As the countdown to my return to work begins (cue the dramatic sigh), I find myself pondering a lot of things. Here are some of the more amusing questions that have crossed my mind in recent weeks:
- Would it be socially acceptable to launch a GoFundMe or Kickstarter to fund my dream of being a stay-at-home mom? I mean, do I have any potential backers out there?
- When’s the right time to crack open a bottle of wine on a weekday? And how frowned upon is it to sip wine all day while breastfeeding?
- With a 2-month-old attached to me like a little leech, how much work can I realistically accomplish? Also, is it unprofessional to join a video call with my baby in tow?
- Is it okay to forgo showering and lounge around in pajamas all day while juggling a full-time job and caring for a baby, plus ferrying my preschooler to school?
- Can I function on just four hours of sleep each night while trying to balance work, an infant, and school drop-offs and pick-ups?
- What are my actual chances of hitting the lottery jackpot so I can just chill at home with my kids?
- Is it really necessary for me to own a house? Could I sell everything and move my husband and kids in with my parents to avoid a mortgage and embrace the stay-at-home mom life?
- Am I crazy for thinking about selling all my belongings and buying an RV to travel across America with my family?
- Is it totally out there to sell my stuff, quit my job, and buy one-way tickets to Fiji to live there with my family so I can be a stay-at-home mom?
- Could I survive in a tiny shack with my husband and kids while living minimally to pursue my dream of staying at home?
- Is it realistic to finish my book in four days, send it off to a publisher, and land a big advance so I can skip work on Monday?
- And the burning question that has me fuming: Why does the U.S. have such ridiculous maternity leave policies that leave working moms with so little time? Seriously, what gives?!
This article was initially published on August 9, 2013, but these questions are timeless as many parents navigate the tricky waters of work and family life.
If you’re in a similar boat and looking for more insights, check out our discussions on navigating parenthood at Intracervical Insemination. For those on a fertility journey, Make a Mom can provide fantastic resources. Plus, for comprehensive information on pregnancy, the CDC is an excellent resource to explore.
In summary, as I prepare to go back to work, I find myself contemplating everything from how to manage family life to the absurdity of maternity leave policies. It’s a lot to juggle, and I’m sure I’m not alone in these musings!