Two years ago, I decided to quit my job and become a lady of leisure. As I was handing in my two weeks notice, I was filled with visuals of my new life. It was like one of those detergent commercials where everything appeared brighter, happier and more hopeful.

Images included:

1. A way slimmer version of me because I would finally have time to work out.
2. Flawless skin/nails because I would be regular with manis, pedis, monthly facials and perform facial rolling on a twice daily cadence (yep that’s a thing).
3. Renewing of my American Airlines elite status – Group 6 sucked.
4. Spending mornings at my local café with my Apple devices (like the cool kids) writing my blog.
5. And finally le piece de resistance, what do ladies of leisure do? They lunch…

I still remember that first Monday, free from the burden of meetings, presentations and workshops, I was euphoric. I was now my OWN boss and the boss did whatever she liked. On Day 4 of my hiatus, the hubby ‘suggested’ a few ‘tasks’ I could do around the house such as organizing the closet I’d been meaning to all these years…hmmm, really? Had I just switched bosses? I was not going to let these non value-add activities get in the way of my fabulous new life. And then slowly came the reality check…

Fast forward…Did my career break meet my expectations? Did I achieve what I had hoped to? I don’t know.

Positives

I spent a good amount of time traveling and spending time with loved ones and friends which I would have never been able to do if still employed. I developed closer and deeper bonds with my family and boys which was invaluable. Done, check, will repeat often.

Now for the lady of leisure part.

1. My nails have never looked worse.
2. My dark circles make me resemble a raccoon.
3. The slimmer me, is the most painful reality of all – my Lululemon uniform has been detrimental to my life. Dear yoga pants: “I hate you, I love you, I hate that I love you”. (Thanks Gnash for these very poignant lyrics).
4. I have only made it down to Group 5 in boarding order.
5. I have written maybe two blog posts since I stopped working.
6. And finally as for lunch, during the course of the two years, I may have gone for lunch 8 times. Maybe.

Stay at home moms work hard – that’s no revelation. For me, some days were gratifying other days not as much. I’ve had less time for myself these two years than ever. I also found that I was much less efficient than I was than when I was working. Maybe I knew how to manage my time better when I was in a crunch. I have several stay at home mom friends which are much more disciplined and driven than I – they get stuff done AND they make it look easy and glamorous. For me it was hard, harder than going to work.

I recently decided to re-embrace corporate life. Prior to day 1, I was filled with anxiety on how my boys would do without me, how I would do without them, how I would fit yoga into my schedule, would I never be able to go out for lunch again, when would I get manicures – all clearly very rational thoughts.
I realized on day 2 how much I had missed working. The buzz of being in meetings, workshops, creating presentations, delivering presentations made me feel alive again. A renewed sense of energy and purpose. Who would have thunk?

A woman’s place is wherever SHE wants it to be – in the office, at home, or at lunch.

Sadly, the transition from yoga pants back to fancy pants has been REAL to say the least.
PS. I am looking for someone who can help me organize that closet. Recommendations welcome.