Lesson #143 - Some Choices Aren't Easy

Recently I was presented with a unique opportunity...to do what?! you ask...to re-enter the workforce, my lovely pupils!!

Now, as much as I love staying home with the kiddos, going to the park to play, walking in the rain, plastering chalk graffiti all over the neighborhood and taking late afternoon naps - it just doesn't pay the bills (which is a total crock, if you ask me)!

Going back to work presents a unique set of different circumstances. My potential work day would be from 8a (which means I'd have to leave around 7a to arrive on time - 15 miles from home) until 5p...and that is on a good day. Granted, I would have weekends off but I just don't know how I feel about this deal.

I am exhausted as it is now and I already have an altered schedule from most people. The Man doesn't wake up until 10a because of his work schedule, so that is the same schedule the kids are on...and thankfully we can stick to it most of the time.

In addition to retraining myself on a more "normal" working person's schedule, comes the challenges of child care. The Man's parents watched both kids while I was working part-time - which was only 1, maybe 2, days a week - but 5 days is a huge jump for 2 older adults who aren't in the best health.

As much as I'd love to get back into the workforce, I worry about my in-laws having the chitlins for such a long period of time during the day - especially both of them together. They both play get, but should I look for another option - preschool for Lulu or daycare for Bubba - and separate them to make it easier? Would the one not at home feel like an outcast because s/he was being sent somewhere else for the day? Maybe it would be better to send them both out to their respective schools, but on alternating days?

I'd love to hear your thoughts - those of you in bloggy land...do you think either Lulu or Bubba would feel like an outcast being sent off to school/day care while the other gets to stay home with my in-laws?

Why can't the government just pay me for raising my children to be an integral part of society?! Not enough parents are doing that these days - shouldn't it count for something??