Do I want to work?

[JenzZx2]

I was considering volunteering at a vet clinic a few hours a week to keep up on my skill, but not having the accountability in case Drew's schedule changes or something to that effect.

While I was at the vet clinic we bring the pets too I asked them if they would consider volunteers, the girl I asked didn't know so I said it was no big deal I would ask next time I came in.

So we went for our appointment for the puppy this afternoon and the head tech came in and told me they didn't do volunteers, but they would hire on a part time basis and are very flexible. She brought me an application and I said I'd bring it back this week. As I was pulling out of the driveway she ran out and asked me if I could do a quick interview. So I parked again (I'm wearing shorts/t-shirt/flip-flops and toting my 4 month old mind you, lol) and went and talked to the office manager.

She said, can you start Thursday? I laughed and said not yet, that I'd fill out my application and then work on the details.

So anyway, what was originally a few hours a week volunteering has basically turned into a part time job offer. While I DO want to work a little to keep up on my skill, I don't know if I'm ready to commit to a schedule several days a week. However, on top of my skill, there would be that few extra bucks a month, and probably a discount on veterinary care and product. With two Great Danes and a cat, well... discounts are well appreciated!

I'm thinking maybe 3 days a week, 4 hours a day might be okay. Not too much, but enough to make it worth working. At the same time I don't want to bite off more than I can chew, and Drew will have to watch the baby in the mornings those days and take care of the dogs, then he'll have to go to work too.

Anyway, just typing it out to see if it helps me make a decision.

[Sir William]

Jen, Crystal and I were in the same boat.... I make enough to have her stay home, so that's the decision that was made..... She would have been working full time though so it's a bit different.

In your case, I'd talk to Drew, and see what he thinks also. But, it appears to me that you're in the driver's seat here.... So, dictate to them when you'll work if you want to keep the skills up. Hey, it can't hurt to try.

And speaking as a dad, it's always nice to have mommy home with the little ones if it's workable.

[jess]

I think this sounds like it could be a good thing for you.

They are saying that they are flexible, and if you could work just a few hours a week, and Drew can keep Taylor, then I say you should go for it!!

Seeing that it seems it's pretty much a done deal and you could get in no problem, I say give it a shot, and if it isn't working out, you could always quit and put work on hold for awhile.

[capitalcrew]

Yeah talk to drew. He can help you more than we can. :p

[JenzZx2]

lol.. his answer is always the same "whatever you want babe"

Which is good MOST of the time, but not when you are looking for an answer, lol

I think I'm gonna do it, if it's not working I can always stop!

[capitalcrew]

Truth. They said they are flexible anyways, so if you need time off just take it.

[powder]

The extra money definitely helps my wife and i. But we don't have a kid.

[JonsZX2SR]

Find the time and work things out with Drew to work part-time to maintain your skills. If you let them get rusty they will be much harder to re-establish.

If you have the support of your significant other, working part-time outside the home will keep challenging your mind in different ways. This will have benefits later as you interact with your children. The children will see differnet facets of you, and the role model you present will enable them to make a greater range of choices in life.

My mother was a teacher who went back to teaching part time, then full time after having the 3 of us. I understood there were different possible roles for adults and grew up unerstanding there were different options for women and learned to treat women accordingly.

It isn't about the money, it's about how you can grow as a person and what examples you can set later in life. I have a very good woman friend who is looking to get back to working full time at age 46, although she has done couseling over the years to keep active.

Before any SAHM's get upset with me, this isn't about you or about your choices. Each woman needs to make their own. Jen asked for advice, and from what I've learned about her here, I've suggested a possible course of action.

...and Jen, you already answered your own question. You already have a plan, if it doesn't work you can always stop.

[JenzZx2]

Well, I start Monday morning. We're doing a trial next week M-W-F 8-12:30 to see how it goes. If all is well, I'll continue that schedule. They seem really nice there. I'm hoping it works out! Wish me luck.

[JenzZx2]

Oh, and Jon, I forgot to add.. it's not that I DIDN'T talk to Drew, I did, but that was his response. He supports me in whatever it is I want to do as long as it's feasible as a family. Of course I usually think it through from a family situation before I even bring it up.