It's a conversation I'm sure is being shared by couples around the world right now.

Everyone has their reasons: for a lot it's financial and for some it's just a personal preference.

But the discussion isn't one to take lightly. So many factors. So many decisions.

My husband and I have had this very conversation several times over past few months. It usually takes place when we're driving or late at night when he's returning from work.

You might ask...

"Why would you go back to the grind of the office when it's clear you're building a strong personal brand and a busy consulting practice around that brand?"

That is an excellent question. Here are a few of my answers.

I like working.  Scratch that.  I LOVE working.  I'm a workaholic just like my Dad.  I'm an idea person, the wheels are always turning.  As a freelancer, I can add value to companies by sharing those ideas.  By aligning myself with a larger organization, I have the resources (technology, talent, investment) to not only share those ideas, but to make them happen.

I'm a great mom but I'm a terrible home manager.  Add in the fact that I'm a workaholic?  Yeah.  Guess who picks up the slack.  My husband.  He's game for being a Stay At Home Dad so that I can pursue my career.  He sees my eyes light up when I tell him about a new project I'm working on.  He sees how energized I get when I talk about a potential partnership.  It might not be for every family, but we're realizing that for ours?  It's right for us.

So while this is a decision I just made public this week, it's been one my husband and I have talked about at length.  I've had some incredible conversations with even more incredible organizations about potential opportunities over the past few days and I've got more scheduled.

Many of you have shown your support for this decision on Twitter and Facebook, in emails that you've sent to me.  And let me tell you, that support means the world to me.  I love being part of this community we call the interwebs.  A few of you have asked if my blog will go away.  Heck no.  Others have asked about Twitter.  I can guarantee you I will still be on Twitter (Seriously, you KNOW how Twitter addicted I am).   The fact of the matter is, I love what I do now.  For my clients and for myself: marketing strategy, brand building, social media, business development.  I miss team meetings, the energy of collaborating in person, presenting in front of a potential client.  And my hope is that an amazing, forward-thinking, cutting-edge company will hire me to BRING IT.

Want to support me in my journey back to the corporate world?  Please tweet your support using the hashtag  on Twitter: #hirejessicaknows

I love my family.  I cherish the quality time we spend together.  And I encourage moms everywhere to pursue the situation that is right for them and their families whether that means staying home, working from home, working part-time, working full-time.

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