[tweetmeme source=”cbyndas” only_single=false]My daughter’s college graduation was last week, wow she grew up way too fast!  As my kids hit milestones I find myself taking a look back and wondering, did I get to spend enough time with her as she was growing up?

In some senses I think the answer is no.  All parents would like to spend every minute of their lives with their kids, but alas the world is there to draw them away.  I have had it better than most.  Being my own boss has given me a great amount of flexibility and allowed me to be in control of my schedule; this has been a fabulous part of being a business owner.  Rather than working a rigid set of hours I have been able to arrange my work day around my kids’ schedules.

Some of my peers enjoy business ownership because of the financial rewards, or the ability to grow a large organization and sell it to the next lucky gal.  For me, however, the flexibility is what has mattered the most.

A friend who attended the Career Agents Network spring recruiting workshop brought me a wonderful gift, the book One: How many people does it take to make a difference? The book is filled with one or two page explorations on what we should focus on in our daily lives.  The book helps me realize the number 1 thing I have accomplished over my career is being my kids’ mom.  (Thanks Lynden!)

I am blessed to have been the mom that was the “classroom mom”: the Girl Scout leader, went on the field trips, attended all the concerts, games, plays and doctor appointments.  Grow up my little one did, but I was there along the way.

It is no surprise to me that human resource professionals are now saying the top benefit companies can offer their employees is a flexible work week.  The ability to attend a school event in the middle of the day is priceless.  I am sure MasterCard agrees.  Business owners will always have the most flexibility, but it is nice to know that companies are finally getting into the Life/Work balance game.

Congratulations Brittany, your mom is very proud of you; it has been great to watch you grow up.