Crossroads

[Anonymous]

DCUM has always been a helpful sounding board as I approach different roads in my career. Here goes the current crossroads:

Within the last year, I returned to work as a jr. level attorney at a state government agency after being home for 4+ years. I was fortunate to be assigned to a really important issue and excelled at it (got the Governor's attention). The current position is very flexible---flexible telework schedule whenever I want, 4pm end of day (even 3:30, if I skip lunch), civil service protections (i.e. job for life). It has been great return to work gig.

Now, I am being offered a high-level government job. Dramatically changes everything -- hours will go way up, responsibilities, gone are my civil service protections and telework days.

It's funny I find myself in this position again. When I left work 4 years ago, I was escaping the "rat race"---I was tired of the long hours that my prior work required. I joined civil service intentionally--to escape the pressures my prior jobs faced (and it was a long list of rat racing--from graduate school to top law school, to clerkship rat race to big law...yadda, yadda, I was tired and stayed home and it was lovely).

Anyone been faced with a similar situation? Actively opted OUT of the rat race and then get invited back in....I am so tempted (and flattered)....but don't know if I will be unhappy again once inside the rat maze.

I know these are first-world problems....and please no trolls, I am leaning towards letting the opportunity go because I want to be a present mother. That's the reason I left 4 years ago. But damn, it's tempting (For someone who seeks validation through school/work). Sigh.

[Anonymous]

All I can say is all those people who say SAHMs can't get back in... poo! Congratulations!

[Anonymous]

My h and I both "checked out" of the ladder climbing when the kids were young.

He went back when the kids were in middle school. I am waiting until my oldest is a junior in HS, but he has LDs that I need to help manage.

Depends how you will manage the work/life/self/community balance.

Do you have a plan on how you would handle that?

[Anonymous]

OP, you have to look at what you're getting out of it. Are you getting boat loads of money? Do you feel like you're contributing in a way that uses your talents to their fullest extent?

My husband and I talk about this on and off. I'm being lulled constantly by the rate race as well, and these people work around the clock. One day, there will be the right job for me that doesn't require everything I have to give with nothing left for my family. That, unfortunately, will require moving to a different town for me. But, it's fine.