[Setantawife]

My department is undergoing alot of chaos right now. We had one person leave for another co. last week, another one is going on indefinite maternity leave in April, another person just lost her son and still has not resumed normal working hours, so I have to cover her duties as lunch/break relief, and my supervisor who I assist with 40% off her work is taking a week and a half off the end of march/first week in April.

So.... here I am, newly licensed and waiting for the call!!!
I have discussed this with my boss, and he said I can take whatever time I need to do, because as the only one without kids, I have always had to cover for everyone, and am always there, punctual and focused, I feel that I have earned the right to have this time, but I can only imagine the nightmare it will be if I get a placement the day before my supervisor takes her vacation! I know she is panicked about that, but she understands.

I am feeling so guilty though, especially since this is not traditional and unexpected like pregnancy, and everyone has nine months to prepare, and I am paranoid that people think that since I am choosing to do this, I should wait until things are more stable at work.
My dh(who is very work oriented) says that he can stay home with the child while I go to work, his job is very easygoing about this process, but I want to be home with the child for those initial days.

Any input/advice?

[MommyAlysia]

i wouldnt put it off, you shouldn't have to downplay getting a child just because you aren't carrying it in your belly. In the end your family is more important than work, I wouldn't want to miss out on what could be the perfect opportunity. Especially since it sounds like you are a great worker and your boss gave you the ok. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[CaddoRose]

I agree, you shouldn't decide your life based on what the people at work are doing. I understand that work is an important aspect of our lives, but in the end, none of us will wish we had spent more time at work. KWIM?

Even if you were pregnant, it wouldn't have changed what the other people at work were doing or even when that baby would come. Even though it should be at 9 months, that doesn't mean it is always that way.

Take the call when it comes. If the child seems to be a good fit, then go with it and don't worry about what anybody at work would think. They don't live your life, you do. I bet none of them are thinking "wow, I should get back to work because "Setantawife" is newly licensed and waiting on a call for a foster child who really needs a home".

[xxsurroundedbyxy]

Take it from someone who carried her children 7.5-8 mo. AND had to leave work one day with some cramping and never came back because she was placed on bedrest and by the time my maternity leave was over, the school year was too. (I'm an elementary school teacher).

SO even the best laid plans......go awry. If you wait for that perfect time there will never be one. And frankly, you may as well get used to juggling and feeling guilty and work and having chaos because that sums up fostering! There will be daycare hassles, dr appts, staffings, etc. that you will have to juggle. Life just happens....and you know what? You may not get a call for a placement that you will accept for a few weeks so just take it one day at time.
Kim

[Setantawife]

Thanks everyone,

I knew you guys would help me calm down about this! I know once we get our placement I will not blink twice when I have to leave early or take time off, because I can just work extra on another day to make up for it.

[vernellinnj]

You only get one chance to live your life. Trust me when I say, things will go on without you. No matter who leaves, the CEO or the person in the mailroom work ALWAYS goes on.

Congrats on being licensed!