As an educated professional with no children, I used to go into job interviews with very specific questions in mind to ask. Most of my questions were about the benefits package. I wanted to know if health and life insurance, paid vacation days, retirement plans and so on were included in the compensation. I always knew that when I had children I would not work, but that seemed so far away.

Then one day my husband and I decided it was time. We conceived very quickly and our precious little boy was here in thirty-seven short weeks. That’s when the journey into work-at-home life began. I actually had a terrific boss who let me bring the baby to work with me and work a lot from home. I did that for awhile, but ended up where I knew I belonged all the time…at home. And as I found wonderful ways to make income out of my house, I began to realize one thing. I could make good income from home, but I could not provide the kind of benefits that a corporate employer could afford. Then it occurred to me. I do have a benefits package. I call it the “Mommy Compensation Package!” My benefits include, but are not limited to:

v      Retirement Plans. I have great plans for my retirement. I look at my beautiful little blonde-haired, blue-eyed child, and just imagine what his children will look like. I want him to live enough of a distance away that he will feel as if he has his own life, yet close enough that his kids will see me often. Oh, yes, I have a retirement plan.

v      Twelve-week Vacation Package. My little one is actually starting kindergarten this year. With that in mind, I am planning a twelve-week vacation each year. Specifically, I plan to use June, July and August to try and keep my little one just that: little. ..for at least one more summer.

v      Long Lunch Hours. I am not tied to a clock I must punch. So at our house, we have long, leisurely lunches together. Sometimes we watch a favorite TV show and munch carrot sticks with our sandwiches. Other times we go to his favorite place: McDonalds. And once in a while….just once in a while….we share our food with the dog. She’s a Lab named Lucy and she’s included on special days.

v      Early Afternoons. Who ever heard of working until 7 p.m. when there are worlds to be conquered and things to be done? Under my compensation plan, I am allowed to knock off early to go swimming, ride bikes, or even drive into the city for an Astros game.

v      Flexible Hours. Sometimes there are special treats that must be had for little boys who have obeyed all week. So if an afternoon at Chuck E. Cheese’s is earned, my boss let’s me invoke this benefit to take the entire afternoon off. Sometimes, I’ll even work all night just to be able to forego work the next day. I really enjoy this part of the package.

Incredible Memories. I was there the day my child said his first word. (It just happened to be “Mama.”) His first steps four days before Christmas was so wonderful. I’m glad a sitter didn’t have to tell me all about it. I’ll never forget the first time he slid down a slide, or played in the pool, or discovered a toad. We’ve walked a thousand miles with that silly green wagon and ridden at least another thousand on his blue bicycle. When he doesn’t feel well, we snuggle on the couch and watch old “I Love Lucy” re-runs, and sometimes we eat more Oreo’s than we should. My employment provides great retirements plans and flexible hours. I love the vacation package and the long lunch hours. But most of all, I think I like the Memories benefit the most. Somehow it makes it all worthwhile.

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