I didn’t know I could do anything else but work as an architect. I graduated high school, went to college, graduated with my degree and began my career just 2 months later. Since then, that’s how I have defined myself.

However, as a wife and mom to a 2 year old son, I now have a very different definition of myself, one that took some time getting used to.

I became a product of the economic downturn in December 2008. I had just recently returned to work after a 6 month leave for the birth of my son. I had been at my company for 8 years at the time, and they were very accommodating with my request to take extra time off. I decided to return to work, but only part-time.

I was able to work in the office 2 days a week and 1 day at home while the nanny we hired took care of him those 3 days. It was a perfect balance of me/adult/baby time. And then…I was laid off. It took some getting used to for me as I had never been out of work…ever…since before college. It was something I was proud of. However, part-time employees were not necessary employees, and certainly not with the economy crumbling. So off I went.

The first few months were hard. I will not lie. I missed my “adult” time. And I missed my “me” time, too. I’ll admit it: I’m not a 24/7 mom. I need some “down time!” I give a lot of credit to those parents (moms and dads!) who are full time caregivers with no help! Kudos to all of you out there! But, since I am not you, we decided to put our son in day care (part-time) about 7 months later. We did that for a number of reasons, me being only a small part of that decision.

Once again, I have found the perfect balance. I have some of my “me” time back. My son is doing great in day care! And I even get to see some of my adult friends during the day! I know everyone has their perfect balance, and for me, this is it. When people ask me “What do you do?” I now answer “I’m a mom” as that is still a full-time calling. I love it…but at least I get a lunch break.

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