It's startling to discover how having kids changes the way you see the world.  Just compare your "before kids" vs. "after kids" views on what counts as:

• A good place to live.
• A desirable car.
• A great restaurant.
• A wonderful evening.
• Your ideal or "plum" job.

Give that "plum" job a closer look.  Back in college or graduate school, you may have dreamed of a job that offered intellectual challenge, travel, or a chance to use your talents to make a difference in the world.

Once your start a family, your "plum" job can look more like a lemon!

Life is infinitely more complex now.  Family life can magnify drawbacks that used to be inconsequential.  Challenges that seemed thrilling at an earlier stage of your life may be daunting now.

It may be time to update your vision of your "plum." You can start by asking:

1.  What talents do you want to offer the world through your job?
2.  What do you enjoy?
3.  How much income to you need to feel you are being fairly compensated?
4.  How much flexibility do you want in your schedule?
5.  How much mental and emotional energy do you want to have left after your paid work is done?
6.  How often and for how long do you want to travel out of town?
7.  How far do you want to commute?
8.  Is there an upper limit to how many hours you are willing to work per day?  Per week?
9.  How often are you willing to relocate?
10. How much of the time do you want to work from home?

Are you already holding your "plum"?  If not, keep your new vision in front of you.  What steps can you take today to put your updated "plum" within reach?

(c) 2004 Norma Schmidt, Coach, LLC