My Job = Caroline's Mom

The past month has been a roller-coaster of decisions, but I've decided once and for all. I am not going to take on any work outside of mothering Caroline for at least another couple of years. First, an old recruiting co-worker called to see if I'd be interested in working part-time sourcing candidates for her recruiting agency. I met with her and her partners twice, and they agreed that I could work from home. We were just about to put in the phone line when I changed my mind. Caroline got sick with a cough, she started crawling, and I realized that I didn't want to take any of my time or energy away from her.

Another friend called this week with an idea of starting her own business. She wanted me to partner with her on the venture. We tossed ideas back and forth for two days before I decided again: That's not what I want. I want to focus on Caroline.

Just a few minutes ago my friend and Mary Kay consultant called to invite me to their national meeting. She's been trying to get me to become a MK consultant since I had the baby, but I've been putting her off. Today I told her that I had decided that I didn't want to take on any work-related ventures for another two years.

So, there you have it. My mind is made up, and I've put it in writing. Now I just have to reread this the next time someone calls with an exciting idea to run by me.

Choice Feminism

Article by Linda Hirshman, "Homebound"

When I think of my stay-at-home friends compared to my working mom friends, I'd say the stay-at-home moms are more likely to consider themselves feminists. Also, I'd say well over half of the moms in the two playgroups we attend have (at least) masters degrees.

My response to Hirshman would be, there's more to feminism than the corporate boardroom!