Below is an email I received today. I am going to post it here for a day or so, before responding. The topic is one that any of us who have children are going to face. There is no right answer only tough decisions. I will post my response tomorrow:
"Maternity leave…
I have asked to work part time as an engineer after the baby arrives. I asked for 3 months off and then 3 days per week for the next 7 months or so. I’m planning the days so that the time off will equal less than 6 months total so that I don’t have to push back my original PE exam date at all.
My employer has a Project Manager position open in the next two years and would like for me to be able to fill it. Which is really cool.
However, it looks like working part time may not allow me to perform the tasks to prepare for the Project Manager position. Also, it is not possible to be a Project Manager and work part time.
Fortunately my employer is willing to find tasks that will still use my skills and engineering knowledge without requiring full time work.
I’m still struggling a little with the decision between being there for our child versus advancement of my career.
Should we be blessed with more children this situation could continue for a few years.
Any experience to share or advice?"
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5 comments:
My opinion ... Do it - work part time. It sounds as though your employer values you as an employee and that you value your job. You have found a possible way to work in a field you enjoy and be home as a mom. As a mom who worked full-time for nearly all of my children's lives, I wish I could've had a similar working situation. I was lucky enough to work in the same school that my kids attended, which allowed me to participate more than other working parents in their school lives, however I wish I wouldn't have missed so much of their toddler/early childhood experiences. A project manager position is an important one, but so is being a mom. That's just my humble opinion. :)
Now begins one of life's most challenging balancing acts, Family vs Career. First of all the solution you'll find will be unique to you and your family.
You are fortunate to have an employer willing to let you work part time. I would suggest sticking to your 7-month plan which will allow you to obtain your PE. During that period you will learn a lot about the joys of parenting and where or how much your career fits in. During this time you will also be able to develop a plan for the next 6 months to a year. Set career goals but maintain some flexibility in the timeline. Enjoy and cherish the family time, the clock never rewinds.
You're finding a good balance between work and life, I say stick with the part time if you can. You'll still keep involved in a job you seem to be happy with, you won't miss out on seeing your child grow up, and your employer will still retain and grow a valuable employee.
Is the situation unfair, having to chose between work and family just because of being a woman? Maybe, but men, and women without children for that matter, still have to chose between high-paying jobs with (long hours/lots of travel/long commute) and spending time with family.
That's my take based on being the father of a small child, the husband of a (mostly part-time) working mother, and the employee of someone who took much the same path you are taking.
something else that might be considered during maternity leave- if your company doesn't offer a specific plan for maternity leave, look into short term disability compensation. that way you still have some income during your leave. i have always been a family first kind of gal, but part of putting family first is providing for their needs with a steady income.
I would like to reply to the message regarding the maternity leave/project manager bottom line:
I understand that I do not really have any experience in matters like this but I think that I would like to add a few comments.
I go to MichiganTech and my career will most likely start following graduation in the spring. I have the opportunity to interview and take jobs with many large firms with high paying salaries and advancement opportunities that are only dreamed of. To consider that thereotically myself or a fellow student could be the future CEO of Caterpillar, General Motors, Toyota, General Electirc, US Steel, etc..., seems unbelievable to me.
The engineering world is becoming more global these days and you can get jobs anywhere. The level of education required for engineers will constantly be growing and getting larger.
My point? It is simple. I grew up in northern Minnesota and I would love to stay in small town Minnesota and raise a family. I plan to work for a small consulting firm upon my graduation and I plan to stay there as long as I feel. Personally, I feel that a family is the most important thing in the world. Not to say that this person should give up their hopes and dreams entirely for a family if that is not their wish.
I think that this is a hard decision and everyone can give advice, but it really comes down to what are your goals and priorities. I woudl liek to think that I would give up anything for my family. Is that true? Is that possible? I don't know. I would suggest searching yourself and decide what is really important and what do you want to accomplish. What roles do you want to play in life.
I had a conversation with my boss (who is an engineer) about this sort of thing. He said that when he was done iwth school he became a plant engineer so that he could just work his 40 hr. week and spend time raising his family. Now he owns his own consulting firm, spends many hours there, and would tell you that his job as a consulting engineer has many great benefits from a career standpoint. However, it can also cause heartache. On our current project he spends 3 days in ND every other week and when he is in the office there is so much work to do that he does not have much family time.
I guess to summarize. Explore yourself, decide who you want to be and what you want to do. What is important to you and what you need to do to accomplish those things. I think this is advice that is good for all. I am always open for comments good or bad. You can agree or disagree with me, but this is how I feel, at least at the present condition of my life.
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