career pathNeed to go and get his hair cut…” I made a mental note as I run my fingers through his now obviously long hair.

But why Mommy?

Oh no, I missed a question…” I inhale and look at him deeply. “Why what? Sorry I was just thinking you need a haircut soon.

But why you have to go back to work?

Sigh…I tried to compose myself even as his messy hair is still between my fingers.

Because I have to make a living so I can pay for your school. So you could do after school activities…” and so I can add you to a health insurance coverage (I added this bit in my head).

Will you work out of town?

No, Pumpkin. I will find something here.

Ok…” he hugged me and I hugged him back tightly and told him I only ask that he study well in school and he behave well.

You know I love you and I will always be there for you, right?

I love you Mommy…” and in the dimmed room I wiped my tears.

The memory of his teacher’s reactions when I told her last year that I will be moving to Bali to pursue a career flashed before me. Back then, she told me that my son’s behavior in school has improved so much ever since I quit working. She was worried.

And for the past few days I’ve been weighing all my options.

Working from home through my writing is sadly not enough to cover everything we need, my son and I. Being a single mother, I am the sole breadwinner, and I have realized for months now how behind I am on getting his needs met. New school uniforms…thanks to my parents, that and my son has a brand new sturdy backpack for school this year from them.

I was content working from home. I get to spend more time with my son; I am home when he gets home from school. We are happier. I didn’t have to get up around dawn to beat morning traffic. I am a happier single mother.

So, I have decided to put my contentment aside, dust up my resume and started sending them out today. Hoping my old field of career will have an opening somewhere, somehow. He will be fine, I keep telling myself. My son understands that I need to do this not just for the obvious financial reasons but also to help me feel better about being productive again.

How do you prepare your kid(s) when you go back to work full time? Any advice? 

This is an original post to World Moms Blog by Maureen from Scoops of Joy in Indonesia.

Maureen

Founder of Single Moms Indonesia, community leader and builder. Deeply passionate about women empowerment.

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