Now do they need to?
Recently, I have suffered for choices I made years ago. I choose, not really by my own doing, to return to work about 10 years ago. Geoff had lost his 2nd job in 2 years and we were stressing financially. He decided to return to school but I knew that I would need to work to make it through . . . especially with 4 kids!
We were blessed by the way work came our way. I found a job teaching at a local performing arts studio almost instantaneously, which in turn helped me to return to teaching full-time very quickly. I had a full studio in no time and started filling my time with lots of students and in turn . . . more money!
One evening I went to see a student in a show. Afterwards I was visiting with new friends and was offered an opportunity to music direct a show. I obliged and that was the start of a fruitful, yet LONG 5 years of shows and students that filled my time, day and night.
I was able to pay bills but eventually I wore down. I had lost so much time and memories with my kids . . . for what? I know, I paid my bills and we survived. But I wonder . . . was it really worth it all??
I gave up so much that I will NEVER get back. And I'm suffering for it . . . or at least I think I am. I am trying to rebuild my relationship with each kid. They are "relearning" what I expect of them, they are adjusting to the fact that I am home, I'm adjusting to the fact that I am home. We have had to adjust all over!
"Do I miss it?" I get asked this a lot. "You are too talented to stay away." Thanks but no thanks. I have suffered by way of emotion and loss of what I cannot get back, that I have to stop and think . . . I've suffered, do they need to as well?
I think the answer is a simple . . . no.
2 comments:
If you ever doubt yourself, read Sister Julie Beck's talk, "Women Who Know". Jenn you are making a choice to be with your kids and serve your family, which is never a bad thing. :)
Jenn, I am so glad you posted this.
I am having to work a lot just to make up for not enough money and too much debt. But I try to bend over backwards so I can do it all while my kids are at school and be there for them when they need me. I worry that I'm not doing the right thing and it would be better (and easier) to just work more afternoons, but you have validated my decision. It's still hard, and the house isn't nearly as clean as I'd like some days, but oh well.
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