Wednesday, August 6, 2008

So, like, I'm an expert, 'n stuff

Not that long ago, I wrote a post about needing more balance in my life.

I am happy to declare that just six weeks after that post, I now officially work only four days a week. YAY ME!!!

Yep - tomorrow, instead of going into the office and working for THE MAN, I will be at home, becoming more and more frustrated with myself as I fail to cross items off my "to do" list.

But seriously, whether I catch up with all my laundry (don't snort like that - its not attractive) or sit in PJs all day with the kids, it doesn't matter. Its more important to have the time to do either. To have the choice. To simply be there with my kids while they're still small. To have one more day a week to see them, sleepy and in their jammies, cuddled on the couch with a sippy cup, staring at Sesame Street, morning hair on end.

I owe this lovely gift of time partially to my wonderful boss, who seriously rocks and goes to bat for me when I come up with crazy schemes like cutting back my work hours, and partially to all the gals who've recently left our marketing department after going on maternity leave and deciding they just couldn't come back. I feel ya, ladies, but I don't have a doctor husband. Mine's a public servant, and well, until this recent pay cut I made more than he did.

So there's those things and a teensie little thing like being invited to speak at a national conference to throw into the mix. Yep. It ain't BlogHer, but this Mama is travelling to Dallas at the end of the month and will be on a panel discussing the latest online mass marketing tools and more techie details about them than you'll ever care to know.

The boss and his boss were elated to find out that little old moí was the créme de la créme in this "world". I needed to provide the conference folks with a short bio, and conferred with Boss Man as to what to include. He's great from a conversational standpoint like that.


Me: I just don't know if its important to include my schooling info. What
do you think? Leave it in or take it out?
Him: You're gonna get, like, big time job offers at this conference you know.
Me: (laughing uncomfortably at the compliment) I don't know about
that. In or out?
Him: Seriously. You'd just better not leave me here high and dry. If
someone woos you away from the firm, you'd better think about taking me with
you.


So I had that fear goin' for me, which is nice.

So this Mama is thankful (today at least) to have such a great job AND family, and to be in the position to love them both.

Can you say that your life doesn't suck?

20 comments:

Melisa Wells said...

Yay! Congrats on the extra day at home! That rocks!

Mama Smurf said...

That's awesome. You now have bargaining power!

Heather said...

Hey, congrats on the four-day work week. It sounds like you have a wonderful boss. That certainly doesn't suck!

My husband recently tried a four-day work week and it did not work for us, mainly because he wound up working more hours per day. It really threw off our schedule. I wouldn't mind giving up a day but what I'd really like would be to leave this place altogether and work for myself.

Anonymous said...

That's awesome! Good for you!

Kim H. said...

Colleen~

Awesome! Great for you! What a wonderful example of trying to maintain balance - and I loved your comment about morning pj's and hair standing on end watching Sesame Street. Let me tell you, those moments are the best and I'm forever blessed because I've been able to enjoy a lot of those mornings.

Way to put yourself first and make it happen - and yes, you are truly blessed to have a great boss - one who values YOU and all YOU have to offer to this big, beautiful world!

Kim H. said...

BTW, your company doesn't happen to be looking for an AWESOME Direcor of Market Research by chance? :)

Unknown said...

Wow, you have a wonderful boss, and this speaking engagement sounds divine...dare I ask, if you have the time and see one, could you pick me up a souvenier spoon? I'll pay you for it, and the mailing when you come back. I try to collect them for Micheyla and Santa Claus delivers them each year.
Enjoy your new schedule. Hugs from the north.

Mindy said...

Yay, I am so happy for you! When I went from full-time to part-time it was such a joy to just BE with my kids. The laundry came later, lol.

Please visit Shore's End for an important announcement and prayer request!

Abbreviated said...

Does a happy dance for you !

Congrats on speaking...have stage fright myself.

We can say we knew you when !

Angela said...

Awesome - congrats! I love the days of sitting on the couch with a ton of laundry to do, but still sitting there just to be with my babies!

Mamajil said...

How great for you an extra day at home!!! I vote pj's all day and relax..the laundry is always gonna be there! :)

Kimberly said...

Congrats on the 4 day work week. Yay! Spice World

"J" said...

You go girl....
I wished I could go to 4 days a week when we move up to the lake house! That would be soooo great!

I hope you have a WONDERFUL day tomorrow!

I think the tank is XL?
I can take a pic of it tonight and email it to you?!?!?

Just let me know!

Anonymous said...

cool...leaves you more time to plurk...er...do chores!! yay for you!! i think it's great!

Karen said...

It is so good to hear how much your boss values you. Kudos on going to the 4 day work week. I hope it works out well. Good luck on your presentation in Dallas.Karen

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

Congrats - and I love your perspective. That alone, can help the balance.

Anonymous said...

Yay for 4 days!

Happy2bme said...

Congrats to you!! I would love a four day work week. We talked about it before but it got washed up under the carpet and its never come about again.

Dawn @ simply transparent said...

That's gonna be sweet for you!

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you! Hope your trip is a blast!