Ask the Expert Dr. Kathleen Wells is a professional career coach and Director of Coaches That Care. She has coached thousands of clients through the stages of successful career development. Finding More Time for Family Q: I am a working mom, and have been working since my baby was only 3 months old. This was so because my husband and I both were into a small-scale bakery business up until the time our baby was born. After the baby, we couldn't afford to both have unstable financial situations. I found a job first so I grabbed it. Now two years later, I have been feeling miserable because my baby has not grown close to me at all because of my work schedule. I would really like to resign because my husband now has a good paying job, and I'd like to pursue my dream of becoming a graphic designer instead. The problem is, if I leave my job now, we'll be losing a big amount of money since I have a rather large salary compared to my husband. On the other hand, I want to raise my baby and get to know him better and I think now is the only time I can catch up. What should I do? I'm torn! Peachy M. A: Dear Peachy, Wow, what a tough decision you are facing. This one definitely calls for some inner guidance and serious thought. First of all, I commend you for taking that job while opportunity presented itself. It was a hard thing to do with a new baby at home. Now as for your future, here are some things to consider. First of all, go through your budget and expenditures very carefully. Are there items (there almost always are) that can be eliminated to save money and require less income? If you and your husband eat dinner out a couple of times a week, can you turn that time into quality time with your baby by taking a picnic to a park for example. You can save money and have good quality family time at the same time. See how much "pocket" change spending you can eliminate if you had to. This might help you make the decision to leave your present job. The second thing to consider is a compromise. Can you find a part-time job that will allow you to spend more time with your child but still supplement your income? If possible can you find a job or apprenticeship working in graphic design so you can learn a new career at the same time? Finally, consider returning to college for graphic design. You can get school funding or loans that would replace some of your missing income and allow you to build for your future. Remember that you can manifest in your life that which you want. Focus your energy on your son and on building a new career. It will happen for you. Good luck and best wishes, Kathleen Wells