You can see I’ve changed the blog – right down to the fact that we have our own domain now, folks! I was inspired.
I just got an awesome new job. Leaving the old one wasn’t easy. I loved my coworkers, I felt valued, my work was meaningful. I was helping at-risk people and representing our state. That felt like a good calling. However, I had to start to see I needed more advancement. I didn’t want to grow complacent. And, while our unit did wonderful work, it was small and I wasn’t sure how many years I’d have to wait for another chance at advancement. I also hated the commute.
So, I went back on the job market only 3 months postpartum when I got a couple of calls for interviews. I had to buy a whole new suit. I had to try really hard. But, at the end of the day, I did really, really well. I got three job offers and got to the second round for a forth job. It was exhausting. In the end, I think I chose well. I decided to go back to the university that gave me my doctorate and to end my commute. Prior to this week, I didn’t get to see my baby at all in the morning. My husband would get her out of bed and drop her at daycare since I left the house about 6:20 every morning. I would get home first but then not see her until 5:30. It was hard. I didn’t want to let it bother me because I was the career-motivated mom but it did.
So, this morning, I woke up, got stuff read, make my kid eggs, and then fed her before handing off her to her dad. He took her to daycare and now I will get to pick her up! The new job is a better fit career-wise and now I can spend time with my family rather than spending 1.5 hours in the car every day.
It feels like such a gift. Fingers crossed it goes well. I can’t wait to get back to policy analysis in a variety of areas, to maybe teach a master’s or undergraduate class down the road, and to continue making sure policies and programs effectively help those in our state and local areas. However, it’s going to be bittersweet.
Still, it’s time for a change!
The Mama Politic 