How come you don't work more?

Mulan · Jan 3, 2011

I get asked that all the time. Don't know if it's to guilt me into working more or they just want to know all of my personal stuff.

Either way, it is none of their business.

makes needs known · Jan 3, 2011

My kids are grown and still living at home, and I have always worked 3 days a week. My husband has a good job. It's what I choose to do. I'd rather give more of myself to me than my job.

1uvakindmom · Jan 3, 2011

People need to mind their business! I work two days a week, twelve hour shifts, and that's enough for me!!! There is nothing wrong with you wanting to spend time with your kids. I make my kids a priority too. Good for you!

debRN0417 · Jan 4, 2011

Honey, I think raising children is the hardest (but best and most rewarding) job on earth! Oh, that I could have taken the time to be home more with them. That will always be a regret of mine.

cecilsgirl · Jan 4, 2011

i would love to work 3 day a week, i'm pushing mid 50, and oh my!!! i can't wait to give up a day or two, never feel quilty to be with your family -never! i never heard one person in the end of their lives say, "oh i wish i could of worked more!" ... no!-- it is usually,... "i wish i could of been home more when the kids were young",:redpinkhe

Nicole2010 · Jan 4, 2011

I'm married but have no children and working 3 days a week is enough. A lot of my co-workers work between 5-6 days a week between two hospitals. I think they're crazy! I love having time off. I don't live to work. I wouldn't even acknowledge what your co-workers are asking.... It's none of their business. IMO, It sounds as if they may be jealous.

tablefor9, RN · Jan 4, 2011

Since when is raising a family *not* a full-time job? So, why aren't you working two full-time jobs?

Because you don't have to. And can the guilt. As long as none of us (or your boss) is paying for your children's upbringing, we don't have any reason (other than jealousy) to complain.

Good job, Mama!

Riseupandnurse · Jan 4, 2011

I think they are just trying to justify their own life choices. Looking back, I wish so much that I had put my family and life first rather than my jobs. I don't remember much of what I did at work, but I do remember my time with my family and my friends and I regret not having much more of it to look back on.

allnurses Guide · Jan 4, 2011

I'm not an LTC nurse - and I get that "look" sometimes from people who have (for reasons beyond bare necessities) burnt the candle at both ends for so long their bodies are starting to fail way before their time, and they are busting their @ss to bail their 30 yr old kids they seem to barely know out of one mishap after another.

It's true that they take off for more Vegas trips than I do, but I personally would rather have peace and balance in my life every day than a few more vacation weekends. You will never regret the time you did spend with your young children, I promise you.

MelissaLPN, ASN, LPN, RN · Jan 4, 2011

I have the same problem. I work two part time jobs and I have a young child ( plus school). All my co-workers see is that I work part time (never mind that I work 50 hours a week while they work 36). People who go on about why you don't work more, do it because they are jealous. Mostly they only bring it up to give them a chance to brag about their own hard work. All people want is someone to notice how hard they work, even if they have to pick a fight to get you to notice.

Schmoo1022 · Jan 4, 2011

I have to say I find more than 3 days in a row too much. Not that I can't handle it, but it really wears on me. Working 24 hours, I have very little stress. I work my butt off when I am there, but I know a day off is around the corner. I am more patient, happy and "with it."

I think being a parent is very hard work, but I wouldn't even make a comment about a single guy working part-time. Why would it be any of my business?

Schmoo1022 · Jan 4, 2011

I appreciate all the support by the way :)