Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Freelance Writing, Security & Freedom

My husband and I have been seriously tossing around the idea of relocating our family from Georgia to Alabama this week. My father has not been well so I will be traveling to and fro all summer. A big relocating pro is the fact that I can easily do so without missing a beat since most of my business is conducted remotely. The cost of living is significantly cheaper, so living off my income for a while wouldn’t be a problem. It’s still just an idea being tossed around, but the idea is certainly growing on us all.

Funny, I noticed that the moment I stopped equating security with working full-time for someone else is when I found true security. When one of my children or a relative is sick and needs my help, I can be there for however long I need to and still take care of my family. Sometimes it requires a lot of schedule shifting, but it’s MY time.

I remember nine years ago when my 15 month old daughter had to be rushed to the hospital. As with most unexpected illnesses, there was no real way of telling when everything would get back to normal. I was so offended at the many hoops of office protocol I had to jump through just to be there for her. I couldn’t fully concentrate on being there for her because I had to remain mindful of checking in with my office manager every day in order to make sure I still had a job to return to when everything was over. I can’t imagine jumping through any those hoops now as I prepare to do what I can to help my parents and be there for my own immediate family. Thankfully it’s not necessary.

Someone sent me an email message today with an appropriate quote by Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad: “If you choose security, you’ll never have freedom, but if you choose freedom, you’ll always have security.”


4 comments:

Laura Sultan said...

This post reminds me of a day 8 years ago when the daycare called to tell me that my toddler was having stomach pains and was inconsolable. Because of the attendance policy where I was working, I had to choose between keeping my job and checking on my daughter. I chose to go get my daughter.

Now, I have another toddler, my son. I have a babysitter who comes to my home while I work. I can check on him all day long, and if he's sick, I can take off work whenever I want.

Women should not have to choose between caring for a child and keeping a job.

Kimberly Ben said...

My husband used to get so frustrated when parents would send their sick children to school and one of ours would wind up sick as a result. But I had to remind him that some people don't have much of a choice when it comes to keeping their job. It's the most frustrating feeling.

Lori said...

You are SO right about freedom giving security. I remember racing home a few times to get a sick child, then having to take time away from her care to make up the time I had missed at work (as if an hour would really kill them). Worse was the way I was treated by a few people in the office after returning. The cold shoulders, the glares, the snide comments about how dropping things and running off shouldn't become a habit..... And this was from a secretary who didn't work directly with me, so I just dismissed her with a wave. That pissed her off, but she didn't bother me again. :)

Good for you for being able to make such an important choice. I know whatever you do it will be right for you. Hugs, hon.

Kimberly Ben said...

Thanks, Lori. I know just what you mean about the "attitude" that's tossed around once you return to work. You'd think others would be more compassionate.

You know, just from reading the comments lift by you and Laura, I assume that many others may have faced this kind of situation. It's just so ridiculous really.

 
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