The days climbing the corporate ladder are over for me. I had a good ride, a really good ride. But life took a turn, a really good turn. After 20 years, I went from career driven to laundry driven as a stay-at-home mom of 5. When I became pregnant with my 4th child, I knew I was called to something different. But I just couldn’t leave my business career. I loved what I did, I loved the people I worked with. It was a battle. I just couldn’t quit. I remember praying to God for help because it seemed like an impossibility for me to leave this career, I worked so hard for. He answered me quickly and directly – I became pregnant with my 5th. A complete and total surprise for us. Honestly, I never wanted any children, and now 5? Got it.
I’ll make it brief – I was so grateful to be able to stay home with my children. I worked (a lot!) when my first three children were young, and it was a gift to be able to be home, be present. But it was painful. No accolades, no promotions, no raises. No morning coffee with Kelly (btw, does anyone know who is keeping Dunkin’ afloat?).
As the years went on, my life was filled with not only kid stuff, but volunteering and traveling.
My youngest is now seven, and its time. For many reasons, its time to head back. But I don’t want it all. I don’t want to be the full-time corporate career professional and full-time mom and the full-time volunteer and the full-time everything. I want balance. I want to do meaningful work outside the home, and help pay for my children’s education, a family vacation. I also want to go on field trips and dentist appointments (ok, that’s a bad example). I want something.
How does a 49 year-old who has been out of the working world for 7 years relaunch?