I would like to add my .02 worth about the future of lactation consulting.  I
guess that if anyone (myself included) expects to find a full time or even
part time LC job that at least pays expenses we are in for a big surprise.
 Here in the Chicago area, many of my friends are being laid off or having
their hours cut.  Even other parts of the country are feeling the effects of
pay cuts, streamlining services, etc.  I always wondered why so many talented
ladies were doing two and three jobs at once to keep going.  A priviate
practice takes time to build and it takes money to make money.  I chose to
leave one well paying job because of politics and found that politics are
everywhere.  I am currently employed outside the field, doing something I
really love and feeling very appreciated and productive.  I MISS being an LC
but in this area most of the jobs are taken or being eliminated.  Anyone who
is entering this field expecting to make it without a struggle is fooling
themselves.  Luckily, my marketing experience is paying off in another area.
 I am still teaching breastfeeding classes and doing some other LC work, but
it wouldn't surprise me to be out of it totally by 1997.  I value and cherish
the dear friends I have made in the 14 years of LLL and 8 years of IBCLC
work.  I hope to see some of you at ILCA this year.  Hang in there.....This
is much more personal than I had intended it to be but so many of you share
so much with others that I feel that these comments will be accepted
kindly..as they are intended.
Mary Kay Smith, CLE, IBCLC, soon to be BS in marketing
Romeoville, IL