It has been four years since I left my last full-time position, and, maybe surprisingly, I’m ready to go back. I have been home when I was needed most, I’ve gotten my kids past the most critical stage and now that my daughter is old enough to start driving herself around, I can reach for more. I wouldn’t change anything about the last four years. It was absolutely what I needed to do.
But this is what I need to do now. I miss contributing something vital to the world, something on a bigger scope. I miss being part of a team that’s working together to make the world a better place, one step at a time. I love my creative endeavors, but they’re small, low-impact, solitary. I miss collaboration. I miss using my brain to learn new things and then helping others learn those things. I loved being a trainer, loved helping my peers and staff grow. I loved making a difference in clients’ lives. I’ve got these writing skills, and I feel like I could be using them in so many more ways. I could make an impact in the community…and that’s thrilling.
In no way do I mean this as a criticism of stay-at-home parents. I’ve done it in two long stretches now, and appreciated it both times. Parenting is a huge responsibility, and I admire and respect those to do it full-time. I *know* it’s a job, and a hard one. But it’s also a personal choice, and what works for one family may not be the best choice for another. It was the right choice at that point in time.
But now, my kids have grown up a lot. For that matter, I’ve grown up a lot after all the things I’ve faced the last four or five years. I have more to give, and I want to make a bigger difference. I will still knit, though I might focus more on what sparks my creativity and less on custom orders. I will still write and work on getting my book published. I will still proofread for other writers, though it might take me a little bit longer. But I want to do more. I want to challenge myself. I feel like this is my second wind, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
bonnyknits 
Reblogged this on Shallow Thinking.
wow – that’s is a big decision! I am sure that you will find something that makes your heart sing.
Yes, it’s pretty scary! And thank you, I sure hope so!
It IS scary, but I am sure that you know it will be fine. The first step of each phase is the hardest – looking for the job… then starting the job. Those are the hard bits. But actually doing the job? It will feel old hat very quickly, I am sure.
Deep down, I know you’re right. I’m confident about actually doing the job. This is totally the hardest part, but thankfully I’ve got some generous people helping me out!
Networking is the best, right? I hope that you aren;t working with a timeline, I think having time to find the right position makes a world of difference in your stress level at interviews, which in turn means that you do better at them. 🙂
Nope, no timeline. The right job is absolutely key. I value my kids and my other creative interests enough that I’ll only step away if it’s the right thing. I’m very lucky that I can be patient like this! 🙂
Super! All will be perfect, then.
I like your optimism. 🙂
Excited to see what the future holds for you. You need to do what’s right for you and your family. So glad you had the opportunity to be home when you needed to be.
I’d like to go back to work myself but it’s not time yet. Right now I’m stuck right in the middle of being a taxi mom. Especially since we only own one vehicle and I’d have to drive 45 mins one way for work.
Thank you! Yes, I’m glad too. I’m so lucky that things worked out the way they did. I was where you are for the last few years. My daughter had so many activities, and there was just no one else to drive her. And I’ve enjoyed it. But now it’s time to retire my chauffeur hat! And you’ll be there before you know it. 🙂
Oh gosh now that IS exciting, you’re about to start a whole new chapter 🙂 I think you are very wise to wait for the right opportunity rather than jump into something straight away. Wishing you all the best for your new adventures!
Thanks! Deciding was exciting, and working will be exciting…job hunting, not so much!