You wouldn’t be normal if you didn’t. I left 9 years of teaching 5-7th graders when our daughter was born. I plan to return when our kiddos are in school, but that’s a big ?? right now. Jonathan just turned one. Whenever I think about missing it, I remind myself that my children are my focus right now, that there will be time for working again later.
No baby or parenting book teaches you how to mourn the loss of your career after having babies, especially so if you loved your career. It’s something I still wrestle with and mourn, even after leaving a job at a company I didn’t like. I think it’s completely normal and if someone tries to tell you you’re crazy for missing it, well then they just never found a niche they loved.
I started reading your blog for the ink-removal tips…and I kept reading it because we actually have a lot in common. After two years at home, I recently went back to lawyering. It’s not the same – I went from having a career at a flashy firm to having a job at a not-so-flashy firm. But I actually love going to work now, which is something I never did before.
Well, I’d say that’s a good sign! Now, you just have to find a way to have it all. Why are you laughing? I’m totally serious. It’s not always clear, mind you … but you know what they say, where there’s a will, by george, there’s a way!
When I “retired” from nursing 5 years ago I never ever thought I’d miss it. Well, I have to say I do miss it sometimes. The feeling of accomplishment (along with acknowledment in the form of promotion/raises), speaking with other adults, stimulating my mind via inservices, lectures, etc on new techniques or meds or what have you. Can’t say I miss the hours though!
When I was in med school, I used to study at the SMU law library (because that’s where the cute lawyer-type guys were). When I needed a break, I’d get up, stretch my legs, walk through the aisles of books (which smelled amazing), and, periodically, I’d open a book and read it. Ok, I’d try to read it. I’ve never read so many English words strung together before–and still not make sense! Then, satisfied that I’d chosen correctly, I’d go sit back down and study some tiny cell membrane protein. I do NOT understand how you could miss it.
But, as a mother & a physician, I really understand how you can miss it.
You wouldn’t be normal if you didn’t. I left 9 years of teaching 5-7th graders when our daughter was born. I plan to return when our kiddos are in school, but that’s a big ?? right now. Jonathan just turned one. Whenever I think about missing it, I remind myself that my children are my focus right now, that there will be time for working again later.
No baby or parenting book teaches you how to mourn the loss of your career after having babies, especially so if you loved your career. It’s something I still wrestle with and mourn, even after leaving a job at a company I didn’t like. I think it’s completely normal and if someone tries to tell you you’re crazy for missing it, well then they just never found a niche they loved.
I started reading your blog for the ink-removal tips…and I kept reading it because we actually have a lot in common. After two years at home, I recently went back to lawyering. It’s not the same – I went from having a career at a flashy firm to having a job at a not-so-flashy firm. But I actually love going to work now, which is something I never did before.
I miss the intellectual stimulation and talking to adults. I don’t miss the hours or the stress.
Well, I’d say that’s a good sign! Now, you just have to find a way to have it all. Why are you laughing? I’m totally serious. It’s not always clear, mind you … but you know what they say, where there’s a will, by george, there’s a way!
When I “retired” from nursing 5 years ago I never ever thought I’d miss it. Well, I have to say I do miss it sometimes. The feeling of accomplishment (along with acknowledment in the form of promotion/raises), speaking with other adults, stimulating my mind via inservices, lectures, etc on new techniques or meds or what have you. Can’t say I miss the hours though!
I understand…
I know you do. And I know the feeling. Sometimes just saying it out loud is enough.
hahaha. those book bindings never change, apparently. I’m trying to get rid of my books as I finally got my JD (yesterday!).
Congrats! :)
When I was in med school, I used to study at the SMU law library (because that’s where the cute lawyer-type guys were). When I needed a break, I’d get up, stretch my legs, walk through the aisles of books (which smelled amazing), and, periodically, I’d open a book and read it. Ok, I’d try to read it. I’ve never read so many English words strung together before–and still not make sense! Then, satisfied that I’d chosen correctly, I’d go sit back down and study some tiny cell membrane protein. I do NOT understand how you could miss it.
But, as a mother & a physician, I really understand how you can miss it.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who didn’t sell my books back. They do look so SMART sitting on the shelf!
Damn straight! My friends teased me for it, but I’m not good at parting with books in general. Make them good looking, and I’m a goner.