When I had my first of four children I commited to being at home as much as possible with them. I have worked half time since then. I am an extremely motivated person, always envisioned myself doing more with my career but wasn't able to because of my part time status. I am in charge when I work now ( a level 3 unit that does 250 deliveries a month) and am told by staff and MDs that I do an excellent job. It helped me feel more than a staff nurse and that I was contributing to the unit. We have a career ladder and I am at the top. My manager has now decided that we need to limit the number of nurses in charge. She chose two nurses pretty much based on their being full time. They now work Monday through Friday and the rest of us (six nurses) now must be in charge on the weekends only. These nurses are also now being given more info and responsibilities than I have.
My question is: my kids are now 11 through 18. I still feel I need to be home with them, but I also feel as if I will never now be satisfied at work. Do I compromise my original values of staying home with them and apply for a manager job that has opened or do I just stay in my current job and feel frustrated every day.
I know this sounds whiny but I am sad every day I work.