Domestic Household Manager Position in Jeopardy!

The pink slip is coming any day now.

Spoiled Wifey is having a difficult time facing the reality that her cushy full-time position will soon be eliminated. (The household duties remain constant, of course. But now it will require Wifey to figure out how to squeeze out at least one more hour into a very full day to maintain basic household services: menu planning, groceries, cleaning, laundry, and pet maintenance.)

But after months of cost cutting measures & draconian cutbacks on salon visits (resulting in bushy eyebrows; That truly isn’t pretty on me and does a number on my self-esteem.), even I know our current spending level is unsustainable. The red numbers on the balance sheet has a harshness to it that has me fretting, almost to the point of motivation to find paid employment. Almost.

Our upcoming relocation to a high cost of living area is producing anxiety and stress. I already had realized that I’m not going to get what I want. But now I am ALSO realizing that I have to go back to work to just break even (and to enjoy some things that make life more pleasant – for me that means regular, routine salon visits!).

Spoiled Wifey Moment: Since when am I required to work?! (The plan was for me to stay at home until our darling preschooler starts school. Added insult: Negotiations for Baby #2 are stalled. The opposing executive is dead-set against company expansion in the current business environment.)

If the thought of working isn’t depressing enough, I am now left to wonder what kind of work to do. I haven’t worked full-time in over 5 years. My part-time employment and volunteer pursuits have been sporadic and were done more for my personal enjoyment rather than for any resume building. I am so incredibly excited about the resume rewrite project and its associated soul-searching that inevitably goes with a job search and simultaneously redefining myself. I really am! [Insert face scowl here.] Do I take a job, any job, to increase the coinage in our family coffer? Or do I start thinking about career choices which most likely includes training & a return to school? Balance all of this with our pressing need for more income. (It’s looking more like a job, any job. Why do I feel like the wicked witch of the east after being soaked with frigid and dirty water? I’m melting! I’m melting!)

Despite my spoiledness, I know returning to work is necessary to avoid financial hardship. (Spoiled Wifey Disclaimer: Our situation isn’t anywhere near catastrophic yet. And I fully aware that there are many who struggle to meet basic needs.) I am hardly the first spoiled wifey to have to return to the work force begrudgingly.

Today, however, I am going to enjoy the beautiful sunshine of a perfect spring day while my precious preschooler plays outside with bubbles, because I can. Soul-searching begins tomorrow.

JOB DUTIES ACCOMPLISHED TODAY:
1. Company Chauffeur/driver: on-time service for pampered preschooler
2. HR Manager/Social Coordinator: phone calls
3. Building Custodian: Removed furniture & household items for donation
4. Pool Maintenance: Tested water level & purchased supplies
5. Coffee Break: Salon Visit (I really couldn’t handle the eyebrows today!)
6. Finance Manager: Expense report
7. Staff Writer: Research
8. Grounds Maintenance: Weeding
9. Company Chef: Providing a nutritious & appealing dinner on a budget

EXPENSES TODAY: $30 + $109 + $76 = $215

You Don't Always Get What You Want

The other day I admonished my preschooler in the car for whiningly demanding yet another trip to the toy store.

“Son, you might as well learn this now and save yourself a lot of heartache. You don’t always get what you want.”

I then ignored his whining for the rest of the car ride. Eventually the catchy tune on the radio diverted his attention or he simply gave up.

A few hours passed, and the toy quest had been forgotten. But now the tables have turned. I’ve been researching online for our upcoming relocation, and this spoiled mama has been whining to her best friend about her desire to live in a trendy urban neighborhood with a short commute. And drum roll, please….I literally just realized that I really may not get what I want! (Best Friend already knows this, but knows better than to point out the obvious when Spoiled Wifey is still working things out in her head!)

I’m flabbergasted. Yes, and this is what makes me a spoiled wifey. We have to relocate to a major US city for hubby’s work. We are fortunate to receive a housing allowance. I just assumed that we would live in the same city as he worked (and that’s with the assumption we would be downsizing from a roomy suburban setting to a space-conscious urban setting). My harsh reality is that we cannot afford to live in said town on a single income with our present obligations. There are tough choices ahead to include the “W” word.

Spoiled Wifey Moment: I’m pissed that I might have to go back to work to pay for an empty house in a suburban town that I HATE (especially considering that if this obligation would go away, we just might be able to live where we want!)! I’m doubly pissed that I have to even consider going back to work prematurely, especially since this is my last year with the preschooler before he officially starts school.

There is nothing like parenting to make you experience IRONY first-hand.