The Sting

When I left work on Wednesday afternoon, I wrote myself a note reminding me to dress in my Bee onesie for Friday. We’re raising money for childrens’ hospitals at work and dressing up is a fun way to get people talking about it and interested.

But I was worried I’d forget by Friday because something extra exciting was happening between now and then.

“Can I have everyone’s attention please!” I said at work, raising my voice when there were no customers in the branch. “I have something to say which you all need to know.”

As usually this sort of comment precursors a pregnancy announcement, suddenly all eyes we on me. Some of them wide with horror.

I cleared my throat.

“I just wanted to make sure you were all aware I am not going to be at work tomorrow,” I said loudly, “or any Thursday after that.” People started to turn away from me and get back to work, probably because it wasn’t the first time they’d heard about it.

A goodly part of my week had been spent sending emails, interrupting training and somehow bringing any conversation around to my new pending timetable. It’s true to say I’m more than a little excited about the idea of cooking, cleaning and chasing after my kids.

“Oh, shut up, Bruce,” one of my colleagues said, rolling their eyes by way of feeling happy for me.

“I just don’t want any tears,” I told them before again addressing everyone. “You need to prepare yourselves mentally.”

Although it turns out they were much better prepared for my absence than I suspected.

So I have now embarked on an exciting new career change – stay at home dad, part-time. Actually it’s very part time at the moment because it’s only the one day a week. But that just means there’s room for improvement (four days of room for improvement by my calculations).

And my first day went swimmingly!

Also, if you believe that I’d like to welcome you to my Big Family Little Income blog: clearly you’re new here.

But more on my first day in my next blog post. Tonight I just thought I’d fill you in on what happened when I returned to my wonderful colleagues at work on Friday.

Remember how I mentioned I was worried I’d forget to wear my onesie? Well, unfortunately I didn’t.

Unfortunately?

Yep.

Because apparently on the Thursday they decided they weren’t going to come to work dressed in onesies after all and, being away, I didn’t get the memo.

Although I suspect I was simply set up.

You funny jealous buggers!

Our ’BIG FAMILY little income’ Facebook Page

 ’Raising a family on little more than laughs.’