Work-life balance? Don’t make me laugh.
Who am I kidding? I am totally laughing. And it’s a pretty hysterical laugh at that.
Like most busy/working/blogging/normal women, I am always trying to strike some sort of balance between work—or as Nathan calls it, all my non-profits—and family. I feel guilty if I err on the side of the non-profits work and successful if the scale is tipped in favor of family.
I do believe if when we experience some imbalance, the scale should tip in favor of life rather than work. Family dinner should come before blog posts; bedtime lullabies should take precedence over email; and Kindergarten arctic animal oral presentations are more important than lunch dates with girlfriends. We are growing future teachers, doctors, dancers, social workers and CEOs in a very scary world. Great care should be taken to make sure they realize their awesome potential. I’ll take family PDRs (Proper Drink Runs…preferably at Sonic for a Route 44 Diet Coke with vanilla and extra pebble ice) over Facebook any day.
And yet…
What if you enjoy motherhood yet would rather not to do it 24/7 or even 12/7?
What if you’ve always been drawn to the working world and slightly frustrated you can’t join it (because you don’t want to put your kids in daycare when you don’t actually need to work)?
What if you’re counting down the days until all your kids are in school for a full day so you can turn your non-profits into something profitable?
What if you enjoy 569 irons in the fire and would rather build a bigger fire than pull any of them out?
What if you’re me?
I’ve recently been interviewing for a job with a company I adore. It would require some time in the office and more consistent hours at home. It might mean George and Livi going to big sister daycare this summer and Madison and Lauren earning some serious money. Come fall, it could turn into more of a full-time job but with some flexibility to work from home. It’s kind of the ideal time to transition into such a position and yet…
…part of me feels a little bit guilty. Just a little bit, but it’s there. Plenty of women wish they didn’t have to work and here I am without the need of a first—or make that second—paycheck. Yet I’m super excited about spending some time away from home and in an office, socializing with co-workers, adding value to something outside the home, exercising by brain outside of Words with Friends and 8th grade honors algebra.
I’m pretty sure I was wired this way from the very beginning.
But back to the work thing. While working for LoveSac as their Communications Director, I got a taste of my ideal job…and boy, did it taste good. The blogging iron wasn’t in the fire then, so if I go back to work, I just may have to pull an iron or two out. You know, post once or twice a week rather than every day. And maybe I’ll cut back on a few lunch dates, which would help the budget and my waistline.
I guess we’ll just have to see what happens. The job may not pan out, but I will keep my eyes and ears open in case another one pops up that sounds perfect for me. In the meantime I will continue to make sure my children are happy, healthy, well fed (mac and cheese with a side of Dino Nuggets counts, right?), and well loved.
And that won’t change no matter how many irons I have in the fire, because if it does, you better believe those irons are outta there.
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You can read more about the inspiration for this site 
oh Emily, I’m all too familiar with that word “guilt” when it comes to working. Bottom line, you need to do what you feel is best for your family, and if that requires taking some time away to spend in an office, just have the faith that it won’t be a detriment to your children. They’ll survive.
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Emily Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 10:05 pm
They’ve survived my craziness this far, so there’s hope, right? ;)
Emily´s deep thought ~ Cookie dough-filled triple chocolate bundt cake
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So what do you mean by “build a bigger fire” I hope you get this job :) It would be really perfect for you and come at the perfect time when all your kiddos are in school.
vanessa´s deep thought ~ Project Peasant Food: Cuban Rice
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Emily Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 10:05 pm
I mean I’d have to build a bigger fire to hold all those irons if I’m not willing to give any up! ;) Love having you as my friend and my cheerleader!
Emily´s deep thought ~ ‘Salt to Honey’ cookbook & launch party
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vanessa Reply:
February 14th, 2012 at 9:56 pm
Yes I knew that. Just how do you build a bigger fire? How does someone go about doing that?
vanessa´s deep thought ~ Project Peasant Food: Cuban Rice
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Emily Reply:
February 14th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
Lots and lots and lots of firewood (i.e., caffeine).
Emily´s deep thought ~ Cookie dough-filled triple chocolate bundt cake
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I can totally relate….in a way. Lately I’ve been feeling pulled in a gazillion different directions. I’ve felt like there are too many things pulling me away from the most important things. Good things, but still not the most important things. Ya know…the good, better and best thing. So I’ve been trying to find a balance in that. I guess that’s life…constantly trying to find the balance that works for your family. Good luck with the job though. It sounds like it would be the perfect fit for you! **keeping fingers crossed**
Lady of Perpetual Chaos´s deep thought ~ Tip Tuesday-Coconut Oil for Your Hair!
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Emily Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 10:06 pm
Lady of PC, I need to see you more. And I do love that good, better, best thing. Family is always best, but sometimes the better makes a happier mom which makes a happier family. When Mom’s happy, everyone’s happy! lol
Emily´s deep thought ~ Work-life balance? Don’t make me laugh.
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I am totally rooting for you! I’m sure whatever you do will be awesome and you will excel.
Kristina P.´s deep thought ~ In Other News…
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Emily Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 10:07 pm
You are awesome, my friend.
Emily´s deep thought ~ My favorite Super Bowl 2012 commericals
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Emily,
Whatever you do, just keep the priorities you have always had in the same position. The 5 biggest irons in your fire have always had the names of Nathan, Madison, Lauren, George and Olivia.
There’s nothing else “you can take with you. . .”
Dad
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Emily Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 10:07 pm
Those five always come first! Always.
Emily´s deep thought ~ Work-life balance? Don’t make me laugh.
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I love Dad’s comment. :)
I hope that everything works out for you.
After 15 years in the work force, I am counting down my days that I will be the full time Mommy. It is something like 122 days. LOL.
von´s deep thought ~ a stroll down memory lane.
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Emily Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 10:07 pm
My dad rocks. And I bet you’re totally counting down. How about one long paper chain? I will help you make it!
Emily´s deep thought ~ Cookie dough-filled triple chocolate bundt cake
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von Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 10:59 pm
I made a paper chain with Devin, I think it is only fitting this baby gets one too.
von´s deep thought ~ a stroll down memory lane.
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I’m anxious to hear how this pans out for you! I can totally relate to this post. I’ve got lots of irons/non-profits in the fire. I’ve always felt like I should be doing something besides wiping bums and cleaning house, but I’ve never wanted that something to over-shadow the important work I am doing with my children. It’s just so hard to know what is worth putting the time and energy into and what sacrifices are worthwhile. I do think some of us are wired differently than others. When you find that balance, let me know where to find it. :-)
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Emily Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 10:36 pm
Kendra, you and I were meant to be friends!
Emily´s deep thought ~ Cookie dough-filled triple chocolate bundt cake
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How wonderful that you have opportunities that help you think through what’s best for you and your family. And while we can’t be all things at once (thus the whole “balance” thing being a contest of the best out of three in rock/paper/scissors) we can be different things in various phases of our lives.
Everything will work out the way it should even if it’s not exactly what you thought and I wish you the best in it all.
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Emily Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 10:37 pm
I love when you said “we can be different things in various phases of our lives.” Perfectly said!
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For some reason I decided to read the comments before the blog this time…they were all very insightful and your Dad does rock! Only you can make the right decision and you know where to find the right answers! Don’t forget to pick me up at the airport on Thursday :)
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Emily Reply:
February 14th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
We so won’t forget. We’re counting down the hours!
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Don’t feel guilty. We’re supposed to build on our talents. We’re supposed to get as much education as possible, and sometimes education is in the workplace. It seems like you’re in the perfect place of life where this could actually be achieved without sacrificing your family. As long as you follow your dad’s cute and very correct advice to keep your family your #1 priority, you’ll be able to fit in the other stuff if it’s important enough. I’m eager to hear more! Good luck!
Rebecca´s deep thought ~ “Mommy Magic”
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Emily Reply:
February 17th, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Thank you so much! (BTW, my dad is totally cute.)
Emily´s deep thought ~ Red velvet rice krispie treats
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I hope it works out for you. With my youngest starting school next year, I am fast approaching similar decisions. And I’m excited about the new prospects available to me.
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Emily Reply:
February 27th, 2012 at 10:22 pm
It is kind of exciting and overwhelming and crazy all at once! Good luck to you too! (I think we should chat about our futures over another Chick-fil-A play date…)
Emily´s deep thought ~ GirlsGoneSporty: Seeking out new challenges
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