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Attachment Parenting
Talk to me about my work situation
Okay, right now I work 32 hours a week, but I actually work less than that because my job is SO flexible - I can essentially come and go as I please. I tend to get here around 9:30 and leave around 5. I take a lunch break sometimes... its just flexible, which has been amazing with a baby.
The problem is - I'm bored out of my mind! I am the type of person who needs some kind of interaction and progress forward. I basically come here and sit all day. Its not fun or even mildly entertaining.
So I started looking for new jobs.
I've actually found quite a few - I don't think they will be as flexible, I will probably have to work full time, I will have to get to work on time and all of that. But they are engaging and interesting - and I'm craving that right now. Oh, and they pay about twice as much.
But how much would I regret not having that extra time I get with DS right now?
I used to work 40 hours here but asked my boss for less time when DS was 4-5 months old because I missed him so much. But now he's older and more independent and seems fine to be without me all the time.
My other options are to go back to school in the fall while still working here and do a working adult type of schedule. I applied for financial aid. Haven't heard back yet. Or, I can work on side projects and try to freelance and do my own thing to keep me engaged and interested and make extra money.
What do you think? What has been your experience working full time? Would I be a complete idiot to give up that extra time at this point in his life?
Part of the benefit of working full time would that I would be able to pay off my debt in the next 2-3 years, so when its time for the next one, I could probably stay home for at least the first year of his life. But I would be giving up time with my first baby.
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Re: Talk to me about my work situation
I think that time is very valuable but so is your sanity. I would apply for some of the jobs and see if the interview impresses you as much as the advertisements and go from there.
My baby is two!!! Baby girl 9/17/09
My other baby is still a baby! Baby Boy 11-30-11
I'd agree with this, but I'm definitely an all or nothing person. If I have a PT job I love, I end up making it fulltime by pouring myself into my work, but a PT job that's just okay and I want to tear my hair out. If you have to work, I'd go for a job you love.
I also think this could be a case of 'the grass is always greener' so maybe give yourself a test run of being away from LO for 40-45 hrs a week and spend those other 8-12 hrs doing something you love. I'd imagine even 8 extra hours of being away will change some of your routines and the types of time you get to spend with DS, if that makes sense.
I work FT, and I enjoy it. Working is worth it if you like what you do. Being happy at work is important, so I would look for the jobs you like, even if it means a few extra hours less a week with your son. Especially if you are interested in staying home for a year when your next child is born. I wouldn't think of it as giving up time with your DS -- he's still really little, but he's not an infant, and you'd also be trading time now for more time with him when he's 3 or 4.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
It's probably sacrilege to say this, but I don't think 8 hours is a big deal in terms of time with your LO.
Trust me, I work 20 hours a week and thought I would have all this free time with LO but no. Instead I am still busy with my volunteer work, cleaning the darn house, running various essential errands, etc. Granted, I am able to take more vacations with her because of it. But our normal routine hasn't changed much.
Now if you were working longer days so you had 1 full day off, then you might notice more of a difference.
But if you go from 9:30-5 M-F to 8-5 or whatever M-F, I really don't think you'll be in dire straits. Your LO will be fine, and you can make up for it with time on the weekends and in the future if you want to SAH with the 2 LOs.
Plus, more income and paying off debt is great. And you'll be challenged professionally.
Honestly the other jobs sound win-win to me. Or the grad school.
Sounds like you are ready for a change!
I am too....
Thanks everyone! I actually work about 9:30-5 T-F, so I would be going to like 8-5 M-F or one place is 7:30-5:30 M-T so I would still get a day off. I designated my Monday as my baby day - I don't do any housework or any other type of work - I strictly play with DS or we go visit my sister or something. I have really devoted that time to him.
I think applying and going to the interviews is probably the direction I'm leaning towards. If I do get to the negotiation stage, I can always attempt to negotiate some type of flexible schedule. Its worth a try, I guess. I just feel a little guilty for wanting to work more and and I'm also nervous I would really really regret giving up my flexible job.
Also, I just had 2 weeks of Christmas break home with baby, MLKjr holiday, and a long snow day weekend, so maybe I am just imagining that I'm home a lot and really I'm not.