Working from home, spending every minute with my growing son, having the freedom to come and go as I please, setting my own hours… These things have been a blessings. But, there are days when having no-one but a two year old to converse with while my husband is away at the office can really test my sanity.
I was recently given the opportunity to return to work, outside the home, on a part-time basis. My father in-law owns a dental lab which is growing and needs a dedicated bookkeeper who’s experience with Quickbooks. So, I’m going to be working for him for about eight hours a week, split into two, 4-hour days.
I’m going to be doing this in exchange for 8 hours a week of sanity. (My mother in-law will be keeping my son at our house.)
For eight hours each week I will be around intelligent adults, in real life. I’ll be using my talents as an organizer and people-loving secretary and my experience as a bookkeeper. When I answer the phone I won’t have to worry about my son tugging on my clothing and begging to be entertained.
I love my son. I really do. But, even the most patient mommy in the world needs to feel needed and appreciated for her talents outside of motherhood. Blogging and WordPress theme modifications have helped me tremendously in this regard, and will continue to be very big parts of my life. But, for two afternoons a week I will say goodbye to my online loves and I’ll fix my hair, put on some office-worthy clothing, and enter an office buzzing with activity.
Me? I’m going to enjoy it! 
What about you? If given the chance, would you return to an outside job for a day or two a week? If you make your income from home do you find you miss the offline, in-real-life world at all?
“What about you? If given the chance, would you return to an outside job for a day or two a week?” I wouldn't “return” because I never entered so there for I never left.
But, no I would not work out side the home unless it came to me working or us loosing our home. Yes, I do understand the need for adult conversation and interaction, but I'll choose to get it by leaving my child with a trusted sitter and go grocery shopping or just plan shopping for a couple hours once a month or so. Facebook, phone calls, company, and visiting all work wonders for the nerves too! 
Brittany,
I completely agree. If I wasn't going to be working for family, I wouldn't consider working outside the home at this point. (unless we would lose our home or something) I don't think I could leave my child with anyone but family just so I could work…
I'm very grateful to have this opportunity to trade out a bit with my mother in-law. She is keeping the lil guy and I'm doing some bookwork.
Erica, I have never worked a “corporate” job. The only real job I've ever held outside the home was in youth /children's ministry so I was still around kids a ton. So, I'm not sure what it'd be like to work the type job you just described. Totally not sure on this one.
Erica I can sympathize with your need for intelligent adult face to face communication. I have been home for almost 6 years. I do not miss having someone telling me what to do or earning a profit for someone else. The only thing I miss are the friendships. I hope you enjoy your 8 hours a week in the adult world. And I know your son will love being spoiled by Grandma too!
Erica,
I worked in the corporate world for 30 years but started my 'get-out' plan via Internet Marketing 3 years ago. Nine months ago I left the corporate world and now work full-time from home and I love every minute.
I do miss the social side and the team spirit but…not having to work for someone else is simply brilliant. Not having to get up at 4am to get to some other part of the country is nice!
I now work when I want to and it takes me 15 seconds to get to work!
Only last week, an ex-work colleague (and friend) asked me if I was interested in a short-term contract. $1500 a day for 3 months. $1500 a day! I thought 'yeah, why not. I could put my on-line business on hold for that sort of money'.
That morning I put on my suit and tie instead of jeans and t-shirt. I drove to the corporate office and had the interview. I HATED EVERY MINUTE! I was offered the role but I turned it down. I knew I would really hate it and working from home is worth more than $1500 a day. I wish it could have been a day or 2 a week – I could cope with that but not full-time.
Keep us posted on your new journey.
Andrew
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After working for oneself and setting your own hours, going back is hard. If this wasn't a family business with major flexibility I would feel tied down for sure. I have no desire to go back to the 8-5 (or more!) on a daily basis. I just couldn't take it!! You're so right…. having your freedom is worth more than $1500/day!!
Oh, Lil Man and Grandma are already enjoying themselves and so am I!! The lab is a quiet place, I have my own 'space' out front so I'm not really bothered by anyone. But, I know they are there, I can catch segments of conversations, and best of all, I can actually work for 4 hours without having someone interrupt me every 2 minutes to put a ladder back on a firetruck or get him a drink. I feel so accomplished when I leave… wow, I actually got something done for a change!! haha
After working for oneself and setting your own hours, going back is hard. If this wasn't a family business with major flexibility I would feel tied down for sure. I have no desire to go back to the 8-5 (or more!) on a daily basis. I just couldn't take it!! You're so right…. having your freedom is worth more than $1500/day!!
Oh, Lil Man and Grandma are already enjoying themselves and so am I!! The lab is a quiet place, I have my own 'space' out front so I'm not really bothered by anyone. But, I know they are there, I can catch segments of conversations, and best of all, I can actually work for 4 hours without having someone interrupt me every 2 minutes to put a ladder back on a firetruck or get him a drink. I feel so accomplished when I leave… wow, I actually got something done for a change!! haha
I am sending good luck wishes your way. When my kids were younger I loved to go to work to have the chance to speak to real grown ups instead of baby talk all day.