momgoesback.com

Family support while transitioning back to work, or school in my case, is very important.  Many women feel self-conscious or lack the confidence to succeed in their new environments and worry that their children will not adjust well to mom being away from home.  

I know I was nervous about starting graduate school with students half my age.  Never so much so as when a classmate of mine told me I was only four years older than her mother. Ouch!  Hard work, stubborn determination and a good sense of humor are a necessity but the everyday support of my family has been the best motivator.

My nine year old, after coming home from school, will often come into my office and ask, “Hi Mom, how’s your work going?” expressing his sincere concern for me.   Of course, this same boy, when I ask him if he has done his homework, will quickly start to back out of the room saying, “Well, I think you should get back to your work now.”

On the flip side, my oldest son has walked into my office at 11:00 p.m., incredulous that I am still working and said, “I am never going to grad school.  You have way too much homework!”  I have brought my sons to class with me, which they enjoyed and participated in the discussion. They have helped me with my homework, contributing an animated video to one of my class presentations and willingly shared their Thanksgiving with my international colleagues. 

Involving them in my work has helped me stay close to them even while I am not able to spend as much time with them and eased our family transition.