That's not to say I wasn't overjoyed, I was, but I was also a bit overwhelmed. Even with having the most amazing colleague taking over my class and no immediate pressure at work, the tenure clock never stopped ticking - loudly - in my ear.
Today, on the anniversary of my son's birth, I've learned a very valuable lesson -- how to ignore the ticking. Or like any working parent, how to balance work and family. For me that means focusing on using my work time most efficiently by prioritizing better, minimizing distraction (door closed more often), and saying no (not just to extra work assignments, but to leisurely trips to get coffee and extended lunches with colleagues). I try not to think about work when I'm home and vice versa. And most days, I'm satisfied. So, much like TucsonMama, I ask you this -- what advice would you have for new parents striving to reach a balance?
