This is mostly a whine, although I wish someone had a magic solution. I work part part time right now, and take the kids with me. And it just isn't enough. I have to start working more, and until I can build us a cushion for tuition and fees, I have to keep both kids with me. I guess I'm just mourning being a SAHM and wishing there was a job I want that works with my life. 
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Sorry mama
Transitioning is so tough. I recently starting WAH for my dad and it is so impossible to work with my toddler running all over the place (plus I'm pregnant). DH works insane hours, and what I make isn't enough to pay for the daycare we would need for me to do more at my dad's business. I would honestly prefer to not work at all until baby #2 is older and DD1 is in kindergarten but oh well- this is the opportunity I have and my dad really needs my help. Ugh. No advice just know you aren't alone.
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@MrsSRS: ugh, I'm sorry. As moms we are expected to do it all and goddamnit, it's so hard. Balance is hard to attain but I'm sure you're doing a wonderful job with your little ones.
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I'm with you. I work as a nanny and bring my 11 month old with me. When I started nannying with her in tow I only worked part time, started with 1 day a week, then two, then 3.5. I just started a new job that's four full days with a long commute. It's a lot.
I love being with my daughter all day, and am so grateful that I can. But I miss being home to get everything done.
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My mom worked part time with me and she said it was SOO hard. She didn't fit in at work because she was only there part time (wasn't in on some projects, couldn't go to lunch, etc). And since she wasn't fully at home, she didn't fit well with moms groups etc.
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@caterw: Ugh yes. I'd prefer not to work more and it is so defeating trying to do anything with toddlers around. It is also discouraging knowing that no matter what I figure out, it still won't be a huge income contribution.
@pachamama: Thank you!
@LindsayLou: I work some as a teacher, and I'd hate to give it up, but it seems like being a nanny again might be better.
@T.H.O.U.: My mom took us with her, so it seems like I ought to be able to manage this. I don't know how she did it!! -
@MrsSRS: I'd say it's worth considering. I was a nanny before kids, in my early 20s, and wasn't sure how it would balance with bringing my own little one along. I'd still rather be home, but it's been a positive experience.
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I don't work with my kid, but I think the key for me is doing one or the other, not both at the same time. I have tried working with my son around (snow days, when we're literally unable to get out of our driveway) and it's a disaster...but then, I knew that would be impossible for the long run. When my son is well cared for, I am able to do my job. I also don't have the kind of job that would be appropriate for my son to be around, so I kind of made peace with it.
Having said all that, balance is possible when you have options and can pick and choose. Doing everything, at least for me, is not possible.
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It is hard! I think I'm going to have to cut back how much I do now that lo2 is here. I used to be able to get friends watch my kid so I could work and still make money, but now with two kids it is a lot to ask. I basically have to work only at night when DH is home and lose our evenings, or pay for a sitter and basically break even and never have time to actually prepare because of the kids. The thing is, working actually makes me feel more human and we need the money so I'm not ready to cut back.
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@LindsayLou: I was too. I loved it.
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Wow. Kudos to you. I can't imagine trying to work while watching my kid. What do you do?
My saving grace has been switching to part time (4 days per week) but keeping full time daycare. So on my day off I can hang out with my son, or I can take him to daycare and do errands. Usually I do some combo of both. Or my husband will take off and we'll do a daytime date.
I've told my husband that I would gladly live in a smaller house / drive an older car / eat out less / buy used stuff / not have cable so that we can keep my day off.
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So, I understand that this is a vent like you said; but I wanted to say that a decent work/life balance doesn’t have to be a myth. I think bringing your kids to work with you might make it harder to find that balance though, because you can’t really focus on enjoying or giving 100% to either work or your kids. Just another perspective - I wish all of us had more choices, sigh.
If you really don’t want to work and keep reminding yourself of that/of being unhappy, I also think it’s going to be harder to find that balance or something workwise that makes you happy. Sometimes you gotta fake it til you make it, KWIM?
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@JenGirl: I'm in education
@yoursilverlining: good point!! Time to take a deep breath and find the positive. I will be able to focus on my work and put the kids in preschool, it's just a year away for that to be possible. It's definitely a challenge to do both. -
I'm sorry, I hope you find the balance you need! Taking your kids to work sounds so hard, so hopefully once you no longer have to do that it will all feel easier. I struggle too for other reasons (my industry demands high hours so I'm usually at work/working 45-50 hours/week) and I feel like there are just not enough hours. Not enough hours to work. Not enough hours to see my daughter. Certainly not enough hours to run errands, do chores, and have any time to myself or for my husband as I and a couple. Whenever I'm getting really stressed about it I try to think about us when my daughter is in HS and how independent she'll be then.
Transitioning is so tough. I recently starting WAH for my dad and it is so impossible to work with my toddler running all over the place (plus I'm pregnant). DH works insane hours, and what I make isn't enough to pay for the daycare we would need for me to do more at my dad's business. I would honestly prefer to not work at all until baby #2 is older and DD1 is in kindergarten but oh well- this is the opportunity I have and my dad really needs my help. Ugh. No advice just know you aren't alone.
If you really don’t want to work and keep reminding yourself of that/of being unhappy, I also think it’s going to be harder to find that balance or something workwise that makes you happy. Sometimes you gotta fake it til you make it, KWIM?
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