Why I Like Going To Work

For 26 years, I thought I would be a stay-at-home Mom. When Ian was born, that wasn't financially feasible though. Someone had to keep the lobster dinner on the table and the maid in service! Ha...just kidding! I wish! Hubby was working hard, but Target pay wasn't enough to keep all the bills paid (even without any debt). So back to work I went.

And you know what? I am so glad I did go back to work! In the last two and a half years I have watched my hubby bond with our son in ways I couldn't have imagined simply because I was out of the picture 15-20 hours a week. I still end up doing almost all the housework, but Ian gets very concentrated play time with Daddy and we all love it.

I've had the last week and a half off from work and it has been WONDERFUL! It's been so hard to have Daddy go back to work and have to go back myself. But I got to thinking about it and there really are several reasons (other than James and Ian bonding) that I enjoy working.

* I get to keep my professional skills that I spent years developing up to par.

* I get to feel appreciated for being me and for doing things other than making dinner and changing diapers.

* I get to go to the bathroom by myself WITHOUT a little helper who wants to wipe and flush for me, often before the process is finished. Apparently, everyone should be ready to wipe and flush two seconds after sitting on the potty. :-)

* I get to make and keep up with wonderful friendships! Most of my close friends are people I have met at work or through people at work. This alone makes going to work worth it for me!

* I am constantly exposed to new ideas, thoughts, technology, and world events at large. In other words, I get to get out of my little everyday routine and enjoy a world bigger than Elmo and Toy Story.

* There's much less whining at my work environment than at home with a two year old still learning to use his words.

I do have to admit, that even with all of these positive reasons for going to work, I still wouldn't mind a few more hours at home some weeks - or at least a maid and a chef! But on the whole, I am so grateful to have a job I love that is flexible enough to fit into our schedules pretty well.