Comments on Academomia: Torn

I know that professional envy. I miss going to wor...

2008-03-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

I know that professional envy. I miss going to work, I miss being at work, I miss professional validation.
I think no matter what side of the fence you're on, the grass is always greener.
If I weren't about to squeeze out another baybee, I think I'd be starting to look for work again.
At the very least: unsupervised bathroom breaks! lunch breaks! coffee runs!
Good luck with whatever decision you make...it's a tough one, for sure.

I like my current job, and there are definitely da...

2008-03-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

I like my current job, and there are definitely days that it is the easiest thing I do. I have been in work situations that were really inflexible and where I could not take time off when Mimi was sick, etc. All it did was make me hate being at work.

I guess what I am saying is that with the right situation it can be a really good thing. So definitely apply for jobs, and if it is the right one, take it. The worst is HAVING to work and hating it and not having a choice in the matter.

I am currently a full-time working mom and I love ...

2008-03-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

I am currently a full-time working mom and I love it. My job is flexible with hours and working from home, which I think is key - it would be horrible if I HAD to be there from 8 to 5 every day. As it is, if my 5-month-old is ready for her morning nap before I'm ready to leave for the office, I can let her nap at home while I check e-mails and then head on in after she wakes up. I know different thing work for different people, but our set-up is working really well for us right now.

There are pros and cons to both. It depends on wha...

2008-03-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

There are pros and cons to both. It depends on what kind of person you are. My heart isn't in my job and hasn't been since I had Bear. I have my days where I enjoy putting on my work clothes and going to the office but most days I would prefer to be home playing with Bear. I am leaving my job in April to be a full time Mom. It just hasn't worked for us but we are glad we tried. Now I won't have the grass is greener syndrome or at least not as bad as I would have if I hadn't tried the working Mom thing.

It IS hard, isn't it? I'm going a semester at a ti...

2008-03-25T06:07:00.000-07:00

It IS hard, isn't it? I'm going a semester at a time. LOL. Right now, I stay home with the kids during the day and go to school at night. I'm looking for a job (stupid insurance!) but it will have to be at night. Next semester, KayTar will be in school 1/2 day and BubTar will be in full day...that will give me a bit more flex time for school or work, but it will be two years before KayTar is in a full day program. So, what I'm saying is...I don't know! LOL. There isn't a right answer here...just a right answer for YOU. Whatever you decide, it will be great.

Have you thought about adjunct instructing? It's ...

2008-03-25T03:28:00.000-07:00

Have you thought about adjunct instructing? It's glamorous (ha!), pays well (ha ha!) and it's what helps me to keep my sanity.

My sister works full time, and while I guess I technically do and will when the little bugger comes home, I won't be out of the house 40+ hours a week. That's what I like about my job, and it's why I decided to pursue the glittering life of an academic. I like that I don't have tenure, which will require more committee/administration time than I'm willing to give right now.

I say all this, of course, only being pregnant and not actually having the kiddo yet. But I'm hoping it works out well- talk to me in September :)

Oh my god, I know. It was always easier for me to...

2008-03-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

Oh my god, I know. It was always easier for me to think I'd work full time BEFORE I had Harry. Even though I was studying mothering ideology, I never thought about how much I'd WANT to stay home, too. Talk about ivory tower, right?