Goal: Part-time job, work/life balance

A writer, Meg Muckenhoupt, 42, had a productive summer: freelance work from a small technology company that needs press releases written, and rewriting a book proposal for a friend. But the big development was the sale of foreign rights of a textbook she authored, which brought an unexpected large check from her publisher.

She built a website for herself on Google that lists her publications and an updated resume, an exercise that taught her the small but crucial task of proof-reading text and layout on screen instead of on paper.

The most important progress she’s made, however, was internal: she worked through her ambivalence about being a stay-at-home mother and became clearer about her personal and work objectives, which are putting family first and setting full-time career ambitions aside for now.

She’s decided to continue to work from home and look for part-time work instead of going full-out for a permanent position.

“My resume looks great now, but a great resume isn’t enough,’’ said Muckenhoupt. “If I want to go back to work, I need to make a full-time job of looking for it, and target what I really want. That’s a sacrifice I’m just not willing to do right now.’’

Her advice: be clear on what you want from life.

What she’s learned: “There is value to all types of work, including the job of raising children and taking care of your family. Make no excuses for taking time off work to be with your kids.’’