Part-time Work; Full-time Life

Matt and I have this recurring conversation about our lives where we take a step back to get a big picture of where we are, where we're going and where we'd like to be. This conversation inevitably includes brainstorming sessions on what we want to do work-wise, how we can grow spiritually and, most importantly, how to maximize time together as a family.

It's never felt right that one parent work outside of the home, away from enjoying the many milestones and day to day extraordinaries of our kids, while the other maintain a life strictly in the home, enjoying the time with the kids, but feeling a bit bogged down personally. So...we've taken a few steps to bring us into balance NOW, rather than some other, distant time in the future. Besides...kids' growth doesn't wait on you. Next thing you know it, your kids don't really want you around :)

So, our current plan includes trimming down lifestyle (a task we both welcome). We're planning to put the house on the market with no real intention of buying immediately upon sale. Instead, depending on when the house actually sold, we'd either rent a smaller space or set up temporary camp at our parents' houses and travel. We're trying not to fill in ALL the blanks right now. Some of life's answers come when you are quietly waiting with open mind and heart.

The other part of the plan is set to begin May 1st (although neither of us is naive enough to think all will fall into place on that particular day!). May 1st is when Matt officially takes a part-time status at his law firm. He proposed an alternative work arrangement with them in March and, much to our surprise, they accepted and offered a generous enough deal we couldn't turn down. The reduced hours will free up more time for me to venture back out into the world to leave my professional footprint. I'm currently exploring some avenues that include teaching yoga--a definite calling of mine and, even though not the highest paying job, one that reaps dividends in the spiritual category. Matt will also get more time to spend with his two absolutely favorite people on earth. No longer (hopefully) will he have to hear about our girls over the phone! He just can't spend too much time with them...

Who could resist this anyway?