Mainly its because I've got a 3 week session of pretending I'm a real person in the real working world. Since Islay was born 3 years ago I've been on a career break from my work as a forester with Forestry Commission Scotland. Part of the deal with my break is that I do 2 weeks 'Keeping in Touch' each year.
This year I'm spreading it over 3 weeks doing 3 days each week. John is looking after the kids this week and next and mum will have them the third week. It is actually a great idea and will make going back to work at the end a great deal easier. And I'm so lucky to have the option to do this rather than to have to hand in my notice in order to have a bit of time with the children.
Needless to say though going back into work is a bit of a shock to the system. Tuesday was the first day and by the end my brain was telling me in no uncertain terms, by throwing a thumping headache at me, that it was somewhat horrified and not prepared to co-operate. Islay slept badly Tuesday night so I was a bit apprehensive how I'd be on Wednesday but brains must be very adaptable things and mine decided it was willing to pretend it knew what it was doing again. And so, hopefully, by the end of my 9 days I'll have got the 2009/10 Annual Review written (which is a great way of finding out what has been happening across the organisation over the last 12 months) and my brain can go back to slumbering along until this time next year......by which time I'll be panicking about leaving my little girl as I'm due back to work Autumn 2011 once she starts school. Best try not to think about it.
As a bit of light entertainment I thought I'd add a shot of me emerging from one of the water sessions in last month's run. I think this was towards the end and I have to say by this stage I'd really had enough of getting wet! Oh, and all six of us had pink tutus so its not just me who's mad....its perhaps not the most flattering pic but never mind!
Bye for now and take care.
18 comments:
Life sounds busy, I do envy people who have a job to go back to in the long run though, seems like a great plan to have a career break long enough to get little ones into school and yet have something waiting for you when it's time.
Love the running shot........still think you're bonkers! a quick 4k in good weather is about my lot right now :)
That photo of you is brilliant! Hope the rest of the return to work goes smoothly.
Thanks for the kind comments x
Beth - yes its a great option altho' it may force me to go back sooner than I'd really like as there's no way I can ask for more than 5 years!
As for the running I'm really struggling this week - and the only reason I got above 4 k is because of the race acting as a major deadline to work for...now I musn't loose too much of the fitness I gained for it. Juliex
Kate - Thanks. I must admit I'm really looking forward to the weekend! Hope you have a good one too. Juliex
Hey Julie I'm sure returning to work will be good for you, especially doing it the way you described. Its difficult getting the work/home balance right, I've just decided to drop to part-time hours from full-time which really has lifted a weight of worry/guilt off my shoulders regarding being with my kids as opposed to being career orientated. Good Luck! Justine xx
Hi Justine - you're right, it's all such a difficult balance. I worked part-time after both the boys but it felt like it made sense to stop once Islay was born. I've always enjoyed working but I do love being at home. And different things suit different people too. I do hope you enjoy being part-time, I'm sure you will, sometimes reaching the decision is the hardest part. Juliex
What a great idea to allow you to have a break from work, and you can rest in the knowledge that there is a job for you at the end.
Dig deep, and push through the next few weeks - I'm sure you'll do great!
Gracie - thanks. Digging deep has been needed today. I've been battling with a horrible headache but I managed to get a reasonable chunk of work done. Just got the kid in bed and I think I'll be following them soon...oh what an exciting Friday night! Juliex
It's lovely to meet you Julie! I was made redundant whilst on maternity leave almost 12 years ago!!! I think it's great that you have the opportunity to stay in touch with the job so it wont be so daunting on your return. I would like to return to wotk but haven't got a clue what I would do anymore!!! x
Simone- thanks so much! It does seem to be hard to work out what to do if you've had a break. I have quite a few friends who're getting to the stage they could go back but they aren't sure what to do. I guess its quite important to try and find something that really appeals to you...and of course that fits in around everything else. Not very easy!
Oh I so understand when you say about worrying if you still have a brain when going back to work! I returned to work today since my little un turned 6mths. I'm only doing one day a week and unfortunately on a Saturday but it means my hubby can have the kids. God did I miss them but I do enjoy the chance to think about things other than nappies and feeding!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend xx
Well done you, it sounds like you must have survived. Its a horrible feeling leaving them when they are still so little (at least mine are a bit bigger now). Good that you don't have to use other childcare except that its a Saturday - John has been doing a great job with my lot....except for small details like tidying up and forgetting to put Angus' clean clothes on for a party yesterday. I had them all laid out, mentioned it in the morning - 'yeah, yeah' - then came home to find him in the same clotehs he'd started in. Its not really a problem, just a little niggle! Juliex
Trying to achieve a life balance for everyone in the family is not easy. We trip up at times, we can't get everything done. We are not machines, we have our own identity and we need satisfaction to motivate us.
Good luck....Tramp
Hiya Tramp - I'm definitely not a machine - far too temperamental for that! Julie
Hi Julie, really don't worry about not being able to finish the apron yet, there's no hurry. It's going to take a while to spread the word anyway, so I'll probably keep the raffle open for at least a month. I'm chuffed to have raised over £50 already though! It's only been up and running a couple of days :)
Abby - no probs. £50 already is amazing. Juliex
sounds like a great job to have and awesome that they'll hold your job for you , . Homespun is an Australian magazine and I get mine from here http://www.manorhousemagazines.co.uk/ lovely people and quite cheap too.
Periwinkle, I know its a great option and I really do appreciate it. Thanks for the information about the magazine - I'll check it out. Juliex
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