If we analyze the first statement, it basically makes me sound as though I have not given any real thought as to whether or not I could indeed find a way to stay at home with my child. It also puts my financial situation out there for others to analyze.
As far as the second statement is concerned...going back to work does not exactly give a mother a break. It gives a mother a boatload of additional responsibilities on top of the responsibilities of motherhood.
Let me reiterate that I never once asked anyone for advice on this topic.
I admit it, I love my job. No, naysayers, I do not love my job more than my child, but am I not permitted to enjoy what I do in my professional life? The truth is, my career in many ways, is like my first child. I have nurtured it, treated it lovingly, messed up, and learned from my mistakes.
And the fact remains, as much as I love both my career and my child, there is still a piece of me that is torn up inside about returning to work. Someone else is going to be with my child all day who isn't me? This is a horrifying thought.
Here is the bottom line, if anyone asks you this question directly, feel free to offer your opinion, if not, then remember that everybody's situation is vastly different from everyone else's. I cannot speak for others, so I will speak for myself. I am looking forward to returning to my job as a teacher and to working with the amazing professionals in my school and exceptional students in my district. I am dreading leaving my child all day, but I understand it is a necessity and she might, dare I say it, actually benefit from the daycare program she will be entering. In short, I am conflicted, but certain about what I need to do. Please do not try to make me feel guilty about my decision, I am quite competent at heaping guilt on myself when necessary.