momgoesback.com

Ruth shares more of her story, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of going back to work.  Not surprisingly, work-life balance is a primary concern.  Pride, appreciation and recognition are the biggest benefits.

What are the benefits (besides financial) to working again?

I know I am appreciated in a much different way.  I am told I am appreciated without asking.  I am proud of the impact my efforts have on others.  When I am successful at funding my organization, I am helping more than 350 individuals.  When I help organize a community block party, I am creating a wonderful experience for an entire neighborhood.  I am recognized for making a difference.  A combination of appreciation, pride and recognition - I would say those are pretty good benefits.

What are the drawbacks and how do you overcome them?

The awesome and mighty maternal pull is the greatest drawback.  It rears its ugly head when you have a mandatory early morning board meeting and your six-year old is performing a special song at school.  It flexes its muscles when you have to stay at work and resort to receiving hourly reports as your four-year old battles a fever. 

Another drawback is time- time for myself, time for family and friends, time for your spouse.   I carve out time for me by walking with my sisters at 5:30 every morning.  I carve out time with my spouse by scheduling date nights.  I carve out time for my family by sitting down to dinner almost every night and discussing every one’s day.  How do I overcome these drawbacks?  I forgive myself.  I am doing the best that I can.  I am not perfect and I will definitely make mistakes.  Like most things-it’s a work in progress.