This week is pretty monumental for me.
I have stepped down from my full time management position to a part time one with far less responsibility. Which means a few things:
More time for my kids. Yes, they are teenagers, but anyone who has teenagers gets this: they require MORE emotional energy than ever before. So I’ll have more to give them and, at the very least, be less frustrated (or at least this is the hope) because I’ll have more patience and more margin. Oh, and bonus – more time for that other guy in this picture. I forget his name but he looks super cute and fun;).
More time for ME. Burning the candle at both ends has one victim and all I have to do is look in the mirror to see her. I need more space and I’ll have that – space to dream, space to exercise, space to plan better meals. And yes, more sleep. Yay for more sleep.
More time for the blog! My readership has fallen as my posts have been few and far between. I am a writer and want to continue to be, so having more time to actually write is a happy bonus to less formal work.
TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL. My husband working for a major airline should mean I travel a lot, but work responsibilities have meant I just can’t. But now that I am stepping back, I can plan some trips (maybe even some additional races!) and make more time to visit my sweet mommy in Arizona and maybe even some international travel which I haven’t been able to do in years. By the way, where IS my passport?
Church. I’ve worked Sunday mornings since we moved here and this family is more than ready to find a new church home! I miss the worship and the community!
I journaled last week all the things I hope to do with my new found time. It was a big list! I plan on taking the next few months and getting used to my new normal. I would love to start volunteering again as well – seriously considering Girls On The Run – but think I need to just wait a beat and, for now, enjoy some more flexibility and see where the path takes me.
The kids are mostly excited. They like me being home more but I can tell they’re a little nervous about me being too up in their business. I have promised I won’t treat them like babies:).
So off we go! New adventures ahead. Please, stay tuned.
I’ve been working part time since my younger son went to elementary. Now that my older one is heading to high school, I’m even less inclined to go back full-time. It’s amazing how much more they need you as teens.
Seriously. I’ve worked full time since the twins were in kinder and I’ve never felt more stressed trying to be a mom and a full time employee. So many women CAN’T make this choice, and I’ll definitely have to make some changes financially, but so worth it. For my sanity if nothing else!
Glad to hear you’re doing what is right for you and yours!
Thank you!! At the end of the day, that’s all we’ve got, right??
Why are we under the delusion it gets easier when they go to school and get older?!? I have been struggling woth the squeeze myself and am considering a big step back. Thanks for sharing!!
Yup, not only does it NOT get easier but the stakes are far higher and we have less time to course correct. A great friend asked me “well, in 5 years, which of the two decisions are you more likely to regret? That you stepped back or that you worked more?” That was the kicker. I knew I’d be FAR MORE LIKELY to regret forging ahead no matter what it did for my career.
Oh Jennifer … I am so proud of you! I know that TCS will benefit greatly from having your knowledge and energy on the sales floor more than before. And those boys are SO lucky to have their sweet mama around more! Who knows … I might even take up running!
You mean take it BACK up and yes, please do, Peggy! We could even run/walk together! Love you, Friend. Thank you for your amazing support.
So proud of you for making great decisions for you and your family! Teenagers definitely need their parents during this challenging time. It might be tempting to load up your schedule with other good activities. Be careful to protect your new found time.
You know me well! I have thought this exact same thing. thank you!
Excellent. I love this and am glad we will get more of you on the blog! <3
Awww . . .thank you, Friend. My real family AND my blogging family have been neglected lately;).