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Little Green Monster

I woke up this morning in a better mood -- been feeling competitive and insecure in my professional work and feeling my family life has been eating a much bigger chunk of my time than I wished. I know I have a wonderful rabbit, and for the most part great prince, but when she leaves in 15 years, (and he is -- who knows????) I sure would love a career I am proud of to turn to and enjoy.

And then I woke up this morning to see a story in the NY Times magazine written by a woman I know who has one book published --- and another coming out this Fall. And she's younger than me (albiet by not much -- but STILL younger....) Of course she is single, doesn't have children and has income from other sources which means she can write without worry about the rent. In other words she has T*I*M*E.

I really wouldn't make different decisions about my personal life. But it's making me feel more and more than somehow I can't have it all -- at least all of what I want. And that's really the point.

I guess everything is a compromise. But why does it have to be that way?

Comments

Sugarmama said…
I'm also pretty content with my life, but still feel those pangs of jealousy at times, too. Thankfully, I don't have many friends left leading glamourous, kid-free lives--ha!
6:03 am
Manhattan Mama said…
I feel I'm either surrounded by fabulous (s)mothers or women sans kids who make me drool with envy at their time!
8:19 am
Bec said…
Try this: friends of ours who, not having children, spend six months or so every year safari-ing in southern Africa, returning home to some well-paid consulting work and many parties, including the launch for the latest book He's written while on aforementioned safari... Secretly, I gloat that even though She hasn't had children, her midriff has expended at exactly the same rate as those of us with three apiece - evil, I know, but it makes me feel better.
4:18 pm
Bec said…
Oops, that's expAnded... not sure I like the implications of a midriff expending!
4:18 pm
Manhattan Mama said…
I know what you mean about the belly expansion -- But somehow these people always have taut taut tummies.....I could only wish their book parties and bar hoppings and soirees would add some poundage on to their midriffs -- but nope. It's all that time they have to work out with a trainer...sigh.
7:30 pm
My float said…
All that time *and* money to keep them nice and fit!

The world is the way it is because men still run it, for the most part, and there are still so many men and women who negate our choice to have children and work in case we get some extra advantage in the workplace that they don't get. Eg, leaving work half an hour early because your child is sick. Like, that is sooo much fun, and boy aren't we lucky we got off work early?? You're right, it is a compromise and no compromise is ever fun.
6:23 am
parrotheadmom said…
It's a never ending battle us moms have. I want the career, but chose my career of raising two little people and am grateful for the choice. While not glamourous, it is very important. There will be time to work our guts out again soon.
10:20 pm
parrotheadmom said…
and, to work our guts OFF...
10:21 pm
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