Need Encouragement - Going to Work Full-Time

You have time. The economy is slowly coming back. By April next year, you will see a better picture. Don't give up looking, something will come up soon. Any change is difficult, but sometimes we have to sacrifice one thing for another and that is not always easy. Don't stress about it so early. I know you are just feeling like you will be giving up the luxury of being home with your kids, but being full time may not be so bad either.

I am sorry about your job situation. It is hard to lose such a good schedule. It sounds like you're the kind of person who spends lots of time with your kids, so they will be just fine. Your youngest is almost in kindergarten so a pre-school will help him be even more ready next fall, plus he'll probably enjoy the playmates.

You never know what job will come your way. You might be able to find something eventually that will suit your needs and allow you to spend more time with your kids.

See if you can find flex time, telecomuting or alternative schedules in your work place...being in New York, those big companies that want full time quite possibley offer that. Research companies that are working mom/family friendly. I've always worked full time with my son and the best thing I have is flex time! Working mommy status is hard, theres a lot of conlfict, but your your child will be fine and you will figure it out. Stay at home mommy has its issues too. We as moms figure it all out!

The first word of encouragement is stop being so negative. You already seem to know what is out there without even having looked. WOW.

Your kids will feed off of your energy. If mommy is sad, I should be sad too.

While your job has given you until April to have your job make the most of this time. You have about 3 months of that great salary and time you have used to be with your children. You may want to modify your time with your kids and spend part of that time looking for new employment. You could also offer your professional managerial services at no cost to get a feel for a potential employer or employment situation.

If you are going to collect unemployment benefits because you have been laid off you can try to find out now just how much that will be and remember unemployment offers schooling and training which could land you a job which would suit your current schedule but it will require juggling.

While I do understand your sorrow and concerns, I also want you to know you must pull yourself together and stop focusing on what you are loosing and turn your attention to the adventure ahead.

My husband moved here in early 2009 when the job market was worse than it is now and has since landed 3 jobs each paying better than it's predecessor. He just has been methodical and systematic about his job search and his diligence and perserverance has paid off.

You will need to do and be the same at this time. Resillience is also the ability to bounce back. You can't do that with a mind full of worry. Open your mind to the endless positive outcomes and expect nothing less that the best for you and your family during this time of challenge.

I understand why you're sad. You had the best of both worlds which is what many of us would like! You're right that it'll be harder being gone 10 hours a day vs part-time. But you might get lucky and find something flexible and if not, you gotta do what you gotta do. So if you're able to find a job that pays a bit more than your current position, use that money to hire household help. Outsource as much as possible so when you're home, you're with the kids, not cooking and/or cleaning. Then it's not such an impact on them. And if you're still involved, the kids will be just fine. And get your husband on board to help a bit more so he's used to it!

First, do you have to be making close to what you are making now to cover your monthly expenses? If not, look at the budget and decide what it is that you need to make and let that be your guide. Have you thought about getting a part time position again and then doing something to supplement working at home?

Make sure you get all your needed letters of reference(s) from your Boss or any other people in your office and your HR office.

Get everything done, before your Boss moves... and get his contact information... for in the future if you need him for references... or just other things, and since your office is closing down.... you will NEED Recommendation Letters/reference letters for any other future employment... AND how to contact them....
I used to work in HR... and this is very important.... for YOUR future employment/job applications.

AND you may be able to collect unemployment... so you will need, to have your present company... able to provide proof that you are being laid-off etc.

I really feel for you... a closed door will lead to another door opening.... but right now, that is not obvious.

I ALSO suggest, that perhaps finding a job at a school, or your child's school... might be advantageous as a Mom... THEN you will have the same 'schedules' as your kids/their vacations/breaks etc. Or maybe as a Substitute Teacher etc.

Hugs,
all the best,
Susan

Please be in touch with me. There is an opportunity to build a business between now and this coming April so that you can make incredible money and be home with your children. You don't have to be away from them 10 hours a day. Contact me at ____@____.com and we'll arrange to speak face to face. Best, I.

It's hard to do but it's possible. There are some great children's programs that are either late or on Saturday. You will make due.

I work FT but I work from home one day a week. It's a blessing. I can get a lot done at home and still work (laundry is the big one).

Also, look into not-for-profits. They tend to have better hours and more vacation / benefits / flexible schedules but offer less money. It's an option.

I'm a mom who went form working 20 hours a week (4 days a week) for 5 years to full-time as of last October (two months ago). I COMPLETELY know where you are coming from, although I had to go back to work full-time for financial reasons. I put a query out on Mamapedia, and I had 30-plus responses from some fantastic moms on how they "do" it. You may want to take a peek...

I will tell you that the first four weeks of full-time work was absolute hell for me. I loved the job, but the additional hours took their toll on me emotionally and physically. Not to mention I was so sad to lose what time I had with our daughter.

We've had some challenges with our daughter; she hasn't enjoyed being in after-school care from kindergarten end (11:30 a.m.) to 5 p.m. and she has missed me terribly, but we've managed to smooth most of the kinks out with lots of candid, loving discussions in her bed at night as I put her to bed. Now we've settled down into a routine that works and I did get quite a few pointers from many moms on here, like I said. Just know that the first month or so WILL be challenging, but it will work out.

You have time, so prepare. Also, I don't know where you work, but you may check into working at a university. When I worked 20 hours a week, it was at my local university and that 20 hours a week also included retirement and full medical benefits.

Good luck, stay positive and message me if you'd like... :)