Circumstances have forced me to find my professional self later in life than I would like. Raised by old fashioned, conservative parents, who structured the household according to Cleaver-like gender roles, my mission in life was to grow up and become a supportive wife and mom. I was encouraged to go to college and get an education, but “what I wanted to be when I grew up” was a foregone conclusion. Now I ask myself, what if I had been encouraged to explore that question in the context of my own personality and interests? Would that have helped me accelerate the situation I find myself in now?
I followed the path set out for me, marrying fairly young, quitting my job outside the home when my first child was born, and staying home with my kids for the next 8 years.
Marriage problems culminating in divorce blew my world apart. I committed to transition back to full-time work when my youngest started school, and thus began the “road not taken” I find myself on now.
Suburban Ramblings 