Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Crunched...

...for time. Yikes, it's getting closer to the line for me every day now.

I had a great lunch with a friend today, actually an old boss, who I hadn't seen since little G was born. She actually hired me for my first job in my profession. But she took a short leave of absence after I joined, to be home for her kids as her longtime nanny had just left. She's amazing, a busy mother with a Ph.D. and some smarts despite her advanced degree (I jest, but you'd be surprised at how insular some Ph.D's can be). So she's been a consultant in the industry, and doing quite well. In fact, when I was working in the "big company", we even hired her to do a few projects for us. She's had some setbacks in her personal life in the last few years, but we've always maintained a connection, even though the communication has been only a few times a year. It was so nice to see that she's doing well, looking great, and she's pulling back on her work to enjoy life a little more.

She and her business partner had asked me years ago, when I was on maternity leave with L, if I would consider working with them. I was quite honoured, as they're both seasoned professionals, with tons of experience and the most down-to-earth Ph.D's I knew. It seemed too distant an idea for me then. I was enjoying the company I was at, the camraderie, the mood of the company. And the bond I had with my department at the time, made leaving seem like a crazy thing to do. [We had a good thing going, in fact I still get together with that group about three times a year. It was sort of magical how well we bonded, halcyon days really.] But I filed that thought away, thinking that it might be an option at some point.

Well, I guess that point was today! She asked whether I would be interested in taking on some work! I'd been thinking about approaching her, to get my feet wet with a project here or there. I've actually been contemplating doing some work for a little while now. Now that G is a little more independent, and Liam certainly doesn't need me as much as he did when he was younger, it seems a logical progression. I've been feeling a bit bereft of my career. Don't get me wrong, I'm so glad I've been able to be at home for my kids. But for a little while now I feel that I've been missing a little part of me. Which is one of the reasons I started this blog, as it is my own thing, my own space. But I've also been missing a little part of my bank account and the independence that having an income of my very own, was giving me. I don't want to go back to any old thing, though. That full-time gig isn't in the cards for me now; but if I can set my own hours and do my own thing, well that's a whole other story.

A few weeks back I was approached to teach a course at college; but the hours weren't convenient for me, childminding arrangements would have been impossible, and to be honest, I couldn't fathom having to lecture about Good Manufacturing Practices for a 3 hour evening class. And then prepare for a couple of exams within a space of a couple of weeks. Not as my first dip back into the working world.

So, while I'm super-excited about this opportunity, and hopefully it is the start of a new type of career for me, I know this will make my Nablopomo mission very difficult. There are deadlines of another kind that need to be met now. I've been making such progress, too!

I will still endeavour to post everyday, but won't likely be able to comment as much as I would like! And the posts will probably be shorter, but hopefully sweeter.

So, until tomorrow...

20 comments:

Heidi said...

Congrats on the job offer. It will be nice if you can set your own hours and work just part time for now. My husband thinks I will work more hours when T starts kindergarten next year, I am not so sure!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your new journey! I feel as if I have been in those shoes several times since my daughter was born. It's such a tug-of-war for me.
I wish you all the best, and hope that time will be on your side.

Looking forward to the sweeter posts :)

Gina said...

What a compliment it is when the work comes looking for you! Congratulations. I hope that you don't give up posting. You are a very good writer and I enjoy reading your blog.

Karen MEG said...

GMCM-thanks! I'm very excited about it - the childminding for G will be a juggle, but in a crunch I suppose Dora will do.
Thanks Sandy. It is a major tug of war. But I'm ready for it...I think!
Hi Gina- you are so right. I was really starting to doubt myself; this came at the perfect time. And thanks for the compliment - I'll try to keep up with the blog, especially now that I have so many more blog friends like you!

Badness Jones said...

Congrats! So excited for you....I'm sure it will go great. And if you're happier, I think your kids will be too.

Good Luck! And keep blogging!

Anonymous said...

What a great opportunity for you! Sounds very exciting.

Heidi said...

Oh that's like a fantasy come true! Proejcts with people you appreciate and appreciate you back. Congrats!!

S said...

NaBloPoMo doesn't matter.

A rewarding and suitable job opportunity? Matters.

Congratulations!

familymclean said...

Wow, that is awesome! I totally feel what you described...missing work. It is so much harder to stay at home with kids than just go back right away. I miss it but am sticking with my commitment of 5 years, till the kids are in school.
But I do feel like I am missing a part of me too.

Cherry said...

Sounds like this is a great opportunity that fits the life you are living now.

Enjoy this new little turn in your life!

Kellan said...

That sounds wonderful for you - congratulations. Funny how things just seem to fall in place sometimes. I hope it works out!! See you soon.

Anonymous said...

Real life should always take priority over blogging. Good luck with your new endeavors!

Karen MEG said...

Day 1 and already I'm panicking - AHHHHHH!

Thanks for all your kind words and encouragement. It means more than you know!

Melissa said...

Yea You!

Sounds awesome! Best of luck!

(Since I'm a newcomer, what is your field?)

Anonymous said...

Sounds great! Congrats!

BeachMama said...

Congratulations, that is an awesome offer. I have a former boss that I meet up with all the time, and he keeps reminding me that when I am ready he will have a spot for me. I hope that when the time comes I will have the same opportunity you have right now. You will soon know if it is what you want to be doing.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!! I'm sure you will do extremely well and enjoy the added stimulation! Not sure if you meant Dora--the person or Dora the Explorer lol, but add Abby (oh yeah and me, too). to the list if in a crunch. She would be more than happy to take care of lil G.

Christy said...

I am a few days late, but congrats! It just sounds like the perfect opportunity at the perfect time for you (and your family too in the end). I love working, it keeps me well rounded and balanced. You will have to try and keep us updated on how things go.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the additional ball in your juggling act! You'll do just fine, I'm sure of it!

Family Adventure said...

Karen - that is AMAZING. You will love it. It sounds like the perfect deal, too. Flexible (?), work from home. And some extra cash for all that shopping.

Also, it'll do wonders for your feeling of self worth. Not that I'm saying you have a problem in that respect - it's just nice to be able to prove to yourself that you *still* have it. And I know you do and you will.

Good luck! Heidi

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