Would you quit working to stay home with your doodles? UPDATE!!!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Okay, now I think I have gone over the edge. I am needing some serious therapy! In this economy, I am considering leaving a job so that I can be home with my doods.

Well, that's not the whole story. The job is beyond stressful, I have an hour drive in traffic to and from work everyday. Yes, 2 hours a day in traffic. It's a government job with so many responsibilties that I can't be away from it for more than a day without something needing attention. I have to travel around the state for 1-2 nights at a time and often. DH is retired and wants to go off for the summer and travel in our little toy hauler trailer, I have my only grandson (18 months)moving from Florida to be here in Az with son and DIL in March and they could use some grandma babysitting, and I have sorely neglected my own physical health due to this job. But having said all that, I think missing my doodles so much just puts the last straw on the poor camels back.

Could we afford it? Let's just say we wouldn't starve and the dogs would still get Fromm dog food.

SO what's a doodle mom to do? Any words of wisdom DK'ers?

UPDATE:

Well, with much consideration and re-reading all of your posts and talking to DH and mom and kids, I handed in my resignation yesterday. I will be leaving Feb 18th and it appears it will be considered "Mission Critical" by the Bureau and they will try to fill my position ASAP.  On top of that my son is bringing his family to Arizona a month earlier, which gives me just 3 weeks to get ready for them to move in for a few months and toddler proof my house.  I started the Adventure Bootcamp on Tues and now workout 4 mornings a week and a girlfriend invited me to join her stroller exercise club so I can take my grandson with me too!  I have quilts lined up in my head that I plan to do and some for DK as well !

So, I want to thank everyone for helping me to make a very important decision and I can't tell you how happy you have made Murphy, Bella, DH and ME!!!! Thank you again. You are all the best!

[Adina P]

That's true.  If there is some meaning in your job it is not that crystal clear.  And I support (and I know you believe strongly in) any breastfeeding education the experts can impart to new moms!  Maybe you can come up with away to educate in a different way that is less stressful.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

You could volunteer.  My mother-in-law spent countless hours in the New Baby Clinic.  These moms were so needy.  Most health care workers are limited on time with new moms.   She enjoyed being able to spend MORE time with the families who truly needed the care and help.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I would have to volunteer at the very least. Helping Mom's and Babies is really all I know in life. Besides having doodles to love and take care of that is.

[shelly]

Oooo... came back to read everyone's posts after I posted mine... You do have a very important job!  I was so into the whole breastfeeding thing when I had my boys that I almost literally became a spokesperson... well my friends and family still tease me about being just that 13 years later.... BUT!  YOUR own life and family need you more... sometimes we have to put ourselves first... and although we'd like to think that no one could do our job as well as us, and give as much as we do... someone ALWAYS comes around and everyone survives just fine!  You put your time and effort in... let someone else take the reins!  (I still say - Go For IT!)

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I am the Breastfeeding Program Manager for the State of Arizona. My team is responsible for all the programs that provide education to the State WIC Staff, Hospitals and medical professionals and private International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in the state. We manage all the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor programs in the state as well. And that is putting it simply. Not to mention the millions of dollars the government gives us for this program and what additional funds we get is dependent upon the breastfeeding rates that are reported to the CDC each year. So a little pressure to say the least.

All I wanted to do was help a couple more thousand new moms have a really nice labor experience and help them get off to a good start with their breastfeeding!!!! I never say no to a challenge and this certainly is one, but I'm thinking at 57 yrs old it's time to be done with challenges.

Thanks guys, I feel like I'm talking to a bunch of girlfriends.

[shelly]

Wow, Sue!  You are awesome! What a wonderful thing you have done for SO many women and children!  I sure could have used you on my side about 10 years ago, while I was listening to people ask me if my youngest was going to go to Kindergarten nursing!  But the answer was NO!  It's time you do for yourself!  Enjoy!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Sue, your job is REALLY important as well as being your passion,so I can see you really are torn.  I think if you want to keep your hand in but not work all of the hours with all of the stress, perhaps you could step down from the in charge position and be one of the worker bees in your area.  You would still be contributing and doing an important job, but more directly with moms and less with paperwork and responsibility. ???

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I have an idea.  We ALL SHOULD QUIT.  It is settled.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Read Adina's message : )

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

There you go Joanne, We can all pull our resources together and have a doodle commune. We could have doodle romps all day everyday!!!! SOunds perfect.

[Shelley and Riley]

Leave a stressful job and time with my family, doods included......absolutely!!!!        Wish I could!!!!

[Kimberly Keenan]

My dream job is to work at a doggie day care, this way I could bring Bindi with me to work. What better way to spend your day then with dogs!

If I could afford it I would quit my job & go work at a doggie day care without a second thought!