What Struck Me

I try not to whine, because I know I have it so much better than so many others, and many of my “problems” are self-inflicted, but if you can’t whine on your own blog, where can you whine? After this post I promise to post something silly and light.

I’ve been kinda busy lately. I’ve got a bunch of volunteer stuff going on (PTO, Cub Scouts, HS Project Grad, CG) a web design job (wrapping up soon) and another on the horizon. I’ve got a kid who is supposed to be applying to colleges, and all the other mom stuff to deal with (doctor appts, homework, sports, scouts, splinters and illnesses.) Add in there a couple vacations (sure that’s fun, but the planning is time-intensive). Oh, and I’m supposed to be making decisions about the addition we’re going to put on the house, so I need to fit that in there.

And of course, I’m the one who makes sure clothes are clean, food is stocked (ran out of milk this morning), schedules are adherred to (you should see our Tuesday nights…). Sure, I can ask for help, but it’s still up to me to make sure it gets done.

I’m definitely over this stay at home mom thing (after 16+ years!), but I can’t imagine that getting a job would make any of this other stuff go away. I can drop some of the volunteer stuff (although I’m committed at least through the school year.) And honestly, even if I was working full time and everyone pitched in to help more around the house- it would still be up to me to tell them what to do and make sure it gets done. I get lots of rolled eyes as it is when I have to repeat a request (and please, what makes anyone think I LIKE being a nag???)

The extra money would be great. Getting out of the house each day and interacting with other people would be fantastic. But where’s the tipping point where it make sense to work? If I get a “regular” job I have to deal with needing time off for when the kids are sick, have a day off school, get out early, go in late, and of course there are school vacations and summers. If I get a job in the schools that solves those issues- but I have to admit I really don’t want to work in the schools. I’ve talked about doing it for years but never have… and really, if it was something I wanted to do, doncha think I would have done it? Subbing is too stressful (new room and new kids each day who are all out to get you) and I’ve seen how some teachers treat the classroom aides- not really interested in putting myself there.

What I need is a job (not freelance, an actual job) that I can do part time, mostly at home but that allows me to interact with other people, allowing me to make my own hours so if I need a day to tend to a kid or a volunteer requirement I can make up the hours at night or whenever. And most of all, it has to be something where someone else is making the decisions and telling ME what to do. I need a job where I can rest my brain and emotions. At least until the kids are out of the house…

Does that job exist, and how do I find it? Anyone hiring? I’m trustworthy, dependable, responsible, “mature”… and I promise to whine only on my own time.