*LONG story short: Up until now, I have been working part time (and loving it). 20 hours a week has been the perfect balance of being at home with Gabe and getting out of the house to be an adult. Last Friday, I was offered a full time position, with the caveat that I had to either take the job or be replaced. When Gabriel was born, Mike and I both agreed that I was going to stay home at least part time to be there for him. Both of us had our mom’s at home for us and we wanted the same for our little dude. Giving up my job has been a hard decision—especially because for the first time in my life, I actually have a job I love—but I know it’s the right thing for our family. I have no idea how long it will take for them to find someone to replace me, but I’m just hoping it takes a long time. Now, I just need to find another part time job and/or more freelance. I would be a full time SAHM, but we REALLY need my extra paycheck (especially since we just started this stupid house remodel project)! ACK!

Like any other day, I came in, turned my computer on and started my daily trek down the hall to get coffee, when my friend Vikki said, “Vaness, I think we’re losing our jobs today.” At first I laughed it off, and continued on my way. When I returned, she showed me the email. A company-wide note from the owners said they regrettably had to do some “reorganization” to save money. Blah, blah blah… Then there was a meeting invitation at 8:15 for 5 people and she and I were both among those required in attendance. At that point, I started packing up the desk. Long story short, I was on my way home by 8:30. Curse the damn economy!

Except something about this turn of events leaves me less devastated than last time. Maybe it’s the experience of having been through it before, maybe I’m older and wiser, or maybe I’ve secretly wanted this for a long time. It’s hard to know for sure, but I’ve come to realize over the past few years that desk jobs really aren’t my cup of tea. 99% of the time I’m wishing I were doing something else. That’s not to say that I don’t get my work done, but my mind is always racing with unfulfilled dreams, or personal project ideas that I rarely have time to get to. For a long time, I’ve yearned for something more flexible.

Now is my chance to really jump in and try something new: freelancing, teaching, who knows what! The way I see it, the future is looking pretty bright right now. Ask me again in a month… :) I hope I’m still optimistic. For now, I still need do the same thing I did 6 years ago: revise my portfolio!

My only regret is I wish this had happened a month ago. I’ve passed the point of no return on the bathroom remodel, so we have no choice but to go through with the whole thing! Hey, that’s what parents are for — bailing you out when you’re up a creek, right?