I've been at home full-time now for about 4 1/2 months, and I guess as with anyone making a transition like this, it requires a series of "re-adjustments".
At first of course, it was great fun being home (I didn't do much of anything), just playing with baby and relaxing. But about 4 months into it, it ceased feeling like a short holiday away from work, I actually wanted to achieve something concrete.
I reached a point where I seriously felt that despite all the good reasons we had for making this decision and for me to quit my job, I couldn't do it any more. I missed the sense of accomplishment and success I got at work. I think that was my first "re-adjustment". I mentally had to go through the reasons behind the decision (baby getting sick in daycare, hustle to drop off and pick up from daycare - not to mention stress, no time for older child, not living up to my own expectations in my professional and personal lives...). Then I went through the options again (baby back in daycare, look for part-time work, re-establish working routines..). That pretty much cured me of my dissatisfaction.
I recently went to a book club meeting for Moms in my area who stay at home. By 9:30 pm, I was restless and ready to get out, even though it was time I could spend free and clear. I didn't have to go home to catch up on email or work, Papa was in charge of the kids and I only had to get the older kid to school. It took me a little while to figure out why I was holding back. My conclusion is that I haven't totally embraced this full-time-mom, stay-at-home concept. It's as if once I start getting totally immersed in these activities I really AM saying goodbye to my former life. And that is a very scary thing.
At first of course, it was great fun being home (I didn't do much of anything), just playing with baby and relaxing. But about 4 months into it, it ceased feeling like a short holiday away from work, I actually wanted to achieve something concrete.
I reached a point where I seriously felt that despite all the good reasons we had for making this decision and for me to quit my job, I couldn't do it any more. I missed the sense of accomplishment and success I got at work. I think that was my first "re-adjustment". I mentally had to go through the reasons behind the decision (baby getting sick in daycare, hustle to drop off and pick up from daycare - not to mention stress, no time for older child, not living up to my own expectations in my professional and personal lives...). Then I went through the options again (baby back in daycare, look for part-time work, re-establish working routines..). That pretty much cured me of my dissatisfaction.
I recently went to a book club meeting for Moms in my area who stay at home. By 9:30 pm, I was restless and ready to get out, even though it was time I could spend free and clear. I didn't have to go home to catch up on email or work, Papa was in charge of the kids and I only had to get the older kid to school. It took me a little while to figure out why I was holding back. My conclusion is that I haven't totally embraced this full-time-mom, stay-at-home concept. It's as if once I start getting totally immersed in these activities I really AM saying goodbye to my former life. And that is a very scary thing.
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