My Journey :: From Career Mom to SAHM to WAHM

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My Journey :: From Career Mom to SAHM to WAHM | Columbia SC Moms BlogWhen my oldest son was born, I was working full time as a school receptionist. I can still remember my first day back to work after maternity leave…

I remember dropping my son off at the sitter’s house and lingering because I didn’t want to leave him. The thought of my son spending his days with someone else and not me was difficult. I wanted to be there for all his firsts and those special little moments. I didn’t want the babysitter to be the one who got to experience that. I wanted it.

I cried in the car on my way to work. It wasn’t what I wanted, but it was what needed to be done for our family to stay afloat financially. 

When it came time for our second son to be born, my husband and I decided I would stay home. The cost of childcare for two children would essentially eat up my entire paycheck, so unless I could find a higher paying job, there was no point in me working. I did look for another job, but was unable to find one that would work for our family. Things were very tight financially, but I was happy. I had been ready to quit working for a long time. I wasn’t happy in my job anymore and found myself dreading getting up to go to work each day. So while staying home was difficult financially, it was better for my well being and happiness. I was home with our two boys and it was what I had wanted more than anything. 

Fast forward a year and a half and a move to South Carolina. Our oldest was now attending half day preschool and I was a full time stay-at-home mom. But it wasn’t long before financial burdens took a toll on us. I knew I would have to go back to work, but I so desperately wanted to stay at home with my boys. I looked and looked for a solid work-from-home job, but came up empty handed. I prayed and prayed that God would send me the right opportunity and soon enough He did. 

I landed a job working part-time from home in health insurance. In fact, the job was literally handed to me by a friend. I didn’t even have to interview! It was perfect! I got to be home with my boys and bring in some money to help keep us afloat. Before I knew it, things were picking up for me in the freelance world as well. More and more editing/proofreading jobs were coming my way. I also found ways to put my Theater degree to work and earn a little extra money that way. Before I knew it, I was a busy stay-at-home/work-from-home mom. And I LOVED it! I still do!

Things can get a bit hectic at times … ok, a LOT hectic. Let’s face it, when you work a steady part-time job, plus freelance, plus blog, plus teach theater classes, plus work as a Standardized Patient, plus entertain children at parties, plus go on play dates and spend time with friends, AND take care of your family on top of that, things are just NUTS. And that’s putting it mildly! But, I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Did you go from working to full time to being a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom? What’s your story? Share it in the comments below!

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