Since I haven’t made an ‘official’ announcement, here it goes – I have returned to the workforce. I am no longer just a housewife. I will always proudly carry the title of housewife even though I have a full-time job outside of the home.

I have been working for three weeks – three glorious weeks where they pay me to sit in a cubicle and work. No distractions. No getting juice for someone and then five minutes later fixing them something to eat. It is like and 8-hour vacation five days a week. There are some drawbacks – I work in a cubicle – a boring, gray cubicle. I hope to give it some pizzazz – as my daughter would say – with a few plants and personal touches from home. It is nice to have a clean slate, though. Our home is such a wreck that it is a treat to go somewhere with order and structure. Ah, maybe one day my home will once again be a peaceful place.

When I worked before, I had an office. I was excited to see that I would have a cubicle. I enjoyed having an office but there were drawbacks. It was lonely. A cubicle just seems more social. However, it is less private. Also decorating is challenging since my items won’t be as secure and everything is more noticeable. It’s a challenge that’s for sure. However, I am partial to keep it as plain as possible. It’s like a clean slate – very relaxing. I seem to get a lot done without so clutter. I should make my home desk more like my work desk. So maybe less really is more when it comes to an office cubicle.

One job I have been considering is that of a computer programmer. I’ve taken a few classes and really do enjoy the process of developing software. Writing computer software can be a creative outlet – so I love the idea of being paid for creativity.

There are plenty of options to explore with a programming career. Websites like Elance.com can help people find PHP programmers. I would still be able to do freelance work but in a different field. Freelancing takes a lot of self-discipline and drive. It is so hard to work from home some days.

PHP developers always seem to be in demand in part to the popularity of the Internet. I’ve learned a little PHP but still know very little about it. Trying to teach yourself new skills isn’t always possible. My husband is better with self-teaching. Then I will let him teach me. That should make his day.

Right now I’m getting ready to return to the workforce after five years at home. Sites like Elance who give PHP programmers a platform to showcase their skills is a great opportunity. This could be a wonderful way to gain some practical skills when it comes to programming.

I am excited about trying a new line of work especially one I have been thinking about for a long time. Now is the time to gain as much knowledge and experience as I can, so I will be prepared when opportunity comes a knocking.

Brought to you by your friends at Elance.com>

After 3 weeks of working full-time, I just couldn’t take it anymore. I flat out quit my job – a first time I have ever left a job without a 2 weeks notice. But I felt that I couldn’t work another day let alone 14.

It wasn’t the job or the people that I worked for. In fact I probably would have enjoyed it but I like being a housewife. I like being at home with my daughter. Soon she will be in school, so for now I just want to focus in on spending time with her and getting our very small business off the ground.

Even though I only worked for three weeks, I learned a lot. I learned that even if you don’t have distractions tasks usually take longer than you plan. I always felt that I could get way more done if I wasn’t distracted. Now I know that even without distractions I need to have realistic goals. Working was a good reality check for me. I’m not ready for full-time work and need to be better at time management and goal setting. Hopefully what I’ve learned in three weeks will help me be more efficient and productive.

Recently I went back to work part-time. It’s a little extra money for the monthly budget and is really helping us out. I’m surprised when I was sent information to sign up for the company’s life insurance policy.

I only work 20 hours a week, so my bi-weekly paycheck is not that big. Since I have insurance through my husband’s workplace, I’m not interested. I’m still surprised they sent the information for the life insurance and retirement plan to me. I want to collect as much money as I can, so I don’t want any more payroll deductions.

It’s been a long time since I’ve worked part-time. I guess I should be glad that if I wanted it then I could at least get it even though I’m not a full-time employee.

My sister-in-law is a nurse. She went to school a few years back to get her degree. When she graduated, she thought about taking a traveling position where she would be in a different city from week to week. The pay was phenomenal but all the travel just didn’t fit her lifestyle being married with a young child. So instead she opted for a position that would keep her closer to home.

If you can handle being away from home, then a travel nurse is a great job. If I were a nurse I think I would like it since your surroundings would be constantly changing. It would be hard to get tired of your co-workers since they would be changing from week to week. The pay is also outstanding. I know a few people who have done travel nursing before and would only have to work a weekend to make as much money working 5 days a week at a regular nursing job.

We live about 100 miles from New Orleans, LA which has been in short supply of nurses for years even before Katrina. There are a lot of nurses who travel to New Orleans from here to work for a couple of days then return home. In that short amount of time they can double their paycheck.

he concept of travel nurses isn’t new and short lesson in nursing history will show that nurses would travel with doctors who covered a wide geographic area. I wonder if they pay was as good back then as it is now? If you are a nurse, then you can really make a nice living working the hours you want and living where you desire.

If I thought that I could do it, then I would go back to school to become a nurse. I do think it’s a calling, though, and sadly not one that I hear.