I always thought that working part time was kinda wimpy. Not that I think it's that way for you, I thought that for me. I thought that if I went part time, I wasn't contributing my fair share. I wasn't putting in enough effort. I wasn't making it in the dominantly male (where I am) working world. I was less for not carrying my own weight and a million other stupid thoughts.
Why the EFF did that matter?
And if you can find an answer, clue me in, huh?
Did you know that I was eligible for my pension over 3 years ago? At age 33, I had a completely vested pension. Did you know that by the time I turn 40 (which is coming soon), I will have been in my current job for 17 years? Did you know that by the time I am 40, I will have been working in the Electronics Industry for 22 years? Did you know that when I'm 40, I'll still have over 30 years to work before I can officially retire? You know that my husband works some awful hours. Did you know that with Jeremy's job/schedule it's difficult for me to schedule so much as a haircut? That I have to plan my trip to the grocery store for his days off because I have a half an hours drive home and can't pick up Jacob from the sitter in time if I go shopping after work? Do you know what it's like to have to choose between time as a family or as a couple and things such as mowing the lawn because there isn't always time for both?
I'm tired. I'm tired of fighting with all of this in my mind. I'm tired of missing him and wishing my husband was home. I'm tired of trying to figure it all out.
So, I submitted an application yesterday to go 'part-time'. If all goes as planned, I will have Wednesday (company choice and it's okay) off every week. It'll be a little tough. 20% reduction in my pay. 20% reduction in my bonus. 20% reduction in my vacation time. Is it worth 20%? Is my sanity worth 20%?
I think so. By the time I'm 40, I'm sure it will be.
I used to have all those same thoughts about part-time being wimpy. Now I realize that, if you can do it (and we worked hard for a long time to get into a financial position where I could do it), it is very freeing. It doesn't make you a slacker or unable to "cut it." (It pains me that I actually used to think that of some people as a younger person new to the workforce.) I think it's actually a really brave thing to do, because people will certainly judge you (I always worried about that, but don't really care anymore). Life is about living, not working. So, yes, if you can do it, more power to ya, lady! :) I hope it gets approved!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was hemming and hawing over whether I should ask to reduce my hours to 36 (I have to stay full time because I carry the benefits) I wondered if we could afford for me to do it. After much consideration I realized I couldn't afford NOT to do it. Life is about so much more than money. Luxury (and even some not so luxury) items might have to be cut but in the end it's worth it.
ReplyDeleteThinking about you and hoping for approval!