Have you all heard of the new series on TLC? Read about it here: http://newsweek.com/id/120362/page/1
It is actually causing a little controversy. The show has a different SAHM (stay at home mom) each episode pretend she is going to a spa for a week (so her spouse is all alone at home with the kids), but she really gets thrown back into the type of career she gave up to stay at home and have kids. At the end of the week, if she has performed well she is offered the job. So she has to choose between the awesome dream job or going back to the life she had before. I agree with some of the comments of the dissenters on TLC's website who wanted the show to go back 6 months later and see how the family was doing with their mom working full time and the kids in daycare.
Have any of you felt like you gave up your dream to have a family and sometimes wish you could go back?
I don't, but it could be because I am lazy or because I feel like I rushed through my education not so I could get out into the work force, but so I could stay home with my child, Jedi, at the time. He was born when I was in my third year of college. When I had him I was going to school full-time and also had an internship. Beau Brummel was also in school full-time and was studying for the MCAT and taking some really challenging classes.
Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like had I waited to have kids. My original plan was to be a news anchor, but when I found I was pregnant, I switched to print journalism in order to graduate sooner. Plus, the broadcast classes were much more demanding time and energy wise. But if I didn't have Jedi when I did, would I have become a news anchor or switched my major to film?
Right now, with just three kids, I feel like it would be crazy and way too hectic to try and work and still get all their stuff done and make sure they felt loved. Tonight PetShopgirl had to do about 2 hours of make up work because she was sick this week and Jedi had a report on Howler Monkeys due tomorrow that had to be typed up and edited. I wasn't doing their homework for them, but I did have to sit there and encourage and help them a ton. HotDog somehow got glitter glue in his eyes and I had to wash it out while he cried and cried. How could I have done just those things if I had been at work all day? I don't think I could. I don't think I would have the energy or patience. Of course this week is a little different since Beau Brummel is in the Dominican Republic, pouring concrete and holding people down while they have their teeth pulled. When he goes away I have to be a single mother. I don't know how single mothers do it, you don't realize just how much your spouse does for the family until they are gone.
Do you gals have careers you gave up and miss? I guess some of you are still working. How do you fit everything in?
