Today I am thankful…
This is my last week working part-time. From next week, I return to a five day week. It’s a financially motivated decision, but it wasn’t an easy decision to make. Yes, it means a 20% increase in my income to return to a full work week. But…my four day week has been wonderful since I returned to work 14 months ago . It has given me precious one-on-one time with my Little Man as he grew from baby to toddler. And I’m sure it’s one of the main reasons why I feel that we, as a family, have a good work-life balance.
So I could spend today dwelling on what I will be missing out on once I return to a five day week, but that seems like a waste of time. I am trying to remind myself to be thankful instead.
So today I am thankful…
…thankful that Charlie and I both have jobs at a time when many around us have lost theirs
…thankful that we were in a position to afford to reduce our working hours for the past 14 months – I know that many do not have the luxury of making that choice
…thankful that I have an employer who was flexible and allowed me to work a four day week
…thankful that Little Man and I spent so many of our “Mammy days” together having fun
…thankful that we are all healthy and well
…thankful for our friends who shared coffees (and cakes!) with us during the past year
…thankful for Charlie
…and thankful for our Little Man
Enjoying our last Mammy and Little Man day with a bike ride in the park
It’s the best way to spend today, celebrate and be thankful for all you have been able to give Little Man by having that 4 day week.
It’s the best way to spend today, celebrate and be thankful for all you have been able to give Little Man by having that 4 day week.
I’m not sure I could be so thoughtful about it. I wish so much I could do a 4 day week, but I’ve done 5 since I went back after maternity leave so I’m used to it. It must be a hard decision to make but hope it’s not too horrible (and at least you have a nice employer!)
I’m hoping the thought of it is worse than the reality – that’s how it was with returning to work after maternity leave, so I’m sure it will be the same now.
I’m not sure I could be so thoughtful about it. I wish so much I could do a 4 day week, but I’ve done 5 since I went back after maternity leave so I’m used to it. It must be a hard decision to make but hope it’s not too horrible (and at least you have a nice employer!)
I’m hoping the thought of it is worse than the reality – that’s how it was with returning to work after maternity leave, so I’m sure it will be the same now.
I know how you feel Lisa – I am back full time now too and I so miss the days that I had at home with the lads – even just being there and them knowing I was in the next room. But we just need to get on with it and yes, be thankful that we have the opportunity to work and provide for our children….good luck x
Didn’t realise that you were back full time now too Liz. I wrote this post to look back on when I need to remember why I shouldn’t be sad about the change…it’s helping a little bit, but I still feel quite down about it.
I know how you feel Lisa – I am back full time now too and I so miss the days that I had at home with the lads – even just being there and them knowing I was in the next room. But we just need to get on with it and yes, be thankful that we have the opportunity to work and provide for our children….good luck x
Didn’t realise that you were back full time now too Liz. I wrote this post to look back on when I need to remember why I shouldn’t be sad about the change…it’s helping a little bit, but I still feel quite down about it.
Reading this moved me, your so right, we all have to be so thankful for what we have. 🙂
Reading this moved me, your so right, we all have to be so thankful for what we have. 🙂