Thursday, October 25, 2007

To Work or Not to Work...

I've been working part-time lately. I haven't worked regularly since February. I didn't mind not working because I was pregnant and sick and tired and all that lovely jazz that comes with it. I never viewed myself as one who would stay at home with her kids full-time. I totally respect all the parents who can do that, but I often wonder if I have the personality/endurance to do so. I also never viewed myself as someone who had her children in full-time day care. The solution, I think, is to work part-time. If I work part-time, I have a little extra money and a lot more sanity. I have read a few books about money and how to save it, etc. One of my favorite books is The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn.

In her life transforming book, she discusses the matter of working outside the home. She look at how much a mother actually "makes" when she works at a job. There is the cost of gas, car maintenance, convenience foods, childcare, clothing, etc. When you look at it that way, which most Americans don't, it is not very profitable to work out side the home.... well, financially at least.

My need to feel smart is overwhelming at the moment. My IQ has been dropping (see 'Fart Express' blog entry) as each day passes. Talking, interacting, and working with other adults helps me stay sane. As you could probably tell from my previous posts, I am not very sane of late. I may only make about 15 cents an hour working, but it does seem like an extremely well paid 15 cents.

3 comments:

Deena said...

Hey I need to feel smart too! I keep meaning to call you, but I don't know your phone number. Just Jeff's cell phone. How are you surviving?

Kim said...

I am so with you. By the time KB got to be three, she was bored at home. And I was itching to get her to preschool. I was bored at home, too.

Kim said...

ryc: Funny you should ask. Eric has dressed up as a scarecrow on more than one occasion to pretend he is just another stuffed zombie sitting outside holding the candy bowl. He takes it easy on the little kids but tries to scare the crap out of the older ones.