I was an operations manager at a regional distribution company.
I’d spent eight years building that career.
I supervised nine employees.
I loved solving problems.
I loved having responsibilities beyond our home.
And I earned a good salary.
“Why wouldn’t I go back?” I asked.
Elon shrugged.
“Childcare is expensive. We’re doing fine on what I make.”
“I earn good money too.”
“I know. But why spend half your paycheck paying someone else to watch Sophie?”
I set down the little yellow onesie in my hands.
“My job means more to me than just money.”
He looked at me.
“Sophie’s still so small, Maddie.”
The guilt struck immediately.
Of course she was small.
She was three months old.
Of course I wanted to spend time with her.
But I also wanted to remain myself.
“You could stay home another six months,” Elon suggested.
“Maybe a year. See how it goes.”
