Today is the first day of the rest of my life...
Do you remember a few weeks ago, when I wrote this post about how I was yearning for the position I passed up not once, but twice? Well, fate knocked on my door this week, and thanks to that post, I didn't make the same error for the third time.
Here's what happened:
Three years ago, I was producing the 11pm show at my TV station. It's a key time slot, and is usually reserved for the most-senior producer. Just 2 years into my career, I should have been thrilled to call it mine. But I wasn't; in fact, I was miserable. At age 25, being at work at 11pm on a Friday night was in severe conflict to my social life. So, I told my boss I wanted a different shift, and he graciously obliged.
Fast forward to last November; the producer who had taken over that 11pm shift left our station (to take a cush job as a college journalism professor at a nearby university; YES, I am-- and everybody else at our station was, too!-- incredibly jealous). I was asked, again, to take over the show. I politefully declined, preferring to stay on the 5pm as I had since refusing the shift the first time.
Then earlier this spring, I was asked to fill in on that same shift a few nights. I thought I'd hate it; but instead, I found myself enjoying it. I spent the morning with G, running errands, cleaning the house. I arrived at work at 3pm, having spent a full seven hours with my daughter. It was heaven.
I thought filling in on that shift was the only opportunity I'd get to enjoy mornings at home, at playdates, or at the pool. But fate smiled on me, and last week, the producer who'd accepted that position surprised everybody when he announced he was leaving (he proceeded to call in sick on Friday, just two days after his surprise announcement-- can you say tacky?). I rushed into my boss's office, and basically begged for the job I'd given up two too many times before.
What changed to make me want the 11pm? As G has gotten older, I feel like I've missed out on so much of her life, so many of those developmental milestones. I've been increasingly determined over the past few months not to let any more moments slip away. DH & I have actually been planning some monumental changes to our household (NO, I'm not pregnant, although I get asked that on Facebook at least three times a week); but those changes are far off in the future, and I feel like this is the perfect opportunity to try out being a stay-at-home mom with a full-time job.
So, if you would, cross your fingers for me today as I set out on this new adventure, both professionally and personally. I couldn't be more excited about this serendipitous turn my life has taken in the past few days!
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on Monday, June 28, 2010
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Congratulations to you!!! Sounds like an amazing opportunity!!
So happy for you!
Work will always be there but babies grow up!
Enjoy this new found time in mommy hood.
wow! *fingers crossed* i wish u good luck on your "new" endeavor!!!! i love to read posts like this when stuuf works out for people!!! srry about grammar! i have th babyy and shes trying 2 type with nyuk me! srry
Congratulations! I'm glad to see that you were able to get the shift that you wanted - and that you have a great time slot! I can definitely understand how being a mother changes those priorities - and that shift sounds delightful. I'm looking forward to reading more!
That is so exciting! I think it's a great decision! I'll be thinking of you today!!
Good luck!
But, um, when do you find time to sleep?
Congrats! I'm happy for you. Is Read It Forward next Monday?
Good luck as you enter this new season in life!
Mary Ellen
That's very exciting news!!!
How does DH feel about the new schedule??
B-
You asked how DH feels about the change-- he's actually excited about it! Because of his schedule, he is often off 2 or 3 days during the work week. My new shift means I'll get a long stretch of time with him before I head into work on those days!
~Elizabeth
How exciting! Since our recent move I was nervous about finding work that allowed me to maximize my time with my daughter. I just got hired on seasonally at Target for the 4am shift and am excited to see how it works for our family. Best part is, if it doesn't suit us...it is seasonal and only 3 months long! What a great chance to try out the early morning shifts.
Congrats on the new position! Enjoy your time at home with G!
Good Luck Elizabeth I hope this brings you happiness and time with G that you are yearning for
I came over to your blog from your Twitter profile and I'm now a follower. Great blog!
Good luck with your new time slot! You really have the best of both worlds to be able to work and spend so much time with your little one. That's awesome!
What an amazing opportunity!
I've been thinking about looking for a job (after three years at home with my daughter) but just can't miss all those days with her. I'm hoping to find something in the evening.
Congratulations on the new position! sounds like you made the perfect decision!
Congrats on making the decision that is not just best for you, but for the whole family! Best of luck to you!
My girl I believe this is what they call "having the best of both worlds" or possibly "having your cake and eating it too." ;) I am thrilled for you! It sounds AWESOME!!
What an awesome opportunity. Good luck & congrats!!!
That is wonderful! I hope you enjoy every moment with your girl and thrive at your new position!!
Sounds like a great schedule change...and you can do so much with your little girl...how exciting!
YAY! I am so excited to hear that things are working out!
Good luck! I work night shift and I love it.
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!! How exciting indeed!!!
The more they grow, the more fun they become...so glad you get to enjoy it with her!!
I'm sooo happy for you! I wish you the best of luck as you start on this path...
And my fingers are crossed!
However, does this impact your sibling plan?
Ali,
LMAO, the sibling plan? Love it! Well, it's going to make it harder to DTD, that's for sure! DH & I are kind of trying to figure that out as we go!
Shell,
You'd asked what DH thought about it-- he loves it! He gets a little "me" time while I'm at work at nights, plus with his schedule, we get more quality time together during the day!
~Elizabeth
Congrats, I am wondering though when will you sleep?
Yay! I love it when things just work out. And now you will know one way or the other if it works for you!
Have a great day.
Congratulations! How exciting for you =)
Congratulation, this is great news! I am so glad you tested it out when you were filling in, and realized it was something you actually loved better than you current situation. I wish I could do something like this, too! Awesome!
Hope you are doing well! I've written you a couple emails and never heard back...thinking of you.
oh that sounds great!!! I hope you get it!
Good luck! Sometimes life surprises us :)
That's so awesome. I work from home two days a week as part of my full time job. It can be tough going, but sooo completely worth the difficulties. Good for you!
awesome!! Sounds like a great time and opportunity for you both! Have fun! :)
That sounds awesome!! win-win~ Good luck with all these big changes =) I am starting to look for a part-time job, so I might be a working mama again in the fall... makes me nervous!
Life has a funny way of just working itself out. You weren't meant to take the job the last time(s) it came about, but this time it is right. Best of luck to you!
Congrats!! that is So wonderful! I love it when things like that happen! =)
Congratulations girl! You deserve it and I hope it all works out for you. Even if it seems stressful you will be glad that you are spending more time with G and she will thank you one day. It is all worth it!
Enjoy that little princess.
Awesomesauce! Looks like things are going great for you. A stay at home Mom with a full time job.....classy title....
Congrats on having your wishes come true.
Fingers duly crossed! Good luck!!
It sounds like you have been doing a great job (or jobs I should say) so far. Hope this works out for you too.
Yay congrats! I hope it all works out for you!