D Day

25th June 2007

posted in Working Moms, Mom Rants, Mom Friends, Flexible Work Arrangements |

I knew this day was coming. The day my partner-in-working-mom-crime would quit her job.

And it happened today.

Last year at this time we were planning our work schedules together, my comrade in working motherhood, my amigo in work-life balance. She was one of the few I could joke with about working on our days off and conducting conference calls during nap time. I remember planning our part-time schedules together so that we could do activities with our kids on our days off and meet up for drinks after a long work day. (Guess which one of those never happened?)

Now this year, she’s made the decision we all struggle with. And while her decision was fraught with uncertainty, her voice sounded pleased. I know she’ll be happier staying home. And at the end of the day, she said it just felt right for her.

But I’m not feeling alright out here alone without my partner in crime. And as much as I flaunt my love of working motherhood, sometimes, there’s safety in numbers.

Tags: working mom, mom friends, SAHM

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1 On June 26th, 2007, Jamie said:

I am one of the few working moms at my company who actually comes into the office almost daily. I just started telecommuting half days, though, which I LOVE.

It’s tough to not have another mom to bond with at the office!

2 On June 26th, 2007, Elizabeth said:

We’re here! I know you can’t see us, but, we’re out here.

3 On June 26th, 2007, QRSD said:

In my old job, every working mom quit after the 2nd kid. Something about kid #2 put them over the edge. I always felt abandoned when that happened, and a tad jealous. When I left that company recently for a better job, the comment my boss made was “so, you’re going to stay home?”. Clueless. My reality is that I have no choice in the matter as primary breadwinner so I can’t think about it. My husband is around, working from home a lot and there for the kids which eases the guilt. I have many friends in the same boat - many with 3-4 kids and big big jobs earning most of the $$ with lots of travel. I thank God every day for this sisterhood. Even if they don’t work with me, they’re there for me always. Hang in there. Someone else will come along!

4 On June 28th, 2007, Jennifer said:

I just had my second child in February and just returned to work full time. Talk
about crazy morning routines! Wow is all I can say. I am lucky I get out of the
door with deodorant on! Love your articles!

5 On July 3rd, 2007, Susan said:

You are not alone! I felt the same way when my cousin quit to stay home (after a few weeks back on the job). You’ve got plenty of working mom compadres — we just can’t do playdates or drinks (except virtually … but that would be weird).

Susan at Working Moms Against Guilt
http://www.workingmomsagainstguilt.com

6 On October 28th, 2007, Half of what I do every week » Self-Made Mom said:

[…] nagging me the last few days is the notion of working part-time equals working half-assed. When my friend quit her part-time job, she mentioned that she felt that she couldn’t give work her “all” and […]