The value of work

Lately, I've spent a lot of time wondering what is the value of my time spent working. For the past 25 years I've worked at least one full time job and usually a part time one as well. For 19 of those 25 years I've been a Mother.It seems I've spent countless days working 10 - 12 hours, only to come home and begin a marathon of cooking, cleaning & homework. My children and husband patiently waiting for me to frantically move from one task to the next.

It is important to note that in all of this activity I have not been an absentee parent.  I attended school events, helped out with fundraisers & community activities and even coached a cheerleading squad for 4 years, all while working at least 40 hours a week. I have never questioned my ability to be a good mother, until now.

Perhaps I am getting old, maybe I'm just tired, but I wonder if I would have been a better Mom, if I wasn't trying so hard to be a good employee. Recent events within the company I work for, have made me question the loyalty of my employer.  I am accustomed to the employer questionning the loyalty of its employees, not the other way around.  But as I enter a new school year with two of my three children I am aware that they need me to be there for them.  While I realize the importance of the work I do for my employer, I also wonder how flexible they are really willing to be with me; am I valuable enough to them, that they will allow me to work more independently with less physical presence?

I guess the value of work is relative to the quality of my life in all aspects, not just the 9 to 5 grind!