Any career women out there about to change their work lives forever?

Hi all: I'm just touching base with all of the mommies-to-be (any existing mommies) who've chosen to prioritize having a family over having a career AFTER being a career woman all her life so far.  I'm a very career-oriented person who is used to running things on the job (I currently run a small law firm's business), and in the next few weeks, life as I know it will totally change forever.  I've decided to give up my full time status to work only part time in the future with baby, and while it was absolutely my choice, I think being so close to delivery (I'm 37w4d), I'm starting to watch my work world around me begin to move on without me.  This Friday is my last day, so I'm transitioning A LOT to several people to manage while I'm on mat leave for 12 wks (in addition to the 2 wks I take before my due date-if I last that long!).  I've also outlined what I will be doing on a p/t basis once I'm back, and I'm so nervous as to how that is going to go.  Giving up so much control is really quite hard for me, and I suspect, it won't be as hard as I think once I'm in the thick of it when I have my little baby to raise with DH.  Anyway, I could go on, but I was wondering if anyone out there is having a rough time with this type of transition.  Work is all I know, and I've worked so hard to get where I am today, and there is a part of me having a hard time letting go.  I'd love to hear how everyone else is dealing with this type of thing.  Thanks!  

[willsmom]

Boy, your life sounds so similar to mine.  I was an office manager/accountant for a small law firm for the last 5 years.  About a year and a half into it, I went from full-time to part-time due to the birth of my son.  At the beginning of this year, I went home full-time (well, I go in about 2 hours a week to make the bank deposits, reconcile the escrow acct, etc. but very minimal).  It was very hard for me to transition from f/t to p/t because basically, I don't trust others to do things the "right" way.  It was also hard for me to transition out at the beginning of the year, knowing I had no control over whoever did my tasks from then on.  But, overall, I am very happy with the way things are.  I can go in whenever I want to, even after hours, and I don't have all the stress that I did have.  I'm really enjoying the time I've spent with my son and now that we have twins on the way, it's been great to be able to have "yuck" days and not have to worry about work.  Honestly, I wish I had done this when my son was born, because now it's harder for me to adjust to not having my own spending money and the extra money for all the extras (baby pictures, etc.), but my dh is very supportive and is setting aside money for those things for when the babies come.  You will not regret your decision.  When I finally realized that I had the rest of my life to work and have "things", but precious little time at home with my kids before they are grown and gone, it all fell into place.  It will for you too.  It will be difficult at first, because if you're anything like me, you will HATE having to let others do "your" work because they will not do it the same way or as good as you would have done it :)  I liked feeling indispensible (I think I spelled that right!)  Good luck and enjoy your maternity leave!  It is such a wonderful time!

[JaydensMommy]

First of all, I think you are making a great decision.  It will be a hard transition...I did it to!   But the time you will be able to spend with your little bundle of joy will be amazing...I promise.  I was a career woman too.  I worked very hard at college and got a great job right after. I always thought I could do both.  When I found out I was pregnant I still thought I would do both.  But when he arrived my whole world changed and I went crazy at the thought of even going back PT.  I never wanted to be away!!!  They are so precious and the time goes SOO FAST.  I used to think people were just trying to find something to say when they would say "enjoy every minute because they grow up so fast."  But it is so true, nothing passes by as fast as the growth of your child.  I went back PT for a while after he was 4 months and then resigned shortly after and started my own business from home.  It was the best decision I ever made!  I am here to rasie my son instead of someone else.  I work my business right here at home and actually make double what I was making in corporate america!  I really think you will feel less anxious when your baby arrives.  You will be starting the most difficult, but most rewarding job in the world....parenting!  Just make sure to make time for yourself.  That was something I def. had to learn to do.  Please keep me posted on how everything goes.  When are you due btw?  

[kris123]

I have some what of the same feelings but I don't run the business I work for, but I do control what goes on in the office and how that is run.  There are others that handle the manufact.  aspect of it.  I am a little nervous to leave also - even showing others how to do my job.  I like running the office and being in here alone.  I feel a little nervous myself :-)  Its like I want to protect my job - silly right.  It sounds as though your job is a bit harder then mine.  I am always wondering, are they really going to be able to do it with out me.  I think you will be ok once the baby is born.  Once you see him.  I remember when I went back to work after Kala was born, I only worked part-time and still felt guilty about that.  You'll be ok I am sure of it.  

How about them pains the other day - you better keep that baby in - I am supposed to have mine before you :-)

[BabyforLori]

OOOHHH, I totally understand where you are coming from.  I am 40 years old and pregnant for the first time.  I have worked in law for 25 years.  I know that I am making the right decision for me and the baby to stay at home, but, and I know this may sound selfish, I am worried about how I am going to react to not going to work every day, not having my brain work every day....I am afraid I am going to get depressed.  Even though I don't feel useful everyday of my career life, I know what I am doing and I do my work well. I get satisfaction from knowing this.  What I don't know is if I am going to be a good mommy, I am going to try, but I am a little worried about the unknown right now.  NOW, don't get me wrong, I know there are probably going to be those who say "well, you should have thought about that before you had a baby."  Trust me, we did.  All it is is transition that is concerning - moving from one life style to another!!  And, that can be very very scary sometimes.  

You are not alone.  We actually have support groups in our area for these transition times - I plan to sign up for them ALL!!!!  Good luck to you!!!

[JaydensMommy]

You could always look into work at home businesses!  There are a lot of scams out there but there are just as many wonderful, income producing things that are real and legit.  

[mami1323]

I am actually feeling the opposite.  I want to stay home with my little one when the baby is born.  My problem is am I able to.  Financially it will put a strain on us if I don't work.  My current company isn't very flexible and have been giving me issues because of my many doctor appointments.  I know that when the baby is born, that they won't be willing to change my hours.  I want to stay but possibly work part time but seeing that they have been terrible with me now, I can only imagine how bad it will get.  I will just have to look for part time somewhere else.

[Hulahut]

Thanks to you all for your encouragement.  I have a new emotion every minute!  I am due 6/29 but am worried I'll go early (perhaps that's a blessing!)  The pains Kris is referring to were simply braxton hicks with some gas and baby-dropping pain.  Thank goodness.  I'll know tomorrow at my appt.  Wonderful thoughts for you all!  I'm going home.... :)

[mami1323]

I have a friend who is starting up his own business and he says if all goes well I could jump in and work from home.  I can't wait.  Also, my fiance and I are thinking about opening a business of our own with a couple of people.  We have a great idea and hopefully that will form into something.  I appreciate the advice though.  Oh and if I'm having a boy I was going to name him Jayden also.  It's such a great name.

[JaydensMommy]

Sounds great!  You can also check out my site if your wish....

www.successfulfromhome.com

I totally replaced my income (above and beyond!) and came home full-time just 3 months after starting my business.  It has been an amazing blessing.