Ep 23. Career Woman

In season 1 episode 23 of "8 Simple Rules," titled "Career Woman," the focus is on Cate, who realizes that she has been out of the workforce for years and feels the need to find a job. As a mom of three kids, Cate has been busy with the family and hasn't worked in years. But now that the kids are a bit older, she decides it's time to get back to the working world.

Cate's first step is to visit a career counselor, who gives her some advice on how to update her resume and brush up on her job skills. Cate also decides to take a college course to update her knowledge and skills.

Meanwhile, the kids have their own issues to deal with. Bridget is upset because she didn't get the lead in her musical production, while Kerry is dealing with a difficult science teacher. Rory, the youngest of the kids, is just trying to keep up with his homework.

Cate's job search brings her a variety of offers, from a low-paying part-time job to a high-paying position that requires her to travel a lot. Cate is torn between wanting to bring in more money for the family and wanting to be available for her kids.

As Cate struggles with her decision, she turns to her husband, Paul, for advice. Paul is supportive of whatever decision she makes, but Cate still feels guilty about leaving the kids for long periods of time.

In the end, Cate decides to take a part-time job that allows her to be home when the kids get out of school. She realizes that her time with her family is more valuable than the extra money.

Throughout the episode, the family deals with their individual issues in a realistic and relatable way. They are supportive of each other and ultimately come together as a family to make the best decisions for everyone.

"Career Woman" is a heartwarming episode that showcases the challenges that come with being a working mom. It's a reminder that there is no one right way to balance work and family, and that every family has to make their own decisions based on what's best for them.