In June, Em and I are expecting our third child, which appears to be a little girl. I believe it is fair to say that we are eager to introduce this child to our family. My kids are doubly excited to have a baby sister that they can teach how to drive their parents crazy. This is exciting times for the Jones’s and we seem to keep rolling with every punch that comes along with this great news. The punches: my surgery, healing from my surgery, we have to find a new place to live, moving in the next few weeks, and a baby on the way.

Apparently this isn’t enough to keep me busy and at my wits-ends; Em’s employer has decided to change their work relationship/arrangement. Em has been working from home 3 days a week and in the office 2 days a week. This has allowed us the ability to only have our daughter in daycare part-time which has been financially beneficial, but also great for the bonding of my family. Just 10 weeks prior to delivery date of our daughter her employer has decided to adjust her schedule to work in the office 5 days a week. I am not really a distrustful sort and will not speculate on why this happening at this time, but will say that this stinks and quite honestly poor timing. Em had communicated with her employer that she cannot change the current arrangement they have, since the day-care cost for two kids full-time and one part-time and transportation would negate the salary she currently collects. Since, then they have posted her position on Monster.

My current assumption is that Em will return to freelance design and marketing work once her employer let’s her go. But, here is my struggle. I fail to understand how a small manufacturing firm in a small town cannot be more sensitive to their employee’s needs, especially after employment of a few years. This is in stark contrast to the how respectful and considerate my employer, Tribune, has been to me. I guess through all of this I am thankful for my job and boss. Thanks Barb and Tribune.