Working nine to five (Part 1 of 3)

I am going to come clean about one of the changes I have alluded to in an earlier post. On February 22nd, I left my job with the City and armed with lots of prospects but nothing solid, went to my couch for a bit. 

Why? It was time for both of us.  The commuting two days a week, leaving while it was still dark and coming home barely in time to tuck my kiddos in had taken its toll. In addition, the need to be equally attentive to my computer and Blackberry at the same time my kids were demanding food was overwhelming and ended in tears more than I'd like to recount. I had filled a specific need in the Administration when they asked me to come on board, and budget constraints and reorganization made that need obsolete. 

Mostly, for me, the needs of my family would be better responded to and I would be more accessible working near my kids. More will be elaborated on this at the end of the month. The people who work in the Mayor's Office are all heart,mull of passion for the City, confident that what they are doing will change lives (and rightly so), and are a team of the smartest minds I have ever seen. My heart is in my city, not theirs, and they deserve to be supported by someone who is as All In as they are. 

I have accepted a policy position in Healthcare Innovation and Technology for the Department of Health and Hospitals. I start on March 25th at more money. I'll get off work at the same time everyday, in time to make taekwondo lessons, baseball practice and to get Jake to the kids' grief group he will begin soon. I have been taking lots of naps, handling lots of family business, cooking better meals, and have had more energy and attention to give the boys, who I think are ready for me to go back to work already. 

There are logistical challenges to being in an office every day. After-school care being chiefly among them. Various doctor appointments are also requiring some forethought. Luckily their dad has Mondays available to do some of the daytime hauling around, so we'll be relying heavily on him for the next few months for this part. Also, Murphylosaurus is going to have a hard time being alone all day. My separation anxiety will be slightly less extreme. 

Because I've worked with a lot of geographic flexibility since I got the boys full time, I've been wondering around the city asking people how the f*** working moms do this. Seems like it will be a combo of careful planning, quick suppers, total family cooperation, forgiveness, a big sense of humor and a steady supply of chilled rosè. Join me on this ride to figure myself out, won't you. 

You won't believe the complications to this development that are forthcoming by March's end. Buckle the f*** up.