By: Suzanne Clark

I recently participated in a job interview and was asked how my family obligations would interfere with the expectation of my employer that I work two to three nights a week.  I could easily answer this question because for years now I have worked some evenings, and, still managed to incorporate as much family time possible.  Incorporating real family time into an already hectic schedule can be trying, but, to me, is worth every exhausting minute.

On days that I have to work during the day and also work in the evenings, I still make it a point to take my kids to school, pick them up and make them dinner.  Some may be thinking – wow, that’s great – you mean you get a whole hour with them that day?  Yes, you’re right. The drop off/pick-up and dinner probably only totals about an hour, but, it’s a great hour – one that keeps us connected.  Believe me, it would much easier to have my husband do the running around on these 12-hour work day, but parenting isn’t about convenience. It’s about, well, parenting.

Even in the midst of my hectic life as a working (outside the home) mom, my family in the forefront of my mind.  I’m honest about the fact that I work to fill a personal need of my own. I do what I love and love what I do.  That said, I also firmly believe that although my career is important to me, it is nothing compared to the wellbeing of my family.

My family trumps it all – meaning that at any moment work takes a backseat to my family’s needs.  Being proudly and comfortably resigned to this makes family/work decisions very easy.  When there is a conflict between time with my family and time at work, family wins.