When I was pregnant with Jude, I worked full time as a Foster Care Social Worker. The job was hard, demanding, time consuming, and draining (emotionally and physically). Honestly, I have no idea how I handled it all while being pregnant, but somehow I managed.
Towards the end of my pregnancy, it became harder and harder by the week. One day my coworkers and I were standing in the hallway talking and the Adoptions Worker announced that he was retiring (shout out to Caleb). His job was part time, less hectic than Foster Care, and it would be perfect for me so that I could have a longer time at home with my baby. I didn’t even hesitate, I immediately went to my supervisor and told him I was interested in that position.
That night I went home and told my husband and asked him what he thought. He instantly told me to take it. I continued doing Foster Care until the end of my pregnancy. I was able to stay home with Jude for three months before going back to work. Most working moms can agree that three months goes by so quickly and its not nearly enough time to be with your baby. All I kept wishing for was to be able to stay home with him (I still do). But financially, that would be hard for us to do. Because I went to part time, my salary got cut in half. In addition, we had just bought our first house and a new car.
In this country, there is not enough support for parents. Often, families have to choose between work and spending time with their babies. We were fortunate enough to have to opportunity to stay home for three months and to only work part time. We’re going on a year now and I have gotten a better handle on the situation and my schedule. In fact, I will be starting a small side gig teaching ESL to moms 2 days a week.
As for Jude, he stays with my grandmother on the days that I work and I am able to stay home 1-2 days a week with him. On my off days, I get to catch up on laundry, run errands, schedule appointments if needed, and work on my blog!
Being a working mom is a love-hate relationship. One things for sure, it is HARD. If it were up to me, I would stay home with Jude all the time. My house would be a lot more organized! But a part of me also enjoys the hussle. I like being on the move and getting things done. Whether you’re a stay at home mom or you’re employed, it is all WORK! We’re all moms and we get shit done, that’s why we are badasses. 😉
