Holy SH**, it's my last week of work
Well, it's here: My last week of work before I start maternity leave.
I used to dream about not having to work. Don't get me wrong, I like my job. But the thought of having 3 months off kind of sounds like the most glorious thing in the entire world to me. I realize that having 3 months off without a baby would be quite different than 3 months off with a baby, so I realize this won't exactly be "vacation," but still. Some people might find this sad, but I firmly believe that being a mother will fulfill me in ways that I haven't been in my 7 years in the workforce. I've had two great jobs, but I haven't really caught my stride in a specific career, and have been very "content" working as a personal assistant these past 3 years. However, I feel that I am about to embark on the most important job I will ever have, and the job that I am most suited for in my life.
But, since I suffer from "The grass is always greener syndrome", I'm actually a bit more emotional and sad about leaving my job than I thought I'd be. I'm not "leave leaving" my job. As you read in this post: Maternity Leave and Beyond, I will have 3 months of maternity leave, after which I will work part-time from home. It's an ideal situation for me. I'm a little anxious about exactly how/if it will work and there are still some logistical things to figure out as we eventually make the transition. But as far as my every day office setting is concerned: I've grown to really appreciate my coworkers, and have realized just how good I have it. I have a good solid job, with great coworkers, a great work environment, great work/life balance and I am very lucky to be where I am. I'm going to miss seeing my coworkers every day.
So, I'm a mixed bag of emotions right now: I'm excited, elated, anxious, sad, hopeful, hesitant, etc. etc.
I have a big week ahead of me training my replacement. I want the transition to be seamless, I want to make sure she is perfectly trained, and I want to help in any capacity I can even after I leave. If I am a bit MIA this week it's because I have a lot to accomplish in a short amount of time, both at work and at home. The countdown is truly on now.
There is no way to really describe the amount of emotions running through me right now, and the feeling of knowing how much my life is about to change.
I used to dream about not having to work. Don't get me wrong, I like my job. But the thought of having 3 months off kind of sounds like the most glorious thing in the entire world to me. I realize that having 3 months off without a baby would be quite different than 3 months off with a baby, so I realize this won't exactly be "vacation," but still. Some people might find this sad, but I firmly believe that being a mother will fulfill me in ways that I haven't been in my 7 years in the workforce. I've had two great jobs, but I haven't really caught my stride in a specific career, and have been very "content" working as a personal assistant these past 3 years. However, I feel that I am about to embark on the most important job I will ever have, and the job that I am most suited for in my life.
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So, I'm a mixed bag of emotions right now: I'm excited, elated, anxious, sad, hopeful, hesitant, etc. etc.
I have a big week ahead of me training my replacement. I want the transition to be seamless, I want to make sure she is perfectly trained, and I want to help in any capacity I can even after I leave. If I am a bit MIA this week it's because I have a lot to accomplish in a short amount of time, both at work and at home. The countdown is truly on now.
There is no way to really describe the amount of emotions running through me right now, and the feeling of knowing how much my life is about to change.
You are not exaggerating when you state that you are about to embark on a job that will fulfill you in ways no other job ever will. Parenthood is under rated in this country. No job is more important or will demand so much of you than parenthood. You will do/say things that would otherwise be impossible to do/say. Think of it this way-you've been a personal assistant for three years. You're about to become a personal assistant for life! The pay will suck but the benefits will be immeasurable and priceless!!
ReplyDeleteI like the analogy...you're def. right!
DeleteGood luck with your last week! It will definitely be different but I think I would be excited, too. It will be a new adventure, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a new and exciting adventure! Can't wait to keep everyone posted on how it goes!
DeleteGood luck with this last week! The rest of the logistics will work themselves out. Life will be so much sweeter when your baby arrives! It's been an adjustment but we're absolutely loving having our boy here with us!
ReplyDeleteAhhh!! So excited for you, congratulations!! I have so much blog catching up to do...ive been so out of the loop! Enjoy every minute Mama!
DeleteWow, your last week is here already! I could see how it would be bittersweet! Good luck with the training!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It def. is bittersweet...it's kind of like graduating High School and College. Partially closing one door and starting a new chapter of my life!
DeleteGood luck with the transition out of the office! Definitely bittersweet.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHave a great last week at work....I think once you get into a routine at home and the baby arrives you will be really busy, however it is a big transition. I am very blessed that I am able to stay at home with my baby, but I went to college and had a few good jobs as well and its quite a difference once you transition to stay at home but I think you will do just fine :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your positive thoughts! I think it will be good too...we are both def. blessed to be able to stay at home!
DeleteI can so relate. I was so excited to start on the journey of motherhood but I also had a hard time taking 3 months off from a job I loved. I may have been doing our monthly stat report from my hospital room. I was a tad of a control freak.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time off and I love your mom's comment. It's so true and totally worth it.
You're crazy!! Haha, but I can see how it's hard to just walk away completely and that's it.
DeleteWhen I left my job with Congress three years ago, I felt many mixed emotions, too. In my heart, I felt I had made the right decision in light of the way things were changing there and how unfulfilled I had become, but even so, on my last day I just wanted to burst into tears as I realized I was letting go of a huge piece of my identity, leaving some genuinely great coworkers, etc. In your case, with the baby on the way, I know the emotions and feelings of change are certainly even stronger, so I'm sending you a big hug this week. I truly believe that in time, you'll find the right rhythm, including once you're working part-time, and feel even more strongly that you've made the best decision for your life at this time. Hugs, Laura!
ReplyDeleteThat's how I'll feel on Friday - so excited and I know it's the right thing, but still leaving with a heavy heart. Thanks so much for your constant support and encouragement Heather!
DeleteI can't believe you are already going on maternity leave. Where did the months go? I am sure you will do a great job training your replacement/fill in person. And I think everything you are feeling is perfectly acceptable. It is hard to leave something that you love not really knowing how it will work in the future. But I am sure you will figure it out and everything will be great. Have a great last week of work!
ReplyDeleteI have NO IDEA where the months went! Thanks...this week has been nuttsssoo I hope I can catch up on everyone's blogs next week!
DeleteGood luck this week! I can already tell, from the way you're writing about it, that you're going to be a great mom and a wonderful role model for your child. Everything - work and parenthood - will work out great, even though it seems like some crazy big changes right now!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!! :)
DeleteYay last week of work! Enjoy your maternity leave and your last few weeks of pregnancy.
ReplyDeleteWorking from home can be challenging, but you can do it! I've developed better time management skills since I've been doing it :)