<p>Life is a series of trade offs. The key to being happy is to figure out what you are willing to give up in order to get what you want. For example, I had a challenging job that I really enjoyed. When I had my daughter, I decided to take a leave (from which I never returned). My personality is such that I give 100% to everything I do. I realized that I could not give both my job and my child what I felt each deserved. Because I could not — I, meaning me, not anyone else, just me … do justice to both at the same time, I did not return to work. True to form, of course, I found plenty of challenging things to which I could devote my time. I chose things that I could do on my terms. Flash forward 19 + years, and I am trying to return to a fulltime professional job. It’s much harder than I anticipated (especially since I live in MI). This is the only time in my life I have ever been disappointed in how my hand is playing out … but I know that I will figure it all out eventually.</p>
<p>What did I give up in all this? Money, that’s for sure!! Professional success. Respect. Lots more. BUT … I have never regretted the choices I have made. There is an opportunity cost to many choices in life. If you are true to yourself, though, the positives will far outweigh the negatives when all is said and done.</p>