The summer is a patchwork season for us as a family.

Limited childcare, random camps, and swim lessons.  I think every week and every day is different in our house.  Gardening, mowing, and farm work have a place in there too.  It’s a lot to juggle, but we also have a lot of fun.  (Picture a slip & slide with no neighbors to laugh at the middle-aged parents giving it a go.)

There are many moments of frustration in our house all around, when parents are on calls and kids are parading with harmonicas, or when parents have to work and kids are complaining about their snack.  But there are also sweet moments.  My 5yo still loves to take a nap after a big day of playing outside, and reading him a book before turning off the light is a precious time.  We both look forward to it. 

The other day, tucking him in for an afternoon nap, I explained I was going upstairs to work but I’d see him when he woke up.  He asked me if I wished I could take a nap too.  I said yes, I wish I could nap and play and do fun things with you.  I like my work, I told him, but I wish I could just play in the summer.

My son has a solution for everything.

“Well, Mommy,” he said.  “If you were a snow-plow driver you would only work in the winter when there is snow.  And then you would have all the other seasons to play with me!  Definitely the summer because there is no snow.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his adorably detailed problem-solving, ignorant of all of the reasons why that would never happen.  But also, there’s some serious wisdom in there.  Seasonal work, I declared!  Genius.  New work/life goal.  “That’s an awesome idea, sweetie.” 

I love how kids can see opportunities, solutions, innovation everywhere they look.  It inspires me to do the same.  I’m in a season of exploring, growing, and expanding in my professional life.  It’s an exciting and inspiring time.  But it’s also a little overwhelming and scary sometimes, especially for professionals who like to have a plan—and an optimal one.

Having an outside voice offer ideas, even if they seem a little crazy like snow plows, can help to stir up something true.   A coach is a person who listens, nudges, and encourages, so you can feel ready to tackle the next right thing. 

Are you in a season of change in your career?  Are you exploring and wondering about how to improve your work/life balance?  I feel you.  And I’d love to help.