ParentPoints

This blog is for all parents; those in the traditional workforce, those who work from home, and those who work at home. Join our conversations about balancing the needs of family with the demands of work, discovering resources and activities around Alaska, and opening a dialogue about the perks and challenges of parenthood. One of our three contributors emphasizes teen and family issues. We welcome your comments but please keep them on point and civil. Avoid personal attacks and the use of profanity.


Contributors

Erin Kirkland

Erin Kirkland writes freelance and lives in Anchorage with her husband and two boys, 14 and 3. She has covered family-related topics for newspapers, parenting magazines and the Web. Erin and her family moved to Anchorage in 2005. She'll post on Wednesdays about great activities the entire family can participate in, and enjoy, together.

Gina Romero

Gina Romero is a lifelong Alaskan who is passionate about parenting. She left Alaska for a short time to earn a degree in journalism and returned for a job at Channel 2 News. Gina produced the Channel 2 Newshour for the better part of a decade and more recently served as communications specialist at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. Career perspectives changed when her daughter was born in 2007, and Gina is now a mother by day and freelance writer by night. Her Monday blog posts will focus on striking a healthy balance between work and family.

Heather Lende

Writer Heather Lende has 5 children, biological and adopted, aged 17-25 and has been married to their dad for 26 years. She also coaches high school runners. She'll try to help you with teenage, young adult, and family matters. Expect her posts on Fridays.

Archive

Tools To Save Money - 11/3/2009 4:08 pm

Freedom is Priceless - 10/21/2009 3:38 pm

Travel Tips for Parents with Small Children - 10/11/2009 2:58 pm

Time to fall into a routine - 9/3/2009 4:06 pm

Where is the line? - 8/24/2009 9:55 pm

Are you an iphone Mom? - 8/23/2009 9:46 pm

Kaladi Kids Day - 8/20/2009 9:28 pm

Save a buck, help a family in need - 8/13/2009 2:13 pm

It's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it - 8/10/2009 10:17 pm

AWAIC Shelter Gets Funding - 7/29/2009 2:18 pm

Planning ahead can buy some time later - 7/26/2009 9:58 pm

Mother and baby spent the night in a gas station bathroom - 7/19/2009 7:32 pm

What's the perfect work schedule? - 7/16/2009 3:02 pm

Last minute request makes for a family adventure - 7/8/2009 10:50 pm

New park at Westchester lagoon - 7/7/2009 9:49 am

Great Travel Web site - 7/3/2009 8:52 am

Kid Friendly Fourth of July in Whittier - 6/24/2009 12:34 pm

The Sockless Mom - 6/15/2009 11:29 pm

Feeling Guilty Because You Love Going To Work? - 6/11/2009 9:06 am

Kid Friendly? Travel Tips To Lighten The Load - 6/4/2009 9:15 pm

To Work or Stay Home With Baby? The Pros and Cons - 6/1/2009 1:53 pm

Travel With Children: Advice from Moms - 5/30/2009 9:02 am

full archive »

Freedom is Priceless

Posted by Gina Romero

Posted: October 21, 2009 - 3:38 pm

Comments (0) |

Payday was last Friday. The money was gone by Monday due to bills and groceries at Costco. We won’t see another paycheck until Friday, Oct. 30. We will need milk and formula before then. Thankfully, I have freelance money coming to cover those costs. This scenario is nothing new. It has been happening since I decided to leave my full-time job to become a full-time Mom more than a year ago.

We live off of my husband’s humble salary. He is a Fireman for the city. I freelance to supplement. Frankly, it is not enough. There are public officials who claim a majority of Fire Department employees make six figures. Yes, on paper that is correct. However, those salary figures include benefits. It is a manipulative and politically motivated message. I can assure you we are not a six figure family. We live paycheck-to-paycheck. We are not saving any money. And, sometimes, there just isn’t enough. But we do it anyway. This lifestyle is a choice we made together, knowing it was going to be challenging.

The challenges are worth it. Why? I am free. I have freedom to stay home and watch cartoons with the kids, to do crafts, to go to the park, or to make a snow angel. As a wife, I have freedom to go for a walk with my husband whenever I want, without answering to anyone. As an individual, I have freedom to express my views without worrying about reflecting poorly on my employer. As a professional, I have freedom to take assignments and clients that I believe in, that do good in the community, that are transparent and genuine. There is nothing better than saying “thanks, but no thanks” to an individual known for selfish motives and a manipulative spirit.

I don’t buy expensive wine. I don’t eat out often. I don’t have a fabulous social life. I own one pair of jeans. My children wear hand-me-downs. But, I am free and for that, thankful.


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