All About the Washingtons

This desk is on my Wish List...

I GOT A JOB.

If you follow me, you know that I've struggled with embracing my domesticity. While I thoroughly enjoy having a clean house and having time to cook and pursue hobbies, I desperately missed the feeling of accomplishment that only a hard day's work can provide.  The confidence to say "I'm going to buy that, because I've earned it, by gosh." (Those of you who know me also know what phrase to insert in lieu of "by gosh".)

I've always thought that my perfect job would be something professionally challenging in content, but part-time in nature.  Something I could do remotely would be the cherry on top.  If someday I ever start a company, I am only going to hire moms to work while their kids are at school... the Part-Time Professional.  Part-time accountants, part-time lawyers, part-time engineers, part-time project managers.... why not? Why does part-time have to imply some lower level, no-education-required type job?  It's just a schedule, and some of us have other things to do.

I came across an opportunity to work part-time, from home, in an industry that actually interests me.  And although it's not engineering, neither in challenge level nor in salary, it scores 2.5 out of 3 stars on my scale.  When/if my husband gets relocated again, I won't have to quit just to pack up and follow him.  That's really the biggest perk for me, because emotionally that was holding me back the most.

So let me pose a question:  if someone offered you a job, let's say your current job, but let you work less time for proportionally less pay, would you take it?  If you could pick your kids up from school everyday, or sleep in every morning... would you take less money?  Or if you could take a week extra of vacation, even if it was unpaid... would you?

Friendly Broccoli Salad

Serve this with a turkey sandwich for a quick & healthy lunch… much better than potato chips! B, this one’s for you and your love of Greek yogurt.

Admittedly, I don't actually measure anything. Still good!

Friendly Broccoli Salad

Ingredients

5 c       chopped broccoli

1/2 c   nonfat Greek yogurt
2 tbs   balsamic vinaigrette
2 tbs   sunflower seeds
1/4 c   golden raisins

Directions:  Chop, toss, & serve!

Notes: Throw in any extra veggies you have, like grated carrots or squash, to mix it up.

Bread-winner or Bread-maker?

The first house we ever owned. Who knew it would be one of many?

I recently made the transition from full-time professional to housewife, but I have by no means fully adjusted to the change.  Theoretically, I am happy to support my husband by temporarily sacrificing my career in pursuit of his. And he is happy to support me, financially.  As I’ve said before, we came to this decision in a very calculated and practical manner. And I always thought that once we found a more permanent home, I would go back to work.

Now, as rumors spread about our next potential move, I am realizing that it might not be any more conducive to a career for me. It might also be temporary. It might be in the middle of nowhere. It might just not be practical for me to have a career.

Before the judgments kick in, let me say something. This is not a “lazy” thing.  I’m perfectly aware that I could get a job no matter where we are and for any duration.  That’s not what I’m talking about. To be frank with you, it’s not worth my time to work at some crappy job just for the cash, and my husband agrees.  I’m talking about the personal satisfaction of a career.

We haven’t actually heard anything substantial about moving or not, but the gears are turning to produce a series of “what if” scenarios. So I’m faced with the decision again, except this time it’s my job of housewife that is under question.  While I bake muffins and clean the floorboards, I wonder what my options really are in a constantly temporary scenario.  I may never be able to open up a business of my own, knowing I’ll have to leave it before I see any profits. I can’t take a job with any ambition in my heart knowing I’ll be leaving it down the road. It’s easy to find a job for a year or two, but it’s difficult to pursue a career in that time.  I’m not prepared to take a “job” without a larger goal in mind.

Is it acceptable for me to find contentment as a stay-at-home oilfield wife?  And can I be satisfied with that?