Rediscovering My Professional Self The challenges of balancing work and family hit me whenAudrick, my firstborn, started school. Working weekends seemed like a feasible option, but the costs of a babysitter quickly swallowed up all my paycheck. My husband and I couldn’t ignore the financial strain, prompting a reassessment. It was at this juncture that I took on the role of a stay-at-homemom, a decision that became evenmore crucial during the period when our son Kendall needed speech therapy. Now, reflecting on the gratitude for the time spent nurturing my family, I find myself back in the workforce after 22 years. Enrolled in Rowan College for Billing and Coding, I’m navigating the challenges and embracing the opportunities of this new chapter with excitement. The prospect of returning towork brought a sense of thrill, marking a shift fromdedicated family care to contributing in a professional setting. I’m applying the multifaceted skills honed over two decades of managing my household and raising a family, such as multitasking and problem-solving. Amid the excitement, there’s a touch of nervousness. The landscape of technology and work dynamics may have evolved during my hiatus, presenting a bit of an unknown. However, the confidence instilled by the valuable skills gained during my tenure as a stay-at-home mom serves as a reassuring anchor. A 25-Year Reflection on Growth and Change 30 The Birthday Journal
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