Because I documented my desire to return to work as well as the details of my job search, I figured I should write about my Return to Work Experience.
Since December 12th, I have been working for a Social Service Agency who aids the Elder community. My title is HR Administrative Assistant, but my duties are much more of a Recruiting Coordinator. I am happy to report that I was actually able to find an organization that would let me work from 9am-3pm. For now, this is a temp assignment so it is offering me a “taste” of returning to work–to see how I like it, how I handle it, how it affects the family.
My first 10 days were mostly administrative Grunt-Work—filing, filing, and more filing. I would have been tasked with data entry, but my supervisor was having problems getting me access into their HRIS systems. I pretty much impressed/surprised them with the speed and efficiency of my filing skills. ;>)
I then went away for 10 days for the Christmas holidays, so I consider my “First Day of Real Work” as January 3rd. My supervisor had fixed the HRIS issue, so I now had the ability to go into the system and update evaluation dates, change of addresses, new job titles. I was also given the responsibility of handling all the job postings and resume intake, as well as meeting with candidates, sending out offer letters, and much more.
There have been times when I have wondered if this is actually a 30 hour a week job. Either it is not, or I am too quick and efficient, or they just haven’t given me the “meat” of the job yet. I can’t say that I’m being “challenged” but I am feeling very productive. Luckily, over the past 2 weeks, I have been given more and more responsibility and autonomy. My supervisor and the HR Director are *very* pleased with the high level of detail and integrity I show in my work. I am constantly being complimented, and have been asked to extend my assignment from March until the end of May.
How has my return to work effected our home life?
Well, for starters, I haven’t heard any squawking from the peanut gallery.
My morning routine with the boys is *exactly* the same. Lily and I take the boys to the bus stop each morning, and she and I go on a quick walk. Lily gets the raw deal, as her walks are quite short now, and she is home alone for 7 hours. The boys now take the bus after school, instead of my picking them up. When the boys come into the house, they grab a snack and start their homework. On occasion, I have to remind them that their “unwind” time was the 30 minute bus ride. And each night, I make a nice dinner for the family–sometimes it’s casual, sometimes I go all out–just like before I worked.
I have done a few 7pm grocery trips during the week, and I have done “full grocery runs” on either Saturday or Sunday. It doesn’t bother me all that much, but it’s definitely not the same as going to a nice, quiet, relatively-empty grocery store at 9am on a weekday.
What I have noticed, and perhaps this does bother me a little, is that since January, I have done a ton of errands on Saturdays or Sundays in between basketball games, church, or other commitments. When I mentioned this to Hubby, he hasn’t noticed. But I guess this is the reality of a working mom.
I have been able to keep up with housework. Back in December, I called a couple of housecleaners. One did come for a meet-and-greet, and I played phone tag with the others. I try not to make phone-calls at work, so I say “I’ll call when the boys do their homework.” But I forget, and the next day I kick myself. But just like before I worked, I divide the household chores into different days, rather than cleaning the WHOLE HOUSE in one day/night. And it’s worked for me. But I am HAPPY TO SAY, I finally did another meet-and-greet with a house cleaner, which came recommended by 2 friends….and I really liked her….so she’ll start this week! (YAY!)
Where do I go from here?
Although I am capable of doing more than just administrative assistant work, I am happy that I decided to re-join the workforce in this capacity. I will admit that I very much underestimated the changes–laws, technology, procedures–in the last 10 years. This has been a great refresher and tutorial all in one. I know I’m not “manager” material (yet), but I’m looking forward to a bigger challenge.
The HR Director talked to me the other day about whether I would be interested in staying with the company on a “permanent” basis in a full-time role (the role/title/job description is still being ironed out). As flattered as I was, I had to turn down her offer because I *really* don’t want to work 40 hours. I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed filling 6 hours of my day with work I enjoy doing, being part of a team, being appreciated….but still able to come home, meet my boys at the bus, help them with their homework, and make a nice meal where we all sit together and share our stories of the day. I don’t want to give that up. I’m very fortunate to be in a position that I don’t have to work 40 hours (or more). And as I told hubby recently, By me returning to work, I am not breaking the family. If anything, I am enhancing the family because it shows my kids that “Yes, mommies are smart too. They can work.” I’m not deserting them for a job. I want to work while they are at school/work, as not to break the balance or the FAMILY WE CREATED.
I am fortunate to be working with 2 very lovely, dedicated ladies. I plan on working at this agency through the end of May, or longer if they need me. Maybe they’ll change their mind and want to offer me a perm PT position? If not, that’s ok. I have thoroughly loved this experience, the “taste” of returning to work. And I will know what I enjoy doing, and can focus on that, and find something that “fits”.
Here’s to the future!
VP of Domestic Affairs 