The Waffling Waitress

I have an education, and I had a career as an educator. I still have it if I want it, but now I am just not sure. Truth be told, I want to stay home.

That doesn't not mean that I don't want to work. I just want to work when my husband is home. Truly I want to spend my time with my daughter. As a teacher I took most of the 2006-2007 school year off after the birth of our daughter. I had originally planned to go back to my job this past August. There is a clause in our contract that allows you to take up to a two-year leave of absence. So this past spring I requested the second year. I have been in the process of creating my own tutoring company, but it is quite difficult to retain enough clients to sustain our income.

My husband and I thought long and hard about my decision to stay home for another year. Knowing at some point I would have to find a job if tutoring did not provide the necessary income. I was fortunate enough to teach summer school and tutor, which provided some extra money, while my husband, a teacher as well, stayed home with our daughter.

Now school has begun, and I have tried to sell my skills to families in the area. I have advertised and networked, but it may take some time. In the meantime I decided to use some of my other talents to make money. I recently secured a waitressing job. It fits into our schedule and should add to our income. It will include some nights and most of my weekend, but it will allow me to see that smiling face each morning.

As I write this I still have a job to return to next fall, if I wish. I have to let them know by April 1st. I can either tell them I am coming back or resign. It is that simple and it is that difficult.

About the Author: My "temporary" career change