This SAHM (Stay-At-Home-Mom) of four years has been somewhat unwillingly forced back into the land of real work. Ok. Sounds harsh. Let me re-state. In order to help supplement the family income while my husband forges forward with his new business I have decided to find a real job. Sound better?
So let me get to the point. First, my job search experience was a real eye opener! Secondly, some articles that Business Week printed in their August twentieth and twenty-seventh edition about “The Future of Work” really got me thinking and inspired.
So here are my five thoughts on W-O-R-K:
1. Priorities change when you become a mom
Full-time, nine to five, with a commute—not working for this mom. I interviewed a few places to start that were full-time on-site jobs. After the first offer I quickly discovered it wasn’t my gig anymore. Daycare for two kids (one part-time) averaged $1,000 plus a month! While considering the jobs, my daughter started pre-school and the school calendar they sent home for the year had all these days that there would be no school—so I immediately thought “So what do I do with her on those days?” My husband has some flexibility, but what if he is out of town? It started a flurry of “what-ifs” and with no family around to have as backup I decided it was time to change my game plan.
2. Telecommuting
I have nine years of experience in my field and a resume and references to back it up. Do you really need me in your office? My industry is web design/development/usability. Do you really need to watch me work? Many potential employers said they were ok with telecommuting, but when it came down to it they wanted me in their office a few days a week. That created more scheduling conflicts and planning as well as still paying for daycare.
Bottom line on telecommuting: Who cares when I do it or from where or what I am wearing when I am working—if the work doesn’t get done, fire me!
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