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]

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!