Every mama needs sweet good meaningful work and a deep belief in her intelligence and worth as a non-mama person.
Like most mothers, work has constantly been redefined during the 5 years I’ve been a parent. At first, I maintained the need to continue my career climb, managing multi-million dollar budgets, supervising staff. When I moved into managing a nonprofit and then got pregnant with my last pudding pie, I was convinced I could do it all. I didn’t figure in the strain of long hours, last baby time slipping away, or the huge stress of managing work politics on myself and family.
I’ve since come to appreciate the down-time, free-time, that can occasionally be associated with a less structured work life. And even though I’m often a short-order cook, kicking bag, toddler tantrum recipient, when it’s sunny and they can run around outside, life is good.
So last month, when the Babble rulers asked Stefania (CityMama) and I to take over editing and generating stories for StrollerDerby, I happily agreed. Being able to write has made staying home easier (bearable?) for me. I never would have predicted this time last year (as I “resigned” from my fancy executive director job), that I’d be so happy virtually employed.
I still go to the wonderful nonprofit a few days a week to do spreadsheets and visit with the people and wear cute clothes, I’m spending more and more time at home.
And most days, I look around and think “huh” “this is pretty nice.”
