Five reasons why I choose to work

Posted in Careers, Mom Stuff
by besttech

Koshii Eslinger OrlandoSentinel.com/momsatwork

I know it’s a very controversial topic, but I thought I’d give my own, personal, reasons for choosing to work.

1. I actually love my job — I know, call me crazy! I’m the type of person that enjoys challenges and change. Not that raising a child is not challenging, but it’s challenging in a different way. I like to solve problems, be creative, interact with others. I like to keep my skills up, because most of the skills I learn on the job, I’m able to apply to my home life, and make that better as well. And having a job keeps me on my toes, and I’ve got extreme structure and I’m really able to keep up with the latest technological advances. Part of my job is graphic design, and with all the design programs constantly being upgraded and changing, I’m able to get free lessons at work and use them daily to keep my skills sharp.

2. I like hanging out with adults. During my maternity leave, I felt very alone and yearned for some adult stimulation!

3. I get to go to lunch and talk news, work, politics at not-so-kid-friendly restaurants with other coworkers. Not that Chuck E. Cheese isn’t fun, but c’mon, I don’t want to dine there all the time. Also, at work lunches, I don’t have to cut up anyone else’s food or wipe crumbs off their face!

4. I like getting up early and getting all dressed up (not EVERY day, but most days!) That was one of the hardest things for me to do during maternity leave. I know that every mom doesn’t have this issue, but I do! It was so easy to remain in my nightgown all day and feel extremely unsexy and unkempt.

5. I like having extra spending money. I like living in a neighborhood where I feel safe and secure. Our previous neighborhood was very nice when we moved there. We could afford it on one salary, easily. However, after a few years several bad renters moved in and started trashing the neighborhood (no offense to any “good” renters out there — I know not “all” renters are bad — hey, I was an awesome renter! All of a sudden houses and yards weren’t kept up anymore, trash littered the streets and crime became rampant — I’m sure not only due to the renters, of course! But I didn’t feel safe there, and the only neighborhoods that I felt truly safe in required a dual income. So I chose the safer neighborhood and working. I also like having the extra money for private daycare, any lessons my daughter wants, summer camps and, of course, her 529 Plan.

And, who’s to say that at some point we may have enough money saved up so that one of us can stay home or work part-time. I hear those pre-teen/teen years are pretty rough! Maybe we’ll plan for then!

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Find more advice for moms at http://orlandosentinel.com/momsatwork