I got a job!

After 7 years at home raising my kids, I am once again returning to the land of the gainfully employed!

And I'm crapping myself.

Two weeks is all I have to get my mindset changed from "Mom" to "Federal Employee". Two weeks is all I have to find childcare for my kids (which is not going so well, but I haven't totally given up yet), get my house in order, get some meals made for the freezer (because the transition is going to be tough enough!) and buy a new work wardrobe. Ack!!!

Most women would probably look forward to the shopping part and be quite excited about it. Not me. I hate shopping - with a passion! But I will soldier on and head out with debit card in hand, ready to do some damage next week. If I can do it sans kids, it will make it at least partly enjoyable. I'll make capri pants my focus and dive headlong into the racks. I.can.do.it....

I'm sure I will feel like a kid on the first day of school, walking into that big old intimidating building on my first day of work. I'll worry, "What if they don't like me?" or, "What if I make a fool of myself?". I'll check my hair and outfit 15 times before I make it out the door, and adjust my makeup in the car. Not too much, but not too little.

Back to the brown bag for me. No more lounging in the yard, soaking up the sun all summer. No more day trips on a whim with the kids. No more freedom to drop everything and go.....

On the other hand, no more wondering how to budget out the single paycheque, and worrying that we can't afford to go camping or on special weekend trips. No more wondering how much to put on that bill this week so they won't harass me for payment next week.

Yes, for everything I am giving up, there is much I am gaining. And if I don't like it, I can always quit! ;)

Wish me luck!