Coming to terms with going back to work...

[indiegirl]

My new babe is nearly five weeks old and I go back to work when she is 12 weeks. I'm only back from May 5-June 19 before school gets out and then I have 10 weeks off.

I've been doing a lot of soul-searching about this work thing and leaving my dds. The problem is that my job is so taxing. I am there at 7 am (leave at 6:30) and during productions (I am a drama director) I don't leave until nearly 5pm. I sware to the goddess that I can't do it with two kids. With just Violet, I could have someone bring her to me and she could hang at rehearsals. There is no way I can have two kiddos running around the theatre, nor would I want that. And I simply cannot bear leaving for that long of a day. I just can't do it emotionally.

So, what to do? I pretty much have my dream job right now. I am in charge of developing my own curriculum, I teach what I want to teach, I direct what I want to direct. I have a substantial following of artsy, thoughtful, talented, smart students who love the theatre and spend every waking moment there. I have a good budget and my shows are well-attended. I don't want to give that up, but can't see reducing my hours or not directing.

So here's my plan: I am going to drop my directing gig in favor of having my dh (also a theatre professional) direct for the department. My day would end at 2:30, dh would bring Z and V to me and he woudl direct the shows! My activity stiped woudl go to him thereby staying in the family, he woudl have a creative outlet and the kids woud get both of us.

I just need to convince my administration that this is feasible. If they don't go for it, I will be looking for a new job

If you've read this far, thanks. It helps to just get it down and out of the whirlpool of my head.

Jesse
Mama to Violet and Zoe
Born at home!

[hulamama]

Jesse--I really hope they can accept the new scenario...it would make it so much easier for you. I teach too, and while I love my job, I have found my heart isn't into the time commitment it takes. I love teaching, but I don't love the hours and energy it takes to be the teacher I used to be. I too, look to a time when I can just work part time--dh and I are working on that for the next one.

I hope things turn out the way you want. Let us know. And enjoy the time with your little one.

[Dodo]

That sounds ideal! I hope the administration goes for it.

[CollegeMama]

Keep us posted on how that goes!
Sounds like the best of both worlds to me.
There's no way I could have a job that demanded too much- it's hard enough for me to work 40 hours a week!

[Finder]

working w/kids

I, too, am a theatre person. I am fascinated to hear how it goes w/you, please don't forget to let us know.

I am also going back to work soon, but dd is 6, not newborn, and I feel for ya so, even if it is a cool place to work. I know how entrenched academia can be, but it sounds like you've got a lot going for your "pitch" to the powers that be.

good luck!

[somemama]

Pitch it to them with the positives--they would be getting a professional for less than they'd have to pay otherwise! And I bet that some sports teams at your school pay for outside coaching, so this shouldn't be that different.

[Marlena]

Sounds like a fabulous plan - I hope your administration goes for it! Keep us posted!