Some
great opportunities to my door lately. Some terrific opportunities.
Some really cool opportunities… that I've had to say no to.
While
I work from home part time, my husband and I are committed to my being
primarily a stay-at-home mom while our kids are young. And lately it
seems like this has involved lots of saying no.
I've had such incredible offers to go to events and conferences. I've
had job offers – in this economy! – even a chance to teach ballet!
(Imagine actually using that part of my resume! Who would have imagined?)
It’s so hard not to feel like I'm missing out on something. Even those I chose
to stay home, it’s frustrating. I feel resentful that I'm giving up
career opportunities for my family. I sometimes long to be back
working, being something besides "just a mom." I feel like I'm
making all these sacrifices for my family while my husband – or my
friends who work – don't. I don't feel like this normally. 95% of the
time I love being at home with my kids. But when I have to turn down
something I really want to do, these feelings creep up on me.
Then
yesterday, I picked the baby up and he snuggled up against me, his head
on my shoulder, all warm and soft and pudgy. I kissed his cheeks and
whispered, "Don't grow up any faster, baby boy."
And it hit me: what exactly am I 'missing out' on by saying no to working right now?
Surely these opportunities will be here in a year or two.
My baby won't be.
About Melissa
As a working mom, there is so much that I feel like I miss out on. There are times when I resent my job and resent my education because they caused this perfect storm which takes me away from my baby. It’s hard but it is the way it is and I can’t change it right now. While I can understand how hard it must be to turn down a really fun, rewarding opportunity, being a mom is the best job in the world.
There are flip sides to everything isn’t there. I know that I couldn’t handle being a stay at home mom, but I love the time I have with my kids. I do miss things, but wouldn’t trade the running when I walk in the door and the ever-lasting snuggles I get.
I can SO relate to this post!
BEAUTIFULLY said. Those are the moments that make it all worthwhile.
Wouldn’t it be nice if they happened more often?
I hear you. I’m actually headed back to work next week and it is just killing me. I’m going to miss sooo much.
this is so true… I remember being there…
Beautiful post – I know those feelings of being “just a mum”.
But as you say, our kids are only at this stage for such a short time.
Thank you so much for this post it was such an encouragment to me to remember to look for the small things
I relate 100%. So many opportunities have come my way in the past two years. But I’ve had to graciously say “no, thank you” so many times.
That’s okay. I know, in my heart of hearts, there will be other events and other job offers and other conferences.
For now, I belong right here. At home. With the two best little girls in the whole wide world.