Comments for Detours and OnRamps Forum

Comment on Leisure Time as Defined by the Experts by Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:21:59 +0000

Hi Meghan,

I like your thoughts on this topic. I think thoughtful and purposeful leisure time is more effective than the the constant stress of squeezing things in. I live this struggle as well. The times when I feel that I can spontaneously grab leisure time is a sudden snow storm but mine usually ends up having my husband and I shoveling out not only ourselves but the older friends. This is not leisure time and I feel is wasted time more times than not. When I purposely plan my leisure time, it is more enjoyable and more relaxing. I know that the work I needed to do is done or will be there later and I know I need it to keep myself sane and not yelling at my kids.

Thanks again for sharing. I look forward to your next blog.

Lisa, mom of two boys

Comment on Losing my identity by Lori DeRosa

Lori DeRosa — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:07:41 +0000

Hey Meghan!! Jumped on the site to see how things are going and love this post. I have been going back and forth since the beginning of August when I went back to my “full schedule” (which is only 3 days/week). My job is stressful and I bring it home – physically, mentally, emotionally. I think it is impacting my ability as a mother…plus, Phelan is the sweetest baby and I miss him during the day! I often think of you and your choice to stay home and how hard that must be with the whole identity-thing.
In response to your post, a good friend put things in perspective for me. A year and a half ago, she left her job as Asst Dir of HR at Boston Police, because her family (husband & 2 young girls) moved out of Boston to be in a better neighborhood. She loved her job, but you have to be a Boston resident to work for the city. She struggled emotionally (and financially!) for 8 or so months…for all the reasons you mentioned. But now she is loving being home and doesn’t really want to get back into the full-time thing.
Her advice: “You need to redefine yourself as a mother who also does BLANK…not as a defunct Asst HR Director” She found some HR work at her mother’s small company, and does it 10-15 hours/week. Even better, she is doing some non-kid projects and learning that she has always wanted to do. So, now she is proud of being a great mother who has been able to reinvent herself.
As I waffle on work and my so-called “perfect part-time professional job,” I have been thinking of ways to redefine myself as a mother who also _________. Lately, I’ve been thinking the blank may be teaching a business course at a community college or small college…something I have ALWAYS wanted to do. If I can make it all work financially, I think I will feel very fulfilled and happy.
So, what is your “blank?”

Comment on It’s not just me by Christine DeLuca

Christine DeLuca — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:28:30 +0000

A friend of mine forwarded this onto me… This was so hilarious and yes, I completely relate. It’s nice to know other Mom’s have the same issues as I. Sometimes, I just shake my head and say, “What’s wrong with me???”……..Thank you!

Comment on I’m an expert by Eileen Zampa

Eileen Zampa — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:13:28 +0000

Hi Megan, I just wanted to introduce myself and let you know about my blog, momgoesback.com. I attended the Career Relaunch Forum yesterday in Lake Forest and did not get a chance to meet you. My name is Eileen Zampa and I am a graduate student at Northwestern University studying marketing communications and media management. I am also a relauncher and plan on returning to work after completion of my Masters degree.

My blog, momogoesback.com is part of an assignment for an online journalism class and the topic is women returning to work. Both Carol Cohen and Vivian Rabin have shared some of their expertise with my site. I will be posting an interview I did with Vivian on Tuesday morning later this week.

I have added your site to my blogroll and will write a post announcing your upcoming seminar at Bentley College. I would welcome any advice or contributions you could provide for my site. Sincerely, Eileen Zampa

Comment on Babies at work? by Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:20:01 +0000

Great post, and I think you’re right about bringing little ones to work. If any of you Obama fans out there have babies or friends with babies…check out http://www.babiesforobama.com. We have pink and blue onesies, and they make an awesome gift.

Comment on Babies at work? by Rachele, your liberal friend

Rachele, your liberal friend — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 22:23:30 +0000

I am thrilled to hear your daughters have good values. Keep up the good work.

Comment on Argh. by Carol Fishman Cohen

Carol Fishman Cohen — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 04:23:48 +0000

I loved this post! It reminded me of myself and how my standards have slipped oh so dramatically from child number 1 to child number 4. Children 1 and 2 (and #3 also? can’t remember) were dutifully listening to Raffi at the same age that child number 4 was singing the Nelly hit of the day “It’s getting hot in here so I’m going to take off all my clothes” to himself in the kindergarten classroom…….

Comment on Men have good advice too… by Jessica

Jessica — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:42:36 +0000

Would love to hear more about the conference. Definitely agree that people have to be great if you are going to give someone a lot of flexibility. It’s an incremental thing…people have to test it and earn the trust of the boss.

Comment on The Delta Shuttle by Barbara Peterson

Barbara Peterson — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 21:06:58 +0000

I’m a writer for Conde Nast Traveler magazine and would like to talk with you about an article I am writing about the shuttles between New York and Boston and Washington.
Barbara Peterson
petersonb@aol.com

Comment on Mommy Envy? by Latina

Latina — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 21:45:56 +0000

I’m in Chicago. I just watched a newsclip covering your conference this past monday and had to visit you site. I am living life in the Onramp right now!!! I could so relate. Anyway…. I enjoyed your blog. I have alot of friends who ask me “how do you manage” and think that I have it all together because my 3 girls are so beautiful and so smart. I told one friend just today, that I manage better now that I accept that my life no longer has anything to do with “me”. I sacrifce so much to make sure their lives are fulfilled. I stress alot because my husband is no help, I never really get any “downtime” and it takes a toll. But I press on. I envy friends who have their parents or siblings who help them out regularly. The friends who can go on vacation and leave the kids behind. I can only apply for jobs that are within a certain radius from my house because I have to be the one to drop off and pick up the kids.

Anyway…. I just wanted to say I think your organization is great!! There is definitely a forum for this. If you start a chapter in Chicago please send me an email…. although I probably won’t be able to make the meetings because I NEVER get a SITTER!!!! (sorry, got a little excited). Keep up the good work!!