Starting a new chapter..... HELP

Explore options for a while before making a decision. I worked part time once my kids were in the 4th grade and once they were in high school i started exploring becoming a fitness instructor. I became certified in various disciplines and teach classes as my schedule allows. I work part time as a radiation therapist and we also have several rental properties that I manage, so mid to late 40's turned out to be a busy time doing new and different things.
I know it is hard to let go of the little one but remember another opportunity is opening up... take time to embrace this time in your life and keep an open mind to all options. Keep us updated!!

Brenda
 
You could have another baby.

You could give all of us disorganized members of Cathe Nation lessons on how to become more organized. My house always seems to be in a state of disarray.
 
Oh Beavs, I thought for sure you were going to chime in with "stay at home and eat bon bons!" :p

I'm in that old broad with young kids category, too, except a couple of years ahead. My youngest starts second grade on Monday. :eek: How did that happen?!

I am very lucky in that I work part-time at the business my husband and I started the year before our first son was born. I work when I'm able to, and it's not a crisis if I can't get in because someone is sick or there are childcare issues. It'd be great if you could find something like that, but I'm not sure how to suggest going about it, especially in this awful economy!

Maybe the first thing to do is spend some time with yourself and explore what might make you happy.......
 
Ellie, it sounds like you are a little afraid of having time to yourself! I think you should enjoy it for now. Take a few weeks or months whatever you need to get adjusted to the children's schedules. You might find that you arent as free as you thought. Anyway, what about doing something small. Maybe selling Avon,Princess House, etc would be just enough for now, until another choice becomes obvious to you.

Enjoy yourself, and like Gayle said - CHILL!!
 
Why wouldn't you go back to being a nurse, at least part time for a while, and eventually full time when the kids need you less?
 
Ellie

I am a sahm with my youngest starting 7th grade! When he started kindergarten I went through the same thing you are "what am I going to do now" and I explored many of the options our fitness friends have suggested here. The truth is - between shopping, errands, exercising, food prep and being where I need to be when I need to be (you know - soccer, piano lessons, basketball, baseball, sclepping to various appts/friends etc.) there was NO time to even consider doing anything else.

You would not believe how many people ask me "what are you doing now" implying that since my boys are old and presumably self sufficient I should be working or making a contribution of some sort. I even had one bratty little third grader tell me once that I was cheating because I wasn't working outside the home!

The second truth is - I discovered that my boys needed me more as they got older, especially as they moved into high school, not less.

I agree with Gayle, CHILL OUT... and wait and see....:D
 
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I agree with Janis. Just because the kids are in school does not mean that they need you less.

I am perfectly content with being a SAHM of school-age children. It's a lot less stress on the family in general.
 
Janis said:
Ellie

I am a sahm with my youngest starting 7th grade! When he started kindergarten I went through the same thing you are "what am I going to do now" and I explored many of the options our fitness friends have suggested here. The truth is - between shopping, errands, exercising, food prep and being where I need to be when I need to be (you know - soccer, piano lessons, basketball, baseball, sclepping to various appts/friends etc.) there was NO time to even consider doing anything else.

You would not believe how many people ask me "what are you doing now" implying that since my boys are old and presumably self sufficient I should be working or making a contribution of some sort. I even had one bratty little third grader tell me once that I was cheating because I wasn't working outside the home!

The second truth is - I discovered that my boys needed me more as they got older, especially as they moved into high school, not less.

I agree with Gayle, CHILL OUT... and wait and see....:D
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And you, Janis, have a life that is beautiful, sweet, fun, interesting, challenging and filled with laughter.
 
Ellie,

I have no words of wisdom for you as I am in the same place. I have a 4 yr old boy who is in full time pre k as of last school year. I have a part time job that fills my mornings a few days a week but that's it. I personally can't help but feel rather useless being home with my son gone most of the day. I have started looking for a better job with more hours but it's tough out there right now so I don't see myself getting anything any time too soon. That being said, I understand what you are going through. (((HUGS)))

You said that you used to be a nurse, has too much time passed for you to go back to it??
 
You don't HAVE to work 12 hours in the ER. I currently work in an ER (I am a nurse also) and my youngest starts kindergarten next month also. I too am very high energy, and let's just say that I am super excited to be able to work more. I have worked minimally since my first was born (10yrs ago) always home during the day and picking up just a few shifts 3-11, 5-11 that sort of thing when I could. I LOVE being a nurse, and while I am sad that my baby is starting school, this opens a whole new world for me, and I'm excited to take advantage of it! The ER that I work in will let me pick up day shifts that would normally run from 9-5, but I told them that I could only work until 2:30, because I had to go get my kids after school. They didn't even bat an eye..that's how happy they are to have the help, and not have to pay an Agency nurse. So with that and picking up a class here and there, I think will be perfect!

Good luck!
Becky
 
Well, if I were you I'd get a Four Seasons membership & stalk..........err I mean work out with........Cathe every chance I could. ;)

Ellie, the world is your oyster! I think community college is a great idea! You can take one class a semester JUST FOR FUN........I cannot imagine. I'm so jealous. :) Learn a language, take some music classes, anything you want. I can't remember exactly where you live, but BCC actually has a pretty good school.

Or, you could just chill out. Nothing wrong w/that either. :cool:
 
elliemom said:
Am I too old to pursue a second degree and career??? Am I gonna feel like a grandma at a college??????? Or should I just pledge a sorority and run with it?
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NO! You are sooooo not too old to go back to school! I work in higher ed and get the opportunity to see people of ALL ages come back to school (or go the first time) and re-invent themselves. It's awesome, do it! :)

FWIW, I taught part-time for a short while, and I loved my non-trad students. Try taking some classes that you think will be fun, different and/or horizon broadening. You might find an interest you never knew you had.
 
Ellie - my MIL has gone back to school part time (she also owns her own advertising company) and she is in her late 50's. She has a degree in some kind of business/marketing area but is going back to get some kind of education degree so she can work with disabled children.

I like LauraMax's of taking one class a semester at a local community college. That would give you something to do without keeping you out of the home too much so if your boys need you, you'll be there. If I could, I would go back to school 3/4 time and get a degree in something else (despite what I thought, I need a tad more direction and focus before moving on to grad school).
 
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