How come you don't work more?

mentalhealthRN · Jan 3, 2011

You are making raising your children a priority. Though you do enjoy your career you also feel its important to spend time with your kids--especially while they are little-- and are lucky enough to be able to. ---that is what I would tell them. And really it's none of their business and for the record--no you are not lazy. You are lucky. Don't feel bad. Being a mom is hard work and it's good that you put your kids first. I have worked with many nurses who work crazy hours and not because they have to. Whose kids hardly see them. That is sad.

Keep doing what makes you happy and what is best for you and your family and don't worry about the nosey nurses you work with. Your kids willbe grown before you know it and you will have plenty of time to work lots more hours.

lrobinson5 · Jan 3, 2011

People just don't get it. Raising children should be a full-time job for a parent staying home. Not many people have the luxury to have one parent work and the other at home. Your kids are lucky that you don't have to work full time.

I've known many women that have been criticized for working at home or part-time. However, it is nothing compared to what I've heard people say to stay-at-home moms. o.O

P B and J · Jan 3, 2011

I'd be willing to bet most of the people asking you only wish they could get by working only 3 days a week. No one ever wishes they could work more, only less. You are lucky that you are able to work part-time and get by just fine, while not sacrificing your kids' childhood.

elizabethgrad09 · Jan 3, 2011

It is wonderful that you are choosing to spend time with your sons rather than working more hours. They will benefit so much more from the time you spend with them than from the material things you could buy with the extra money. The time spent with them is precious and something you can never get back. There is absolutely NOTHING to feel guilty about. You do not have to defend your choice, but if you want to you could say something like "My time with my boys is worth more to me than money."

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2011

You're doing the right thing for you and your family.. it's none of their business. About 10 years ago, I worked 2 part time jobs. 15 hours a week for HHC (mornings) and about 13-18 hours a week as a reporter covering local city council meetings throughout the county (nights). After a couple of years of this I was burnt out (and my patient passed away- I was very attached to her and chose not to take on any others) so I opted for a full time job that was morning/afternoons.

My husband drove me crazy because when talking about my job change he'd say things like, "Now that MJ is working, we'll be able to afford this or that." Other people would say it too, "Now that you're working, what are y'all planning on doing with the extra income," blah blah blah. It drove me nuts. I finally called hubby out at dinner with his parents. "Um, I WAS working before, thank you very much." It annoyed the hell out of me.

Schmoo1022 · Jan 3, 2011

I know I am doing what is best for my family, I just don't know why I let it bother me? We are not well off. We just spend carefully and live within our means.

My job is hectic and my home life is hectic. I do my best to balance both. I even had a comment form my boss, that she raised her three kids and worked full time...why can't I ???? GRRRRR

nursynurseRN · Jan 3, 2011

I only work 3 days a week and don't have kids and I think that working 36 hours a week is enough! I work weekends, holidays, and get home really late. Why would I want to do that 5 days a week? Nursing is hard physically and emotionally. That is why nurses only have to work 3 days a weeks, I notice those nurses who try and work 5, 12 hour shifts are cranky! I would be too if I worked so many hours! :)

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2011

I even had a comment form my boss, that she raised her three kids and worked full time...why can't I ???? GRRRRR

This is another attitude that drive me crazy. This, "I did this so others should follow suit" B.S. I'd fire back at my boss, "Because I don't live by your choices in life, nor should I!"

mentalhealthRN · Jan 3, 2011

It really is inappropriate for your boss to be making comments like that. I would pull her aside and say something. Let her know that you respect her choice to work full time while raising her 3 kids but need for her to respect your choice to work less and spend more time with your kids. If she continues to make these comments or even harrass you, trying to get you to work more hours I would speak to someone in HR about her. I find her comments really unprofessional and inappropriate.

Lovely_RN, MSN · Jan 3, 2011

At my last job I cut down to four 8 hour shifts for multiple reasons and my co-workers had something to say about that. Now at my new job I work 5 days (still 8 hours) and folks ask me why I don't have a second job since this is an "easy" clinic job.

Funny thing is that one of my co-workers is also talked about but for working 2 full-time jobs.

There is simply no satisfying people some people so why bother explaining yourself?

tntrn, ASN, RN · Jan 3, 2011

In the end, it's really none of their business. I work 2-4 shifts a month....it's because I don't have to work more...thankfully. I am nearing the time to retire, and I am stepping away gradually. If it works for you, that is all that matters.

Work to live, not the other way around!