Last summer, I began working in a video production career I put on hold years ago - after being laid off when the local market was tanking. I've been working very part-time on mostly nights and weekends and mostly from home (except when I'm shooting), around the time I care for my 4.5 year old twins while my husband works a demanding schedule.
I got them into a FT early kindergarten program for the fall (they turn 5 in Nov.), through schools of choice. My son will be able to continue speech therapy there and they'll get a great education. I'm happy to be able to have time to edit during the day from home and take appts. to take on new clients. I finally have time to pursue my passion and it'll be worth it, money wise, to work.
I think this is a positive change, but I'm feeling guilty that I can pursue this - something I've always really wanted to do. I know it's silly to type out. I also am afraid to feel the feelings of an empty house during the day - even though I'll be busy. I also hope to volunteer for the school and will drop off the kids and pick them up.
These kids were hard to have and a blessing. I feel very attached and will miss them. Also guilty, I guess, that kids who were so hard to have are going away to school, if that makes sense.
How have you dealt with the transition from SAHM to working from home or outside the home part-time?
yes and its difficult but truly its the best.. your kids get to be independent without you and can make friends on their own.
I was a SAHM for 3 yrs and I cried the whole first day at work wondering what they were doing at school but when I came in to get them and then they run to me screaming MOMMY with their pictures It made me smile :)
I actually found myself busier and more involved AFTER my kids started kindergarten. Between volunteering at school, carpooling to sports and other activities, not to mention all my regular chores, I didn't have as much "quiet" time as I thought I would!
So relax and enjoy. You will still be a very big part of their lives for a long time.
You are going through a natural transition! I went through it too when a neighbor put my younger son on the kindergarten bus for me because I had just gone back to work full-time. Of course it's difficult to comprehend how fast time goes by. Don't feel guilty about going back to work. Your children are reaching an exciting milestone, and you will still have time to spend with them. You deserve to showcase your talents as an artist! I think this will benefit your twins too. They will be proud of your accompishments! I have been through all the transitions with my children already (their leaving for college, the marriage of my daughter four years ago,etc.), and each stage is a new beginning. My kids live close by, I see them, and talk with them frequently. Someday you will look back at this moment with pride and reward. It sounds as though you are a great mom!
K.
Licensed Teacher
Mother of two
Oh yes! I know very well that mixture of excitement at being able to do something you love and feeling guilty that you are not spending time with your kids. I started back to work full-time last fall when my oldest started all day PreK, and my youngest went to daycare. My oldest was definitely ready for all day school, there's not doubt about that. The few times he had to miss (fever) he was so mad at me I had to laugh!
My youngest LOVES his daycare. I teach, so I am off for the summer. Today I had the morning with just my youngest (oldest in VBS), and I said, "Do you want to go to the park?" He said no. "Where should we go?" School!!! (That's what we call daycare.)
We don't have as much time together as we used to, but it is more quality time. I'm definitely more relaxed, because I know I'll have my time to focus on my work. I can focus on them more when we're together.
