This or That

It’s definitely an ego boost to be aggressively recruited for not one – but two – great opportunities.

Within the last 10 days, I’ve experienced this and feel blessed to have been contacted (out of the blue) for jobs that I would definitely enjoy. And one of them would nearly double our family’s income.

All in the family

Although we don’t put the pressure of making big decisions on our kids, we do keep them in the loop about life changes that could affect them. So while I was cooking dinner the other night, I tossed out this latest possibility.

I explained that while we’re fine in our current situation, if I went back to work full-time, we could enjoy some extras – like eating out, replacing our worn-out carpet and going on vacations. In the past few years, we haven’t even gone on a weekend getaway.

Immediately, our 11-year-old son said that he likes things just the way they are. Our 13-year-old daughter quickly agreed. (How weird is that? Siblings agreeing on something!)

    

Keep in mind that these are the same kids who get annoyed when I remind them about homework assignments and ask them to do basic chores around the house.

Our son, in particular, gets frustrated when I ask about his day at school. When he gets in the car, he is often grumpy and uncommunicative. Yet, he was the first one to say he wanted me to continue picking him up from school, dropping him off and generally just being there when he needs me.

So, while my daughter immediately shares all about her day – the good, the bad and the ugly – my son takes time to thaw. He eventually begins peeling away the layers of his day, which leads to relationship-strengthening communication. His personality requires unrushed time before he’ll tell me about his concerns and triumphs.

Making a list – and checking it twice

Of course my husband and I have discussed this in detail. And, as I typically do, I created a pros and cons spreadsheet. As I made the list, I pictured myself wearing heels and make-up again, taking in the magic of a Disney vacation, sitting on furniture that isn’t threadbare and updating our landscape.

And then my mind came back around to this moment in time. This moment in which my tween and teen said they need me. Suddenly my decision became crystal clear.