Family Album USA - Episode 22 - Career Choices

 

Family Album USA: Episode 22 - Career Choices

Act I

In the first act, Marilyn's trying to decide whether to return to work at the boutique. Since her son Max was born, Marilyn has been staying at home taking care of him, and she would like to continue. But Marilyn's boss, Rita Mae, wants Marilyn to come back to work soon. What does Marilyn want to do?

Marilyn	"Rock-a-bye, baby, on the tree top, When the wind blows. The cradle will rock. When the bough breaks, The cradle will fall, And down will come baby, Cradle and all."
Richard	Hi, Marilyn. What are you doing?
Marilyn	Just sketching. I've been thinking a lot about our responsibilities in the past few weeks.
Richard	I never stop thinking about them.
Marilyn	I've been wrestling with question of whether I go back to work or not.
Richard	I see.
Marilyn	And I'm torn. I really want to go back to work, use my talents, and pursue my career in fashion desingn like we as a fulltime mother, especially when he's a baby.
Richard	I really understand, Marilyn, But you never have to worry about Max. There's Mother and Grandpa...and I can always arrange my photo schedule around your schedule, if that will help.
Marilyn	It's not the same, Richard.
Ricard	Have you discussed going back to work with your boss?
Marilyn	Rita Mae called yesterday.
Richard	Ah! That's what's got you thinking, isn't it?
Marilyn	She wants to know when I think I'll be returning to the boutique.
Richard	And you said...?
Marilyn	I said I'd give her an answer in a few days...that I wasn't sure.
Richard	I'm sure Rita Mae will understand and wait until you're ready to go back to work.
Marilyn	Well, maybe she will, and maybe she won't. Who knows? If I don't accept her offer, maybe she'll find someone else in the meantime, and when I'm ready to go back, there won't be a job for me.
Richard	That's something to consider. You've got yourself to think about, too.
Marilyn	But I am thinking about myself. Don't you see?
Richard	What do you mean?
Marilyn	It's not just the job. It's also my career as Max's mother. That's the way I look at it. I have two career opportunities at the same time. My career as a fashion Designer and my career as a mother.
Richard	I never really thought about being a mother as a career. I guess you do have two career opportunities and a decision to make.
Marilyn	I hear Max.
Richard	I'll go to him.
Marilyn	No, that's OK. I'll do it.

Act II

In the second act, Ellen tries to help Marilyn. And Marilyn wants to know what Ellen decided to do when her children were babies. Later on, Susan tells Marilyn what her life is like as a working mother. What will Marilyn decide to do?

Ellen	There's your teddy bear, Max.
Ellen	He just loves that teddy bear that Grandpa Philip bought for him.
Marilyn	I took him to Philip's office yesterday for a checkup. You should have seen the look on his face when Molly gave him the injection.
Ellen	Oh, did he cry?
Marilyn	No, My dear little boy just looked up at me as if to say, "Mama, what are they doing to me?Help!"
Ellen	How did you feel? Tell the truth didn't you feel terrible?
Marilyn	I sure did. I held him closely. I kissed the top of his dear little head. He looked up at me. He tried to smile. Being with him helped.
Ellen	Helped him? Or helped you?
Marilyn	Being a mother is not easy, if that's what you mean.
Ellen	Speaking of being a mother, I've been meaning to ask you what you were thinking about regarding going back to work. I know Rita Mae called. I can imagine what is going through your head.
Marilyn	I'm sure you can, Ellen.
Ellen	There are so many things to consider. One thing that makes it easier for you is that you have us. Max will always have a family member to watch over him while you're at work. I didn't have that when Richard and Susan were born.
Marilyn	What did you do?
Ellen	I chose to continue with my career as a music teacher. We hired a woman to watch Richard and then Susan, and I continued with my career.
Marilyn	Do you think you made the right decision?
Ellen	I think I did. But when Ribbie was born, I decided to give fulltime attention to raising Robbie. I felt differently at that time.
Marilyn	And you gave up your career as a music teacher?
Ellen	Not exactly. I continued to teach piano lessons at home.
Marilyn	How did you feel about being away when Susan and Ricard were babies?
Ellen	I think I did the right thing for them and for myself and for Philip. We needed the money. Remember?
Marilyn	Well, we do too, Ellen. Everything I earn helps us towards getting that house we want and need.
Susan	I can't wait till he's just a little older. Our toy company makes the most wonderful toys for kids.
Marilyn	Max thanks you. I thank you. And Ricard thanks you. Now may I please say hello?
Susan	Hello. Hello. I miss Max and think about him all week long. We talk about him at dinner time.
Ellen	Will you please try to relax? I've never seen you so wound up.
Marilyn	You seem to be enjoying the pressure.
Susan	The truth is, I am. My job is not an easy one, but I really enjoy it.
Marilyn	That is exactly what I wanted to talk to you about, Susan.
Susan	What's the problem?
Ellen	Marilyn's career.
Marilyn	Well, my choice of careers.
Susan	Choice?
Marilyn	My career as a fashion desinger versus my career as a mother.
Susan	Why does it have to be one or the other?
Ellen	That's what I said.
Marilyn	How's that?
Susan	Why can't you do both?
Ellen	She's right.
Marilyn	Both?
Susan	Well, that's what I do. I have a job, and I have Michelle. I take care of both to the best of my ability. It's not easy, but what is?
Ellen	And that's what I did. I did both with Richard and Susan, and I did both with Robbie.
Marilyn	I thought you stayed home with Robbie?
Ellen	I did. But I was lucky enough to have a career as a music teacher which I could continue at home.
Susan	Why can't you work at home, Marilyn? You're very talented. Designing dresses is a career you could establish out of your home, couldn't you?
Marilyn	I don't know why I didn't think of it. It seems so simple now.for a year or two I could stay at home with Max and do my dress designs.
Ellen	And you could make your dresses at home.
Susan	Sounds like a great way to solve the problem.
Ellen	That could solve your problem, Marilyn.
Marilyn	I'm going to call rita Mae at home and ask her come by and talk about it. She want to see Max, anyway.
Susan	I think that really answers your questions, Marilyn. You can do it.Do your designs at home-here.
Marilyn	And let Rita Mae do the selling at the boutique.
Ellen	And you can both benefit financially.
Marilyn	I'm going to call Rita Mae right now. Oh, Susan, thank you so much for coming all this way form the city to talk to me about it. I hope you don't mind having taken so much time away from your busy schedue.
Susan	Are you kidding? I don't mind at all. As a matter of fact, I came to spend some time with my favorite nephew.
Ellen	I think you should call Rita Mae right now. I think your idea of working at home is perfect.
Marilyn	I don't know what I would do without you. I'm lucky to have you all.
Ellen	We are lucky to have you, Marilyn.
Susan	And so is Max.

Act III

In the third act, Marilyn tells Rita Mae about her decision to stay at home with Max. Rita Mae isn't happy with the decision, of course. But then Marilyn tells Rita Mae about her plans to design wedding dresses at home. What will she think of the idea?

Ellen	Hi, big guy.
Marilyn	That must be Rita Mae.
Ellen	She sure got here quickly. That's a good sinn. She must like you and your work, Marilyn.
Marilyn	I think she's just anxious to see Max. She loves childen.
Rita Mae	Hi, Marilyn.
Marilyn	Welcome. It's so nice of you to come.
Rita Mae	Oh, I just wanted to see your baby, Max.
Ellen	Hello, Rita Mae.
Rita Mae	I haven't seen you since the hospital.
Ellen	I'm Ellen Stewart, Marilyn's mother-in-law.
Rita Mae	We met at the hospital. Hello. How are you?
Ellen	I remember. How are you?
Rita Mae	Oh, and there is Max! Oh! My, how he's grown! A little present for Max.
Marilyn	Oh, it's beautiful, Rita Mae! You shouldn't have.
Rita Mae	It's nothing. It's just a little present for Max.
Ellen	Can I get you some coffee or tea a cold drink, Rita Mae?
Rita Mae	Oh, nothing, thank you.
Ellen	Well, I will leave you two to talk. Come on, you big guy. Yes, come on. That's it.
Eleln	It's nice seeing you. Let me know if you need anything.
Rita Mae	Thanks, Ellen.
Marilyn	Thanks, Ellen.
Rita Mae	OK, Marilyn. You sounded like you've made a decision when you called me. I'm all ears.
Marilyn	I have made a decision, Rita Mae. I've decided to stay at home and be a full-time mother.
Rita Mae	I'm disappointed, but I respect your decision. If I had a child as cute as Max, I might do the same thing.
Marilyn	But I haven't finished telling you the other half of my decision.
Rita Mae	The other half?
Marilyn	Yes. I think I can stay at home and take care of Max and continue my career.
Rita Mae	Sounds interesting. Let me hear it.
Marilyn	Do you remember our talks about custom-designed dresses for the boutique?
Rita Mae	I sure do.
Marilyn	Why can't I design dresses for you here at home? And make them here. Have the fittings here, too.
Rita Mae	And I could do the selling and the pricing at the boutique.
Marilyn	Exactly.
Rita Mae	Oh! What kind of dresses would you design?
Marilyn	I've thought about that for some time.
Rita Mae	Yes?
Marilyn	Wedding dresses.
Rita Mae	Wedding dresses? Brilliant idea! There's a big market today in wedding dresses.
Marilyn	That's what I thought.
Rita Mae	I like the idea very much. And if it's successful, we can expand to all kinds dresses.
Marilyn	That's what I thought.
Rita Mae	As a matter of fact, I have a custome for your first wedding dress. My niece is getting married, and I've been trying to find just the right thing for her. Marilyn, you're going to design my niece's dress. That'll be our first one, and then we'll use it to sell others.
Marilyn	Do you really mean it?
Rita Mae	I really mean it. It's a simple idea, and it will work. You can certainly design dresses. I know that. And there's no reason why you can't do it from your home.
Marilyn	I'm so excited! I can't wait to tell Richard!
Rita Mae	If I had a baby like Max, I'd want to stay home and be near him all the time, too. You're making the right decisin for Max and for yourself too, Marilyn.
Marilyn	It all sounds so easy.
Rita Mae	Now the hard work begins.
Marilyn	Would you like to see some of my designs that I've been working on?
Rita Mae	I'd love to . Ooh! Oh, that's wonderful! Ooh...

More information about Family Album USA video series at Family Album USA.

Family Album USA - Episode 21 - A Big Fish in a Little Pond

 

Family Album USA: Episode 21 - A Big Fish in a Little Pond

Act I

In Act One, Susan and Harry talk about their lives together. Susan wants to know what Harry is thinking. Michelle wonders if everything is all right.

Michelle	I really like this one Susan. Do you?
Susan	Turn around, Michelle. Let me see the back of it. I like it a lot. It fits well. It doesn't need any alterations. We must've bought the right size.
Harry	I like the color. She looks good in blue.
Michelle	I like blue, too, Daddy.
Susan	Try on the skirt and blouse outfit, Michelle-the one that Daddy wanted you to wear.
Michelle	OK.
Harry	Michelle has been a differnt kid since we've been married. She's never been happier.
Susan	And I've never been happier, Harry. I love her very much.She's been a joy.
Harry	We're very lucky, the three of us...and becoming part of the Stewart family, too.
Susan	We couldn't ask for anything more, could we?
Harry	Well...
Susan	Well...? Could we ask for anything more?
Harry	Well...we...
Michelle	How do you like it, Daddy?
Harry	It's my favorite outfit.
Susan	It's good for every day. It will be good for school, Michelle.
Michelle	I like it, too. I always like skirts that go like this. Do you want to see the winter jacket on me, Susan?
Susan	Yes, I do. Change back into your jeans, and put on the new winter jacket we bought today.
Michelle	OK.
Susan	What did you mean by"well...?" You had something on your mind when I said we couldn't ask for anything more.
Michelle	Is everything all right?
Harry	Everything is fine, Michelle.
Susan	Let's take a look at the winter jactet. Come on over here, Honey.
Michelle	It's kind of warm.
Susan	It is. That's why we bought it for you. This will be a perfect jacket for the wintertime when it's very cold out. But it's kind of small slso. We must've bought the wrong size.
Harry	Looks like we should've bought a bigger one. I guess we'll have to exchange it, too. I'm sure the store has others.
Michelle	I look silly! It is too small!
Susan	You're growing so fast, Michelle.
Michelle	Can I take it off? I'm hot!
Susan	Sure. Put it back in your room, and we'll hang everything up later.
Susan	Well, are you going to tell me what's on you mind, Harry?
Harry	I have been offered a job with a major accounting company in Los Angeles. I have been offered a job with a major accounting company in Los Angeles.
Susan	Los Angeles? That's a big decision.
Harry	I know. It will also affect you and your job, if we decide to go.
Susan	Wow! It sure will. But first tell me about the job, Harry. If it's a good one, then we'll make it work for us.
Harry	I have a client in the garment business, on Seventh Avenue. I do his taxes every year. He has a big sales office in Los Angeles, and the company in Los Angeles that does his major accounting work is looking for an executive. And he recommended me.
Susan	That's wonderful, Harry.
Harry	Yes, but it would mean that we'd have to move to L.A.
Susan	What about the salary?
Harry	The real discussion comes tomorrow. Susan, I don't plan to make any decisions until I have a chance to talk with you about it.
Susan	I understand, Harry.
Harry	And I don't have to make a quick decision. They know that I'm married and that I have a family.
Susan	Well, there's a lot think about. If it's a good job, then I've got to do some thinking about my career opportunites in Los Angeles.
Michelle	Is everything OK?
Susan	Yes, honey.

Act II

In Act Two, Susan tells Grandpa about Harry's new job offer. Susan wonders if moving to Los Angeles would be good for Michelle and Susan's concerned about finding a new job. A little later on, Harry learns more about the job offer. How do Susan and Harry feel about moving to Los Angeles?

Grandpa	Hello. Hello there. Are you ready for lunch with your grandpa?
Susan	Oh! Hi, Grandpa. Yes, of couse, I am, but my mind isn't.
Grandpa	What's the matter, Susan?
Susan	A real dilemma.
Grandpa	Does it have anything to do with you and Harry?
Susan	Yes, but I don't know where to start.
Grandpa	Maybe I can help. Tell me what it is, Susan.
Susan	Thanks, Grandpa. Please sit down, Oh! Harry has been offered a job in Los Angeles.
Grandpa	Well, this something to think about.
Susan	There are so many things to consider. There's Michelle. I wonder if a move would be a bad thing for her. And my job. I don't know if I can get a good job in Los Angeles. And what about our family?
Grandpa	Can I tell you what I think?
Susan	Tell me.
Grandpa	I think that you're very successful and that you have a fantastic reputation in the toy industry. I think you could talk to Mr. Marchetta, and I think he could help you find a real good job in Los Angeles. He was very helpful to me, remember?
Susan	I suppose I could call him. But I'm not so sure that I want to leave New York, you, and the rest of our family.
Grandpa	Well, I'm not going to kid you, Susan. You know we'd all miss you. But this should be your decision. It's something that only you and Harry can work out.
Susan	If moving to L.A.is in Harry's best interest, I have to do what I can do to support him.
Grandpa	In every marriage, sacrifices have to be made by one partner from time to time.
Susan	And what about Michelle?
Grandpa	Well, What do you think?
Susan	I think Michelle is better off staying where she is.
Grandpa	What does she think?
Susan	I don't know for sure.
Grandpa	Well, you'll have to ask her.
Susan	I think I'm going to have a talk with Mr. Marchetta and get his feelings about my leaving. And about helping me find a job in Los Angeles.
Grandpa	Good idea.
Susan	I'll call him right now. No point in delaying. Thanks.Grandpa.
Bill	Harry, it's the perfect job for you. You'll love it.
Harry	It's a big decision for me, Bill. And I have to discuss it with my wife. I don't know if it's right for her.
BIll	She'll love it. It's a once-in-a-lifetime offer, Harry.
Harry	OK. Tell it to me again.
BIll	The company is Craft and Craft, the biggest accounting company in the country.
Harry	I know the company well. It's big.
Bill	The biggest.
Harry	Yeah, yeah. The biggest. When do I have to let you know?
Bill	Talk it over. Think it over. Let me know by the end of the week.
Harry	When would we have to move?
Bill	As soon as possible.
Harry	I also have my daughter to consider. I don't want to interrupt her school year.
Bill	Let me know by the end of the week. It's a great opportunity for you, Harry. Believe me.
Harry	I know.
BIll	Craft and Craft is the biggest in the country.
Harry	Yeah, I know. The biggest.
Susan	I think Michelle is asleep now. Let's talk.
Harry	I met with Bill York today.
Susan	And I talked with Mr. Marchetta. Did York make the offer?
Harry	Yup. He asked me if I want the job.
Susan	That's exciting, Harry. What was it?
Harry	A vice-presidency with the biggest accouting company in th country-Craft and Craft.
Susan	Aren't you excited about that?
Harry	Sure I am. But there's so much more to consider.
Susan	I talked to Mr. Marchtta.
Harry	What did he say? Did you tell him about me?
Susan	Of couse, Harry. I want what's best for you, and I think I can get a good job through Mr. Marchetta inoios Amgeles also.
Harry	You're kidding.
Susan	No, I'm not kidding. I talked with him, and he understands completely. He has a major toy buyer in Los Angeles, and he's pretty sure that I can get a good job there.
Harry	Unbelievable!
Susan	But I think we should talk to Michelle about all of this.
Harry	You're right. We'll talk to her about it.
Susan	And how do you feel about taking the job in Los Angeles?
Harry	How should I feel? It's the biggest company in the country.
Susan	Well, then you feel good about taking it?
Harry	Well... I feel fine about it. Why shouldn't I?

Act III

In Act Three, Susan and Michelle talk about moving to Los Angeles. Later, when Harry gets home, Susan explains how she and Michelle feel. Harry listens to them, but it's time for him to make a decision. Do you think Harry took the job?

Michelle	I love my school. I have so many good frends there now. I wouldn't miss a day even if I were really sick.
Susan	Come and sit down for a minute, Michelle. I'd like to talk to you about something. Something important.
Michelle	What's wrong, Susan?
Susan	Oh, there's nothing wrong, Michelle. But your dady and I are talking about something that I'd like your opinion about.
Michelle	I know. I heard you talking about it the other night when I was trying on my new clothes. It's about moving to Los Angeles.
Susan	You're right. How do you feel about it?
Michelle	Well, I really wouldn't want to move, but...
Susan	But?
Michelle	But if you and Daddy wanted to, I guess you know what's best for the family and for me.
Susan	That's very considerate of you, Michelle. But what about your friends?
Michelle	I'd miss them a lot, but I know what it feels like to miss someone.
Susan	Honey, we don't have to move if you're no going to be happy about it.
Michelle	Does Daddy want to move?
Susan	I think so. He's going to tell us tonight about the job offer.
Harry	Well, how was everybody's day today?
Susan	Michelle was chosen to do the school psoter for the play this year.
Harry	Congratulations, Michelle! That's something! And how was your day, Susan?
Susan	I see you're in a good mood. Why don't you tell us about your day.
Harry	I met with Bill York.
Susan	It's OK to talk about it, Harry. Michelle knows all about it.
Harry	Really?
Susan	Really, Harry. Michelle and I have all kinds of feelings about leaving New York, the family, and friends. But is you think you should take the job, we're behind you.
Harry	What about Michelle's school?
Susan	We'll move after the school term.
Harry	What about her new friends?
Michelle	I'll make new firends wherever we are as lon as we're togeteher.
Susan	We're a family, Harry. Whatever you think is right for you is right for us.
Harry	I am so touched. The two of you are really something.
Michelle	We love you, Daddy.
Harry	And I love you.
Susan	OK. Now, tell us about your talk with Mr. York. Did you take the job?
Harry	Nope.
Michelle	What?
Susan	No? You didn't take it?
Harry	No, I did not take the job.
Michelle	But, Daddy, I thought...
Susan	Harry, you didn't turn it down because of me...
Michelle	Or me?
Harry	No, no. I turnd it down because of me.
Susan	How's that?
Harry	Well, I began to think about you and about Michelle, and then I asked myself, do I really want to work for the biggest company in the country?
Susan	And?
Harry	And I don't. I went into business for myself because I like being my own boss. I run my own company. I'm a big fish in a little pond. I'm not really sure I want to be a little fish in a big pond.
Michelle	Oh, Daddy, does that mean we don't have to move?
Harry	That's right, sweetheart.
Susan	Are you sure?
Harry	I couldn't be more sure, Susan.
Susan	I'm glad if you are, Harry.
Harry	And besides, how could I live in Los Angeles when all my favorite people live here?
Susan	Your favorite people?
Michelle	Who's that?
Harry	The Stewart family, of course.

More information about Family Album USA video series at Family Album USA.