I had THE TALK with my dad.

[KKD]

Apparently he thought it was time I knew where all these babies were coming from.

KIDDING!

I told him I don't plan on coming back to work after this baby is born. I've been putting it off because I feel like it would disappoint him. It's his father's company which he has spent his entire adult life building after my grandfather mismanaged it. I'm the only one of his four kids who decided to work here, ever since I graduated college 11 years ago, so I've always felt obligated to stick with it and help keep it in the family name. (Granted, my one uncle is a co-owner and has always worked here, my other two uncles are back to working here, and all three have younger kids that may or may not decide to work here, so it's not like the pressure's all on me, especially since my own siblings have no interest, although my brother did tell me once that he felt like he had disappointed my dad by choosing another career.)

Obviously I have issues when it comes to familial obligation, and this is just one more example.

ANYWAY. In the past six years, since cutting down to part-time after having kids, my workload has been reduced dramatically, to the point where anyone else here could easily take on my work without even having to hire a replacement. I am pretty much worthless, or at least not worth the salary I'm making, I know it, and I'm sure my dad and others know it but would never say anything. So after I told him that I didn't think it made sense for me to continue working (and I didn't think it was fair to ask my mom and MIL to watch three kids), he agreed, but offered that there would always be a position for me if I want to come back once the kids are all in school. He even offered to pay my salary through the end of the year! (We're a small business, and I'm the only woman of child-bearing age who has ever worked here, so any rules about maternity leave have been off the cuff. lol.)

I left feeling so bittersweet. Glad that I got it out of the way and have a plan for staying at home full-time which is what I really want to do, but sad that I am leaving while my dad is holding out hope that I will come back.

I am having a lot of emotions and just needed to get them out, ok? Ok.

[cheeseandcrackers]

Sounds like you're getting a good deal!

[Deleted]

aw, your dad sounds like such a standup guy. and it's nice to know that the door is open so that if you DO decide to come back, that's an option. and even if you don't, he's always your dad .

[AlpineSlide]

That is bittersweet, but your dad sounds like an awesome boss! It must feel great knowing you have a position there if you choose to go back. Good for you!

[sunshineluv]

Sounds like that went well, I am sure you are thankful to have that conversation over with.

[snipsnsnails]

Awww, that is so rough. I have such respect for my father and his work ethic and never, ever want to disappoint him. I can definitely understand where you're coming from.

I'm glad he took it well and this is just the rough transition spot. A year from now, you'll all have settled in to your new roles and it will be the new normal.

And that's great that he left the door open! He sounds like such a great dad. But you're a great daughter, too!

[KKD]

Thanks for indulging me, everyone. He is an awesome dad (and grandpa too).

@booby, H was looking at me crazy-eyed when I started tearing up as I was telling him the story. I know this is a good thing, I am just overly emotional even when not pregnant! I cried when I heard that Cups song from Pitch Perfect on the radio this morning. lol.

[Bernadine]

I'm glad it went well, and I'm sure it's nice to know that there's always an opportunity for you there.

[snickers]

Glad it went well! Very bittersweet.

[ProfessorArtNerd]

If he's looking to pay people for barely working? I'm a very good barely-worker