Lilypie First Birthday tickers

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Friday, July 29, 2011

Working and Big Decisions

Since before we even starting trying for this baby, I knew that I did not want to work full time when I had kids.  My first career was an elementary school teacher which would have required me to work full time.  Now, I work in a nonprofit agency where the possibility of part time work seemed much more likely to me.  I love the idea of part time work because I’ll still be generating some income.  I will still have some adult interaction on a regular basis, the baby will get to interact with someone other than me during the day and learn to get along with other children his/her own age, and I’ll keep up my job skills and be using my expensive college degrees J

Last week I approached my boss seriously about my desire to work part time after the baby is born.  I had heard from a co-worker of mine that my boss was very concerned that I would not return to work after I had the baby, so I figured bringing my thoughts to her sooner rather than later would make the most sense.  We were working together at an event and had lots of time to chat.  I basically told her that I would like to come back to work as a part time employee (working 3 full days a week in the office) after the baby was born.  At first she wasn’t sure how it would work because she didn’t want to lose a full time position in our department.  Then she really came around and I thought it was totally going to be a go.  I was really excited!  Then yesterday she found out from our HR department that I can not be a part time employee in the position I am currently in.  My position title has the word “manager” in it and if they allow me to work part time they would have to allow anyone with that title the same opportunity, which is a lot of people.  I understand what they are saying of course, but it was still a bummer to find out. 

My boss is still working on some other ideas/ways we could make this work.  However, it sounds like the only way for that to really happen would be for me to take some type of administration position where the pay would be significantly less.  This wouldn’t really work for us since I’d be paying all of the money I was making (maybe more) just for childcare.  I’m still not ruling out trying to work full time, but I’m also now more seriously considering the possibility of being a stay a home mom.  I really never thought that was something I would consider, but it might actually be really great.  I’m most nervous about what it would be like going back to work after staying home for 3 years, or 5 years, or whatever.  I wonder how difficult it is to get a job after a huge gap like that in your resume.  Hmmmm…..J and I have lots of thinking to do over these next few months. 

2 comments:

  1. Wow those are some big decisions! I'm sorry that isn't going to work for you.

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  2. I am currently an elementary school teacher, and with our baby due 11/1/11, I am dreading the return of work after she's born. I wish you the best of luck as you and your boss work together to figure something out.

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