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I have a great job. It's interesting and challenging and different every day, and I work with talented, dedicated people who constantly make me laugh. These days, I'm fortunate to have any job, not to mention one that engages me on a daily basis. I'm an editor at The Modesto Bee, and despite the upheaval our industry has faced in recent years, I can't imagine a better gig.

So what am I doing leaving it behind and - especially in this economy - taking a pay cut and a step down on the career ladder?

Here's the thing - it's the baby in the lobby. See, there's a poster down there, advertising this very Web site. And there's a cute picture of a baby on it. It occurred to me one day that I am spending more of my waking moments with this baby than with my own - my job requires some pretty crazy hours sometimes. So when a reporting job opened up here in Turlock, I approached my boss about it, and he approved the change. Have I mentioned how fabulous my boss is?

So I will be going back to reporting, something I haven't done in almost 10 years. I'm thrilled at the chance - so much has changed since I worked a beat. Just to give you an idea, the Internet back then was still kind of a novel toy, not an everyday tool. I can't wait to learn all the new tricks of the trade, and to get out, talk to people and tell some stories again.

I'd be lying if I didn't admit to some melancholy moments. Like I said, my job rocks, and I love being involved with big stories and working with our amazing reporters, editors, photographers, researchers and page designers. But - and nobody is more surprised about this than I am - there is one giant priority in my life now, and I'm going to get more time with him before he grows up and gets bored with me. I am so fortunate to have this opportunity. Now it's up to me to make the most of it - personally and professionally.

I can't wait.