It's funny how one can agonize over a decision, only to later find that the decision made is universally applauded by friends and family.
Our little baby boy is due in March, and I've been EXHAUSTED the last few months. No energy. None. I've got 17 hours left until I graduate from law school, and had every intention of powering through the spring semester so I could be done in May. I also had every intention of taking some time off after that, and not taking the bar exam until February 2013, just so I could stay at home with the little guy for a while before starting work.
But, a few weeks ago I started to rethink the plan. Discussed it with the hubster, with other family, with student services. And I decided to take a leave of absence from school this spring. I'll go back in the fall to finish things up.
Which means I've got a couple months coming up when I will be gainfully unemployed and can nest to my heart's content. I am available for temp work, so I might do an honest days work or two. But in general, I'm pretty darn excited about having the time to rest up, grow a baby, and then be able to fully devote myself to him in those first few weeks/months. No running back to school right after he's born to take finals. No worrying about walking around campus in the snow and ice. No worrying about missing classes if I don't feel well, or if I am put on bedrest or anything of the sort.
The most surprising thing for me has been that everyone, and I do mean everyone, that I have told about the leave of absence has thought it is a phenomenally great idea. I am so surprised! I really agonized over the decision. It means I'll need to find people to watch the little guy when I go back to school in the fall, and that I'll miss out on some of that time with him when he's older. But still, everyone thinks it's great.
So, seems as though I made a good decision. Nice to have everyone's approval for the fact that I'm going to be a bum for a few months. :)
Jenn,
ReplyDeleteI was so excited for you that I shared your news with my hubby last night, stating that I think this is best. We all agonize over these decisions, attempting to do what's best for all those who depend on us while at the same time holding on to those things which keep us grounded as individuals. For me, my recent heart-wrenching choice was to plow through for a big finish in May (which also would have required a 17 hour spring semester), or break it into two semesters with a lighter load. I spent so much time away from home this fall that my 10 year old seems like she has aged three years in 4 months. My 15 year old started dating and I knew it was time to slow down.
The best thing about your decision is it looks like you have found the autonomy to make these decisions in a way that will allow you the appropriate balance of career and family. When we first started, some of what was told to me let me know that my personal values would be challenged in order to gain success. I this past 2 1/2 years I have learned so much about myself and I am glad I have reached the point where I have learned to set appropriate boundaries. My new mantra is "No Regrets". I am so glad you reconsidered your decision, as I know this will allow you to enjoy your new baby's debut and that you will be at peace when we both finish 12 months from now. I believe you too will have "no regrets" and will be one of those dynamic women who has learned how to "have it all"!
Yay! I, too, think it's a fantastic decision. There is *nothing* more important in your life right now than keeping your body healthy and well-rested so it can continue to be the perfect vessel in which to grow your baby boy. Law school can wait! Woohoo!!
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