Some of you may know that I’ve been a legal secretary for some 25+ years. Up until about 8 years ago, I worked a typical 40 hour week. When I remarried my husband didn’t want me working full time and I was lucky enough to go to work for an attorney friend 32 hours a week (off on Fridays because we like to travel). Then I had a slip and fall at work (fell down 18 stairs) and was on workman’s comp for 6 months and then unemployment for another 6 months. I knew then I didn’t like being home full time. Then I went to work for a real estate company for about 2 years Monday-Thursday 9-3….eventually that led me to working for the real estate owner’s cousin, who is an attorney, 2 days a week for him and 2 days a week at the real estate company. Eventually the attorney needed me more than 2 days a week and I chose to work for him 3 days a week and left the real estate company.
Fast forward 4 years and last March my attorney “boss” and I took in another attorney, a retired judge. I continued to work 3 days a week which has worked okay but just this week we added another attorney to our little firm! What all of this means is that they need me more days and hours. I take care of my 92 year old mom on my “off time” which is a full time job itself. Not complaining, just stating a fact.
Today we had a little meeting and I was informed they need me Monday-Thursday 8-5….and I’m not a happy camper! Hubby and I talked and he has left it up to me as to what to do. I love my job, I love the guys I work with, I just don’t like giving up my Mondays and those extra hours a day. However, I have decided to give it a try with the understanding that I can be off whenever I need to. Since I haven’t worked full time for the last several years, I have obligations, mainly involving the care of my mom, that cannot be done after 5:00.
I know this new change will probably affect how I blog. I won’t get to do as many projects as I normally would. It’s just going to be hard getting back to the 8-5 grind. I know in today’s economy there are some people who would love to be offered the opportunity I am being afforded but fortunately, I don’t have to have the 40 hour a week job.
So if I don’t visit your blog or comment as much or you don’t see as many posts please know that I have not gone anywhere, I will just have to learn how to balance my time better. And if doesn’t work, then I will just do something else.
Frankly, I’m not ready to completely quit working and be home “all the time”. I love what I do and I’m good at it. I just got spoiled with my perfect days off and perfect hours!
We’ll see how this works out. Once it starts affecting my ability to care for my mom or takes time away from my husband/home, then I know what I’ll have to do!
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20 comments:
Wishing you the BEST Judy!!!
Blessings,
Linda
Good luck Judy! I am sure it will all work out.
Wow Judy, I hope this works out for you. What if you remained part time and they hired another gal either part time or full time? You are lucky that there is some flexibility, that just goes to show how much they value you. Email when you can.
Good luck, sweet lady! I know you will do what's best for you and your family.
Hope it all works out.
Good Luck
Lois
That's a big change and I know what it is like to care for aged parents. The blog world will be here when you can get to us, but we'll miss you too. Good luck with the changes.
You will have a lot on your plate! Wishing you the best. You'll know soon enough if it is working for you and your family.
Wishing you the best as you increase your working hours and continue to take care of your mom. I take care of my mom who is 89. Luckily, we built her a little apartment in our backyard so she is close by. I know exactly what you mean when you say that is a job within itself!
Judy,
I worked full time and took care of my 90 year old mother, so I know what you're talking about. Thank goodness my husband was good at helping around the house and that helped tremendously.
I firmly believe that God works things out in a way that's best for us.
Wishing you a great New Year. Take care and blog when you have time.
Hugs,
Babs
What a way to start the New Year. Having to change. Change is hard. I left a job for the same reason, I need more time off. I now am home full time, but I do miss my extra money.
I'll be here reading your blog even if you never get by to comment on mine. I just love stopping in to see what you are up to. Have a fabulous weekend,
Melissa
Change is always hard, but at least your husband is supportive and will let you decide what's best. I hope you find a way to have the time to do all you want to do, including blogging. Good luck sweet friend.
Big weekend hugs,
Kat
Wishing you the best Judy!
Judy, I hope your new hours work out for you so you can do the things you need to do ... and still have time to do the things you want to do.
Wishing you the best ...
I've really enjoyed reading your blog for some time now. As we get "older", we have new life challenges. Im still working 40 hours a week and have my 88 yo mother, adult son and wife (students) plus their baby and dog living with us. I've learned you just have to roll with the punches. I'm looking forward to my retirement in 3 1/2 years. It will be interested to see where my new road leads. I hope you enjoy your new path!
Laurie
Hope you get the schedule rolling the way you want and still have time for family and a tiny bit for blogging!
Good luck
Rhonda
I just found your blog. I hope that you can find balance in your life and that among all that you have to do you can find time for the things most important to you. All the best!
I wish you all the best, friend and look forward to hearing from you soon!
I know it will all work out for you, but have they thought about hiring another secretary part time...then the two of you could tag team, if you will, and it would cost them about the same amount. Look at me offering suggestions! lol Can you tell I work in a law office too?
Let us know how it works out.
Lou Cinda
Good luck Judy. Sounds like you are a super busy lady. I have not worked in 14 years outside the home. I worked in the medical field for 15 years. SOmewhere in between I did work for an attorney and I loved the job. At least they sound flexible, and they want YOU more than you want them, so you are in a good position.
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