had nothing to do with my decision to do this. Maybe I am trying to prove I can do both, so maybe I'm trying to prove a point. But at the end of the day, what I really, really wanted, was more time with my son, with my brain turned off from work.
And so...the journey begins. I start this blog so that on the most optimistic side, maybe others considering a similar decision can see what another person who has made this decision is going through. I promise to try not to "over-sell" the decision and make it as real as possible for the day I'm writing. On the least optimistic side, well, then Zak will have a good momento of what I did when he was very young.
And so it begins....
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