Sunday, March 09, 2008

A Mover And A Shaker

Some big changes at work.

My boss is moving on to the women's college for super duper smart girls in the Boston area. This leaves her job opened and a few dozen people asking me if I'll be throwing my hat in the ring.

Sigh.

Throwing your hat in the ring isn't always everything it's cracked up to be. My happiness comes in people (like the president of the college) encouraging me to consider it because they respect my work. Receiving this affirmation from so many people is a huge gift to me.

As for my hat flying into the ring....well girls....as my generation has learned the hard way, we can't do it all --- especially not at the same time. I realized this tragic fact when I had problems recalling what my son was like from the ages of two through five.

I figure I've got about three more years before he starts ignoring me - - no brass ring is worth more than what the two of us share right now.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Good for you EVI. The corner office isn't going anywhere but Ben will only be young for a few more years. Enjoy it while you can!

Floridora said...

Twice in my life I turned down "promotions". Each would have turned our home life topsy-turvy and I never regretted either. One must decide early whether it will be career or family. I'm on your team.

OHN said...

I am sending you big kisses and hugs. You seem to put so simply what for many isn't even a consideration. Like you, I have turned down options that would have meant more "stuff" for us but being here when my boys walk through that door after school is worth a lot more than "stuff". It is actually the best stuff there is. I have been my own boss, with all the highs and lows of self employment but my hours are my own. I realize how blessed/lucky I am, and I don't take if or granted. My boys are 19, 17 and 13 and just now the older ones are telling me about some of their memories (yeah, like they are ancient) and all of them somehow come back to times when I was here. You never get those moments back for a 'do-over'. Go give your son a hug and maybe an extra cookie after lunch :)

Dr. Deb said...

I hear you and SO get what you are saying.

Kranki said...

You are a fabulous mom!

jodi said...

To be encouraged to take the job from people like the president of the college is a lovely compliment. Congratulations.!!
And so wise of you to know your limitations. Many people never figure that out. Ben is lucky.

ellesu said...

Wise woman! I've tried it both ways and IMO your reasoning is for the best.

JT said...

Ellen, I agree. Thanks for keeping it real and putting things into perspective for me, too. (I feel lucky to know such an a smart and capable woman as you.)

Anonymous said...

The balance between home and work is a tricky one to manage. My husband lost his job not too long ago partly because he refused to "turn off" the fact he had a life outside of work, as long as he felt it didn't interfere with meeting work goals. It was a small company, and the boss was very much a 6am to 6pm kind of man. While I admire his work ethic, I wonder how much he remembers of his two boys as they reach "the age they start ignoring him".

I say congratulations on your choice. If you are happy where you are, keep that balance. :)