Saturday, August 30, 2008

part time or full time???

I've been teaching part time since Brooklyn was born and I've loved it. I've taught AM Kindergarten for the last three years and it's great because I get my own class, I'm home by noon everyday to spend the majority of the day with my kids, and I get a chance to get out the door and have a few moments of grown up time everyday (even though most of it is with other kids, it gives me a sense of purpose and provides a little challenge). I've enjoyed having the best of both worlds - being a mom and having a career. Now that child number two has arrived I don't know what to do. All along I've been planning on continuing on with AM K despite the fact that I'll only bring home a ittie bittie paycheck after daycare and gas to/from work everyday. Besides doing the part time thing, my other obvious choices are working full time or staying home. I have to admit that staying home scares me because I think that being a mom is the hardest job in the world and sometimes I feel like my job gives me a bit of a break and a reason to get out of the house, plus my own identity. I give props to all the SAHMs out there....I think I would drive my husband crazy. Anyway, my other option is full time and could potentially be offered to me since my school ended up with more kinders than anticipated this year...very tempting financially since it is double the paycheck without really double the work and since childcare costs are basically the same. But still....my babies are young, Grady doesn't sleep through the night, my husband doesn't like housework....how do working moms do it? So with all this said, I'm a bit nervous for the school year to begin. I like to be in control, but am trying to give this one to the Lord....knowing he will provide me and my family with the choice that is best for us.

2 comments:

Anna said...

MIchelle-only you and Jason can decide what is best for your family right now. No one else can or should try to make that call! Usually when I have had to make big decisions like this it seems if I listen to myself enough I already know the answer that is the the best choice, whether I like it or not or whether it seems logical or not. Make sense?

I do agree that being a SAHM is scary sometimes, but as controlling as I am the thought of my kids somewhere else makes me have anxiety. Ive always thought you, Barbie, and Christy have the best of both worlds with your part-time jobs in lots of ways! Every family is different and has different needs. Let us know how it all goes!

Barbie said...

I can totally relate to this blog. It's funny because Christy and I often discuss how our days "off" are harder than our days at work. They're totally worth it though. I'm lucky because I don't have to pay for childcare, so I'm not sure what I would do in your situation. I definitely think you'll miss spending more time with your kiddos if you go full time. If you quit all together, you could try to get involved with some other moms and plan activities together, or even switch days watching eachother's kids so you can have a day off. Sounds like your current situation is ideal...no if only Lisa would hurry up and move there and have a baby, you could switch off childcare. :)