Job Perks...

Lord knows I love my job. Being a full time mom, for me, offers rewards far above corporate ladder success and six figure salaries. And every morning when my husband leaves for work, I thank God that I do not have to say goodbye to my children for eight plus hours each day. I really do have it great. But there are some things about my husband's nine-to-five that I do covet.

There is the obvious and much desired lunch break, followed closely by the completely solitary drive to and from work. Not to mention the eight nearly uninterrupted hours to get all your work done. Oh, and yes, the ability to clock out and go home...I covet that as well. But lately, I've also been envying the performance related bonuses and raises that are offered in a more formal work environment.

In my job, 100% job performance is not considered exceptional...it's required. It's expected that I have a perfect attendance record {or that I find my own substitute in special situations}. I must meet certain objectives every day  {provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner}. I must maintain certain conditions in the workplace {safety, cleanliness, temperature control, emotional balance}. My job description is rather large and my successfulness at my duties doesn't affect whether or not I get paid or if I get to keep my job, it affects the health and well being of my family. I must chage diapers when they're wet, feed kids when they're hungry, clean hands/kids/clothes when they're dirty...no exceptions. I cannot quit, or leave early, or walk out, or take a break.

I do not get tipped better when I make three made-to-order lunches in under 10 minutes. I do not get a bonus when I come in under budget at the grocery store. There is no monetary incentive for being able to get completely ready for my day in under 20 minutes while singing "The Wheels on the Bus." I do not get promoted for learning 20 different ways to entertain small children in confined spaces. And I certainly do not get a raise for taking on additional roles in the workplace such as computer repair, janitorial service, travel agent, and personal shopper.

There is very little room for error and the stakes for mistakes are much higher. My bosses are fierce...but also small, impressionable, and easily upset. If I speak too harshly, I risk hurting their feelings. If I don't follow through on my word, I risk disappointing them. If I forget something that is important to them, I risk letting them down. If I am late, I risk making them scared and worried. There are no pats on the back for getting everything right...but getting anything wrong can inflict a mighty blow.

My full time job is much different than my husband. He gets raises, gets to clock out, and gets to make mistakes. But I...well, I get to spend each and every day with three of the most beloved little people in my life. I get to watch them grow and give them hugs and teach them about life. And if I make mistakes, I get lots of opportunities to make it up to them...and I never have to worry about getting fired.

So no, I don't get vacation days or bonuses. And the only ladders I'm climbing are on our swing set. But there is no monetary incentive big enough to coerce me into leaving my current position!