Today is the day I turn in my “Stay at Home Mom” badge and become a working mom. I have loved being with the kids over the past 3 years but it’s time for me to go back to work. I feel ready, I’m excited, and I’m nervous.
Not only am I starting a new job, it’s a completely new career. I know, not a typical move for a mom of a one and three year old. But as I said, I’m thrilled and it’s time.
So, while I will be playing it totally cool in front of my new co-workers, I thought I would type up a letter to explain my real thoughts.
Dear Co-Workers,
Hi, I’m Sally and I’m pretty freakin’ nervous. Where did I work before this? Well for the past 3 years I have been a nurse, counselor, musician, event planner, teacher and cook…aka…a mom. So while I am leaving my demanding job at home, I know that adding a paying job (with a boss older than 3 years old) is going to be an interesting change.
I am standing here in front of you in my dress and heels but it sure wasn’t easy. My son woke me up with his fabulous rendition of’ Wheels on the Bus’ at 5:30am, which of course, woke up his sister. Instead of sneaking in a shower before they were awake, the one year old played peek-a-boo with the shower curtain and ended up getting soaked. And while the girls where “showering”, the three year old decided to “make it rain” with Legos all over the playroom. He is also refusing to wear pants.
As I was getting dressed, the baby wanted to be held, probably because she was adamant about eating my necklace. The boy, who is apparently training to be a professional wrestler, wrestled all the pillows off the bed. He won. My bed lost.
Luckily for these first few weeks of training, I’ll have a sitter staying here with the kids. Lord help me when school starts. (Maybe there is a class on how to get the family dressed, lunches made, and out the door to school on time?)
So, I’m excited to be here, meet everyone, and to work hard. However, as I’m sitting here taking notes, I’m hoping that the house isn’t on fire and that maybe, just maybe when I come home, my son is wearing pants.
Sincerely,
The New Girl
I’m not using my real name because I just started a full-time job last week after working from home part-time for the past 3 years. I have a 4.5 year old and an almost 1 year old, and I can completely relate to this. It is a challenge and a heartbreak and (yes, I’ll say it) a relief to go to work. I miss my girls like crazy but it sure is nice to be around other adults for at least part of the day and not have to worry about why the big kid is having a tantrum or how to keep the baby from finding every piece of dirt on the carpet so she can put it directly into her mouth. Being a full-time mom can be draining. So far, while it’s crazy getting ready in the morning, I’m enjoying spending quality time with my girls in the evenings–as a break from “work” work–instead of being short-tempered and oh-so-grouchy as I was in the days before I went back to working outside of the house.
Are you still enjoying it? I agree. I am totally digging the grown up interaction! And while the training schedule has been pretty insane, I LOVE and cherish the time I have with my family!!
I am just about to embark on this journey myself! I am newly single, with a 4 year old and 15 month old, starting a full time time on Monday. Cross your fingers! I feel exactly the same way–nervous and excited and worried….I hope all our new jobs turn out well!
Dana, How did it go?? Are your kids in school? With a nanny? I’m actually about to write a post about babysitters. While we have had some great sitters, we didn’t have the best experience today. I can’t wait until they start “school”!