Taking my own advice
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 |
You can't do it all. Is that a surprise to anyone but me? Recently I realized I was juggling too many balls. Mom, wife, author, employee, mother's group leader, etc. Being perpetually behind is no way to live, and it was affecting my relationships with the people I loved most. I took a good hard look at my commitments and realized my job had to go.
Yep. My job. You know, the thing where you put in time and energy and get money? Yeah. That.
I don't know about you, but, financial considerations aside, work is a large part of my identity. When people ask, "So what do you do?" I get to say I write for a European travel company. How cool is that?
I also just plain love my job. It's flexible enough to allow me to stay home with my son, my boss is amazing, I get to be creative, and best of all, I'm actually being paid to write. How could I possibly give that up?
Well... it turns out one of the things I write about most often is making the most of your time with family. Treasuring every moment you have with loved ones, because you really can't know how long those moments will last. It's especially true, I think, when you have children.
I'd swear this adorable little man was a newborn just yesterday. They really do grow in the blink of an eye. Life passes so quickly even when you're looking! Yeah, my job is awesome. I know how lucky I am to be able to say that. But you know what's infinitely better? Being Beowulf's mom.
I know not everyone can be a full-time parent, but it's the best job in the universe and I'm thankful for every day we have together. If that means sacrificing a job I like, or extra income, or whatever - in the long run, it's nothing. When he's grown and I look back at my photos, I won't remember that we lived in a crappy apartment for five years, or that we only had one car.
I'll remember holding that precious baby in my arms.
Yep. My job. You know, the thing where you put in time and energy and get money? Yeah. That.
I don't know about you, but, financial considerations aside, work is a large part of my identity. When people ask, "So what do you do?" I get to say I write for a European travel company. How cool is that?
I also just plain love my job. It's flexible enough to allow me to stay home with my son, my boss is amazing, I get to be creative, and best of all, I'm actually being paid to write. How could I possibly give that up?
Well... it turns out one of the things I write about most often is making the most of your time with family. Treasuring every moment you have with loved ones, because you really can't know how long those moments will last. It's especially true, I think, when you have children.
I know not everyone can be a full-time parent, but it's the best job in the universe and I'm thankful for every day we have together. If that means sacrificing a job I like, or extra income, or whatever - in the long run, it's nothing. When he's grown and I look back at my photos, I won't remember that we lived in a crappy apartment for five years, or that we only had one car.
I'll remember holding that precious baby in my arms.
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About Me
- Ramsey Hootman
- Welcome! I write quirky, character-driven contemporary fiction and science fiction. My work is represented by Jim McCarthy of Dystel & Goderich.
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10 comments:
Congratulations! I sold my shop earlier this year because I came to the realization that time was passing too quickly, too.
It won't stop, that feeling of grasping sand. My oldest just turned 13. Last year I had the breathtaking realization that he is 2/3 of the way out of my nest. So I put the brakes on as much as possible. You won't regret it. (Although, to be honest, there will be days when you'll ask yourself what in the world you were thinking!)
Follow your dream, don't ever use spell check again and write from your heart.
The best job in the world...Mom! You made such a wise choice, and you're still following a dream.
You are absolutely doing the right thing. I went back to work after my third and eventually realised it was all too much. Being a mum is the most important. I feel so lucky. Have fun. X
Best of luck! As a mom to a young son who also works, I know how hard it is - good for you for making the best choice for you.
Congratulations! I made that transition once and am now trying to build a writing career now that my two are both in school.
But nobody ever regrets spending time with family!
Precious boy, by the way!
Dear pictures, such true sentiments and wow what a job you have!
It seems like only yesterday that I held my first child in my arms. I was a stay at home mom and went back to school when my youngest child was a junior in H.S., then I embarked upon a career. Today, I am the grandmother of 4 boys, the oldest of whom is 18 and went off to college this year. The career is satisfying and creative - but loving your children and grandchildren and having them love you back? Nothing compares. Be a mom, dear heart, and write to your heart's content. A career will be ready when you are. I've enjoyed your Rent Villas comments, and wish you well.
Follow your heart and keep writing. Your son looks like an angel.
Your son is adorable. Enjoy life!