This Little Piggy Went to Work, This Little Piggy…

….stayed home. Went to work, too.

Two weeks ago (the last week in October), I went back to work.

Whenever I mention work, people look at me funny and say, ‘Work? I thought you stayed home?!’ Or, “Work? Who is taking care of Tera?”

Well, my dears..here is the answers to all your questions.

So, why did I chose to go back? Well, first of all…my boss asked me if I would be available to substitute teach on certain days. It’s not every day, it’s not even every week. I can choose to say no. And I know far enough in advance that I can plan it out.

Secondly, Theo is home several days a week. Since he works 24 hour shifts, he works 48 hours a week..but is only gone two days. I agreed to only work on days that Theo is home. That way we don’t have to worry about finding another person to watch Tera, or enrolling her in a daycare or anything like that. Plus, when Theo is watching Tera I don’t have anything to worry about.

Thirdly, it’s a little bit of extra money. Things have been…tight around here since I quit working back in May. Even if I only work a couple hours a month it gives us enough to pay for groceries or a medical bill here and there…

And here comes the really honest part…I LOVE working. I absolutely LOVE teaching. It’s something that I have always wanted to do, and I am so glad that I get a chance just one or two days a week to do it. Do I love teaching more than being a Mom? Um, no. I love that so much. Do I love teaching more than all the household chores, washing dirty diapers and dealing with my potentially screaming child all day? Sometimes, yes. Don’t shoot me for saying that.

And the first day back was AWFUL, just in case you were wondering. Absolutely horrible. But they have gotten progressively better from there.

By going back to work as a substitute teacher, I feel like I get the best of both worlds. My job priority is Tera Evelynne Hines. Running my home, supporting my husband and raising my child are the priority. That job is worth it, even if there isn’t a pay check. However, there has come a point  that it would be beneficial for us if I went back to work for a little bit. And it all also boils down to the point that I only work when Theo can be home to take care of her.

This is not for everyone. But right now…it is for us. It seems beneficial to me to be able to go back to work, keep up my teaching license and get some out-of-the-house fresh air. It is beneficial for Theo and Tera to spend time together. And it’s certainly beneficial to our bank account.

All that was just kind of some ramblings in my head. I’ve gotten the idea that most people view Mom’s as Stay at Home Moms or Work Moms, or at the very least Work at Home Moms. Like I said…I think I get the best of both worlds.

All that being said…will you pray for me/us in this transition, and the many decisions to be made? My boss asked me almost two months ago what dates I was available to work. At that time, Theo had a set schedule, and I told her the dates that I was available. Well, she penciled me in, and then last week Theo’s work schedule changed and…dun dun….he works tomorrow, too. I tried to get out of it, but it’s really hard to find a substitute for a substitute, especially on short notice, especially on this particular day. Sooo, I had to find a babysitter for Tera. EEK! Our first time leaving her in someone else’s care for longer than the break between nursing sessions! Don’t worry…I picked a very trusted friend. I tried not to go too overboard, but I might have written a two page paper detailing her schedule, eating and likes/dislikes/preferences. What can I say…once an overachiever, always an overachiever! Now, don’t get me wrong…I’m not against babysitters…but it’s our FIRST TIME! First time, people! Soo, prayers appreciated. But, I mean…I’m pretty sure they get along smashingly, and all will go well!