What I'm Going to Do When I Grow Up

I have had two conversations recently about what I may do when my kids are all in school full time.  But here's the truth - I've always felt that if we can raise our children and live to the comfort level that we prefer without having to juggle two work schedules, I'd like to.

Let's go over some history.  I worked full time until I had Paige.  Then I worked part time and she was in an in-home daycare for that time.  Then we moved and I continued to work 15 hours a week for the same company from home.  This continued through Cole being born.  When he was about 6 months old, I finally told them that I had to cut my ties. With three children at home most of the time, it was getting too hard to find time to fit this work in.

Then, they get to school age and I want to be that mom that volunteers in the class.  I want to be that mom who is waiting for them at the bus stop, and plus, I still have one at home but for 3 short mornings a week.

So then I think about when they are all in school full-time.  I would still want to be able to play a role in their school/class (after all - Paige will have had this for 6 years straight).  I would still want to be here for bus pick up and drop off.  So that leaves me with the following job criteria:  hours must not be outside of 9am-3pm, and must not be all weekdays (because I would want a day or two to volunteer).

But then, I experienced a brief sample of "work" recently and it made me think about this even more.  Planning and carrying out the school's large fundraiser took time.  But what I didn't expect was the mental "time" it took.  I found myself thinking about the details / issues related to it and not fully in tune to the kids.  Not a fan.  I'm not saying that the kids should feel like the world revolves around them, but I didn't like the idea of this stress radiating to them. 

So, someday maybe.  But not now.  Or in the very near future.