I was filling out The Twins’ registration forms for seventh grade (Gah! I’m OLD!) and my pen hovered over the empty rectangle on the sterile-looking form.
EMPLOYER.
Huh.
That blank had been empty since the day I registered my dynamic duo for kindergarten.
For years, it had been a twisted ritual of mine to imagine filling in that rectangle with a snarky response that bordered on narcissistic:
EMPLOYER:
One not quite housebroken mixed breed canine.
Three highly precocious pre-teens.
Da Man. Ev’ry night a-and day. {shimmy, shimmy}
And then?
It occurred to me that, for the first time in twelve years, I had a legitimate response to insert within that rectangle.
My thoughts flitted over the whirlwind that has been the past five months:
The job opportunity that, more or less, fell into my lap and seduced me back into the work force.
The exhilaration that has come with being part of a startup, grass-roots effort that is flourishing before my very eyes and growing at a mind-boggling rate of speed.
The consequent decision I made to step waaaaaay the heck outside of my comfort zone and join my work team in California for a month.
What?
Yep. You heard me right. I leave on Monday.
Today is the first day of summer vacation. And in four days, I’ll board a plane and make myself a temporary home in Silicon Valley.
I almost declined the opportunity. My coworkers would have understood. After all, I’m the only mom on the team. And that’s not what a good mom does.
I mean…really.
Right?
Or maybe…just maybe…
A good mom shows through her actions that you’re never to old to make a new start.
A good mom demonstrates that traditional gender roles and responsibilities are not set in stone…and that it is not a crime to break with tradition.
A good mom empowers her children by teaching them independence and adaptability.
A good mom won’t let herself live with a cloud of regret and whispers of “if only” trailing her for the next decade.
Maybe. And maybe not.
But I won’t know…
Unless I try.
All of these sentiments swam around in my mind as I filled out The Twins’ paperwork. Sap that I am, tears pricked my eyes and blurred my vision.
I blinked them away and filled in the EMPLOYER rectangle. With no snark whatsoever.
Then I carefully tucked the forms in their envelopes
And started packing.
Friends, I am honored to say that my employer, Sverve, was selected from a field of thousands of applicants to participate in 500 Startups‘ Accelerator Program in Mountain View, California. I am equally honored that Team Sverve would like me there with them during this exciting experience.
Blogging friends…you need Sverve in your life. Blogging tools? Community? Paid writing opportunities? Killer webinars? Sverve has it all and will take your blog to the next level.
Linking with Shell at Things I Can’t Say
Very exciting news, Sue!
We never know unless we try, indeed – a valuable lesson for us all. Wishing you safe and happy travels!
Thanks, Kim. The blog will definitely take a different turn when I’m surround by the 500 Startups community and instead of the suburban ‘tween set! Stay tuned…
What an exciting opportunity!
I’m beyond excited, Shell. And I’ve been meaning to contact you about some guest starring opportunities over at Sverve. Will inbox you this month.
Great post! Very poignant! Best of luck on your new adventure!
Thank you, Suz. Now that I’ve said it “out loud,” it’s becoming VERY real.
*Jumps and High Fives and then screeches because she threw her back out. Pops narcs recovers and then just gives you an excited clap*
I’m so proud of you. What an exciting endeavour! I know how it feels when you can’t tick off the employed box. I found it awkward to not tick it when my son started school. He’s the only one and he was in school full time. I know what assholes think “Well then what is she doing all day” well I’m busy watching tv. Kidding. I have the cleanest crappers this side of the Canadian border.
I wish you so much luck friend xoxo
Thanks so much for the vote of confidence, sweet lady. Come with me? You’re tiny. I’ll fold you up and put you in the overhead compartment. Although shifting during flight might throw your poor back out again.
So at least join Sverve. We take Canucks, you know…
We are so fortunate to have you on the team and super excited about your joining us in CA! Its never easy to be away from family, especially for a mom [I am dad and still find it difficult!]. However, it takes a mom to muster this courage and try new things. I am sure you wouldn’t leave any stone unturned to ensure that family ship stays on course when you are here. Kudos to your family for supporting you in this decision. We sincerely appreciate your efforts and look forward to working under one roof in sunny CA!
Thanks, Rohit. As I sit here on a laptop at an indoor basketball court in Chicago, I still can’t quite believe that my laptop and I will be in Mountain View at this time next week. Bring it!
You rock! Congrats on the opportunity and thanks for inspiring us moms with your bravery! I really think kids learn a lot more by our actions than our words. Your kids will be fine and so will you! This will be an awesome learning and growing experience for the entire family!
Best of luck Sue!!
Thanks, girlfriend. No turning back at this point…all that’s left to do is move forward with confidence and rock this thing.
This is so exciting!! it is goooooooood!! You will rock it – never a doubt in my mind
It’s goooooood. I’m gooooooood. All gooooooooood. xoxoxo
Awesome! Very proud of you, Sue!
Thanks, MIssy…much appreciated.
How awesome! From one working mama to another, congrats, dear lady! That’s such an awesome thing
Thank you, Maureen…I have an incredible new-found respect for working moms.
Sue! I’m so glad for you! You’ll do great and so will the family. I appreciated your sentiments as I’m traveling a similar road these past few years. Enjoy the journey!
Thank you, my friend. You were one of my very first cheerleaders on this endeavor! Hugs from Mountain View.
How exciting for you! Congrats and good luck on your future endeavors. I just left the workforce yesterday to be a stay at home mom for the first time since my kids were born and that’s what I shared in my Pour Your Heart out post.
Thanks, Tanya! I’ll stop over and check out your story…we’re sort of like two ships passing in the night, no?
Congratulations! Your children will have a fulfilled mother, and that is wonderful.
Aww…thank you. Two days into this adventure, it looks as if the rockstar nanny that we hired is doing a bang-up job of making sure that my children are getting their share of fulfillment as well.
The kids will survive – believe me, I know – and may enjoy this as much as you will! Good Luck!
You know what, Elle? I think you’re right. Just texted The Twins an hour ago, and our summer nanny is keeping them busy and happy. SO good to hear!
I’m so proud of you. And I get it. I love having a job, and I love telling people I have a job. Your job however is something we, as bloggers, only every dream of, and you deserve every bit of the joy it brings you. Can’t wait for the deets when you get back! You’ll do great.
Thanks, babe. It’s a dream job for sure. An acquaintance once told me that I wouldn’t make any money from blogging. To that acquaintance…and other doubters…I say neener-neener.
And can I say AGAIN how glad I am that you’re back? There’s been a big ol’ hole in the blogosphere since you’ve been gone. So good to “see” you again!
[...] This place is, indeed, like camp. [...]
[...] I’ve met plenty of people. The folks here at 500 Startups meet for lunch and dinner and happy hours and ping-pong and soccer tournaments and weekend [...]
Congratulations! Fill in that employer spot proudly …we all work just in different places and in different ways!
I like that perspective, Melissa. Thanks for sharing it.