I’ve been asked by a lot of people lately, the one question that every mother who has been at home with young children hears frequently.
“When are you going back to work??”
With a pause and a sigh I usually respond with “not anytime soon”.
It’s a response usually met with a mixed reaction, either surprise or respect.
I’ve heard from other mothers who have returned to work, that staying at home is a lot harder.
I’ll admit there are days I miss the daily grind of phone calls, deadlines, interviews and writing stories. Even after writing that sentence I feel a pang for what I’m missing.
And maybe one day I’ll go there again.
But right now as I hear the high pitched squeal of an excited one-year-old sifting through her toys, my mind is quickly catapulted back to the here and now.
I may not receive an income for what I’m doing but I am certainly rewarded with cuddles, cute smiles and giggles and of course the nasties of snot, dribble and dirty nappies.
I have plans, who doesn’t?! I also have goals and set myself benchmarks of what I want to achieve. Whether I get there now or in a year remains a mystery.
As honestly as I can put it, yes I have days where I feel like I’ve lost the old me and I’ve cried more times than I can count.
I don’t regret my decisions (well most of the time) but I know that I have to look forward and not behind because you can’t change the past.
I’m grateful for what I have achieved personally and professionally and thankful to those who have helped me get to where I am today.
So when am I going back to work I hear you asking. And I know you’re thinking it…..
Well actually I’m working right now, as a mum my job never stops.
But if that’s not the answer you’re looking for, don’t worry I do have plans to work again.
My creative mind is already ticking over with ideas….
You just never know what I might do next 🙂
Until next time.