A Strange Turn of Events

I'm working again.  For a few weeks, anyway.

Last week, a contract attorney/freelance gig kind of fell into my lap.  I hate it when people say that, but it's true.  I didn't seek it out- it came to me.   And when the question was posed to me as to whether or not I was interested, I was shocked at how easy it was for me to exclaim a big fat "Yes!"

I think I have missed working more than I care to admit.  Or maybe it's not working per se, but SOMETHING.  Something other than the tediousness of my daily life these days - the nap times and the school pick ups and the playdates and the meal preparation and the laundry and the Real Housewives episodes.  Don't get me wrong - I love the aforementioned things, but I find myself yearning for something different.  Something to make me appreciate how awesome a mundane lifestyle can be.

A few weeks ago a close friend of mine, who lives in another city and is also a stay at home mom, emailed me to tell me that she was going back to work.  She found a part time job where she can work two days a week in the office, and four hours at home.  When she told me the news, I found that I was jealous.  Not in the way that I didn't want my friend to have the job (I am so happy for her), but in that, "Hey, I could do that too" kind of way.  How perfect would that set-up be?

Here's why:  You know that feeling where you have a hard day at work, and you can't wait to get home and collapse on your couch?  So you can really relax?  Because your home is your haven? Your reprieve?  I don't feel that anymore.  Because I am HOME ALL THE TIME.  It's the place I want to escape from, not escape to.

But two days out of the house (I'm talking 9-5 days, and nothing more)... I think I'd get a bit of that appreciation back for my home as my place of respite. Sure, I'd miss the kids, but not in a painful way.  I'd miss them just enough so that I would appreciate the five days I did have with them a little bit more.  This 2 to 5 ration seems like the perfect balance for me.  A weekend/workweek turned on its head.

This particular gig I got is not the 2 to 5 ratio I am describing.  It's more time intensive, and I am working from home.  But, it is work.  I'm getting paid pretty well.  And I'm using my brain again, which is strangely satisfying.

It's a short term thing - probably only through the end of the year.  But my friend's experience, combined with my own recent turn in employment, makes me realize that it is possible.  Maybe I can work on the side.  Maybe I can earn some money.  Maybe once this gig is up, I should put forth some effort to see if I can find some freelance legal work and create my own 2 to 5 ratio, or something close to it.

Speaking of freelance work, through Twitter I have come across some companies that provide freelance legal services and primarily employ female attorneys with children.  Check out Montage Legal - the company's website states that it is "a network of experienced freelance attorneys who left law firms to achieve a work-life balance."  Um, hello?  You speaking to me?  Sign me up! Unfortunately, this company is based on the west coast, but I have to say that it's mere existence has inspired me.

Anyone know if something like this exists on the east coast?  Because it should.  If not, maybe I should start it.  Who's with me? :)