Thursday, January 6, 2011

Pros not Cons

This is a list of the pros of going back to work. Before I begin I want to stress that this is a list of items I have come up with, this is no way an attack on SAHMs or WAHMs. I just happen to be a WOHM and I need to remind myself all the good things that come with this job. I promise you my list of Cons would be just as long, if not longer. I am trying to focus on the positives and motivate myself to get up Monday morning with a smile and embrace this new chapter of my life.

Pros:

  • The pay cheque: I am not in denial, if it wasn't for my pay cheque I wouldn't be a working mom. This guy is the only reason I work and he deserves top spot on my list. 
  • Eating a warm lunch undisturbed: Oh I am often disturbed by staff and co-workers during my lunch hour but they usually back off when I let them know that I will come see them as soon as I am done eating. My kids, not so much.
  • Drinking my coffee while it's warm: Oh this will be a nice change from the last year where I routinely re-heated my coffee twice, often 3 times a morning. Microwave coffee = yuck
  • time to read blogs: When I work I always give myself a bit of time when I arrive to catch up on blog reading. It will be nice to get back to this routine and catch up on all your lives (in a more timely manner)
  • Adult conversation: I did have a lot of adult friends to talk to while I was on leave. It will be nice to be able to finish a conversation uninterrupted. No more conversation fragments and "what was I saying again...oh well".
  • Using my brain: I am considered an expert in my field of work. It is something I am proud of.
  • Coming home at the end of the day to my 3 wonderful children who will be so happy to see me and yell "MOMMY!!! I MISSED YOU". 
Edited to add:
  • A house that stays clean longer: thanks Lori for the reminder on that one
  • Going to the bathroom alone! How could I have forgotten that one! Thanks Christine!

    11 comments:

    LoriD said...

    I found that it was easier to transition back with each successive child. I was sad and anxious for weeks before with my first, but pretty okay with it by #3.

    I was off for three weeks over the holidays and I have found that I like the routine that comes with having to be somewhere at a certain time (nicely dressed and groomed!) Yes, it can be a real rush sometimes, but somehow my meals are better, my house is cleaner and I seem to spend more productive time with the kids. Having said that, I would kill for a four-day work week!

    Best of luck!

    Alicia said...

    Great list. I am also a WOHM and there is nothing better than seeing my little guy's smile at the end of the day :)

    Lara said...

    There are lots of great reasons to go back - I kind of wish I could go back right now too ;)
    Good luck on Monday! I'll be thinking of you!

    Julie said...

    great list. and pay check or not, i am not a sahm material. thank goodness for those who do. and especially for those who take in other peoples kids! ;-)

    happy back to work!

    Christine said...

    Indeed all important pros and once I have enjoyed immensely in the last year. Also going to the bathroom by myself. And quiet when I shut my office door.

    Good luck my friend. It will be tough, but you'll get there.

    Capital Mom said...

    I am most looking forward to going back to work for the bathroom. :-)
    Good luck on your first day back!

    neeroc said...

    Love the list. Wish I loved my job a little bit more these days, I might be referring back to these pros and you're right, the paycheck tops the list.

    Nat said...

    I actually ended up at home (not by choice) most of last year. I found that I loved the freedom, now that the boy is in school. But when he was at home, I remember feeling very isolated.

    Somekindofmom said...

    See I don't have a job to go to where I can catch up on my blog reading, so I'm very far behind! I'm looking forward to your next post about how the first week went! :)

    Maranda said...

    Working out of the house is a very personal decision and is different for every family, and even for every baby born into that family. I'm a firm believer that there is no 'right' decision, it's whatever works best for your whole family. I know a lot of WOHMs feel bad/guilty/left out/etc. and I think it's great for you to focus on the positive side of things.

    And even though being at home is the right answer for our family and I wouldn't have it any other way, I'm totally envious of your hot coffee... and peeing by yourself! :D

    Jocelyn said...

    Excellent attitude. I still remember the focused bliss that was my first hour back in my office after my son was born. It was like I had a complete thought!

    Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.