The term "work/life balance" is ridiculous.
There is no balance. It's just a perpetual juggling act between work and life. Between bosses, clients, kids, parents and other life passions and responsibilities. I managed to raise two (amazingly well-adjusted) daughters while working full-time. Over the years, I relied on various nannies, babysitters, and family members, my husband, and my office staff (to be understanding and pick up the slack through emergencies).
My parenting duties were suddenly cut in half this month when my 18-year old daughter left for Cornell. I realized as I filled out school forms this morning that I now only have one set of papers to fill out. I just need to keep track of one girl's schedule, shopping, back-to-school night, and sports events. Although my older daughter was fairly independent once she got her driver's license, I was still aware of her presence 24/7. Now I have no idea where she is, what she's doing, who she's with, and what she's eating. She's on her own. She has to fill out her own forms now. Yes, it's true what people say. It goes really, really, really quickly.
And what will I do with this extra time? Good question. I'd like to think that my younger daughter will benefit from some extra mothering (and not smothering). I'll probably be more productive at work.
But in a short four years they'll both be gone, and I'll be starting a whole new phase of my life. Maybe I'll learn a new skill. Or do some traveling (freed from the shackles of the school calendar). I have time to decide.
The adjustment from no kids to one to two was huge. But the reverse seems to be equally daunting. For now, I'll just appreciate the one set of school forms and sports events and soak up every second of "work/life balance" that remains -- before I become a real "empty nester."
Adjusting to sending your kids to college