Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/313716
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARCAROLYN»I'ma first-time mom (baby is 10 months old) staying at home. We moved for my spouse's job before the baby came and now I'm unemployed for the first time in my adult life. My skill set is very specific; there are no local job op- portunities. I have a possible job opportunity that is well matched skill-wise, but requires a lengthy daily com- mute and semi-frequent out-of-town travel. My spouse works a rotating day-night shift, making child care a challenge. Some days I love being home with my child, and other days I feel like get- ting back into the work- force is the thing to do. Our family is in a different part of the country and we don't have much of a sup- port network here. I've been diagnosed with postpartum anxiety but am starting to feel back to myself thanks to medication. I don't know how to start to figure out which choice is best for me, my child, my spouse, our family. Can you give me some questions to think about that might help point me toward mak- ing a choice and feeling confident it's a good fit? —ToWorkorNot DEAR TO WORK » Start by asking yourself whether you want to work outside the house, and, more aptly, why you've come to con- sider it now. Is the opportunity driving the conversation? Your unease at being "unem- ployed"? A sense that being an at-home mom doesn't suit you? Also discuss with your husband where your pref- erence tips — i.e., what amount of stress on your home life would over- whelm any benefits you get from working. That stress can be emotional (lost time with baby and spouse, bad professional fit, being pulled in too many directions), financial and logistical, including child care, which warrants its own category. If you decide a job makes sense for you and your family, then you weigh this job on its merits alone. It sounds as if you have two solid reasons to say no to the current offer (commute, travel) and one solid one to say yes (uncommon skill match). So, all you need to do for this decision is figure out which trumps what. If you decide you want a job but not this one, then you move on to the next big question: What kind of work do you want, can you get, and will best accom- modate your priorities? Is a career change a viable option? Retraining? Finally, as you toss all this around, strength- en your network a bit — find a mom's group, a "parent's day out"-type child care cooperative, or a baby music or swim- ming or movement class, since all of these are basi- cally new-parent mixers. While yours is technically a work-or-don't ques- tion, it feels to me like a loneliness-and-fatigue question, and no wonder. Isolation and baby care just don't mix. Stay-at-home mom considers getting back in the workforce Carolyn Hax Ask Carolyn Email Carolyn Hax at tellme@washpost.com, follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ carolyn.hax or chat with her online at noon Eastern time each Friday at www.washingtonpost.com. Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Aries(March21-April19) — A real estate prospect will appeal to you. It may not be a convenient time to make a move, but keep your eye on things and your options open. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Tension is brewing. Be gentle and understanding when deal- ing with others. It will take all the patience you can muster to avoid a disagreement. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Throwing money around will not impress anyone. Honesty and integrity are much more attrac- tive features. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Increased socializing will lead to profits. Your peers will want to join forces with you. Display skills and broadcast the contri- bution you are willing to make. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Let your carefree temperament lead you to fun. You and the people you most enjoy spending time with will be in sync, enabling you to engage in activities that will bring you closer together. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Be cautious in romantic situ- ations. Don't rush love or expect too much from others. Bide your time and be observant. You'll gain valuable knowledge if you wait and watch. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Reclaim your independence to- day. Get out and involve yourself in social or recreational clubs. You don't need to convince someone else to join you. It's time to make new friends. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Burn off excess energy. It isn't necessary to join a gym. You can exercise at home, get- ting the same results and saving money to put toward an evening of entertainment. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't squander your money on a risky venture. Gam- bling will deplete your budget and anger someone. "Frugal and fit" should be your mantra. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Resist the urge to tell others how to run their lives. You are not infallible. Unless you are asked for your opinion, keep your thoughts to yourself. Work on self-improvement instead. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Be prudent when making monetary contributions. Find out ahead of time how the money in question would be used. You could find yourself in trouble with the authorities if you don't follow the rules. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't be afraid of overtime if it will help you complete unfinished business. Get back to a solid health regimen. Take a pass if a proposal or joint ven- ture makes you uncomfortable. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol SATURDAY, MAY 17 SATURDAY,MAY17,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B