If I'm being honest, ever since I made the decision to leave my corporate job and stay home, I have struggled with how much life has changed.
Don't misunderstand, I know what a blessing it is to be able to spend this time with my little one;something I wasn't able to do with her older siblings. I am thankful, yet, it was {and is} a complete change compared to the life I used to lead.
No longer getting up and getting "ready". No longer rushing out the door, grabbing coffee and quiet time in the car. No more incessant phone ringing.
And in that, a certain peace, yet also a strange feeling of not contributing...not knowing where I fit in anymore.
I often wonder what led other mother's to making a decision either way. To work or not to work.
Here, in this forum, I hope to share some of those stories with you and in that, selfishly, a chance to hear how other mother's are feeling.
Christina from The Olive Tree is mama to 3 beautiful little ones, 2 girls and a boy!
She provides me with inspiration almost daily and is one of the most helpful and kindest girls around. Not to mention beautiful, inside AND out.
She also loves sweets almost as much as I do. Obviously, we're soul sisters.
Do you work outside the home or are you a stay at home mom? What led you to either decision?
I am mostly a stay at home mom. About 10% of the time I work outside the home and about 35% of the time I freelance from home. My husband has a very unique work schedule so we work it out that one of us is always home with our kids. I was very adamant about not having kids until we were in the position to for me to be able to stay home with them, so I guess that was always the decision from the beginning.
Did you always see yourself in this role? Was it a dream of yours?
I have to say deep down inside I really wanted to stay home. Then, when motherhood became a reality it really did become a dream...a dream to mold them, be with them, care for them...
What frustrates you most? What would you change if you could?
Potty training! lol. I actually wouldn't mind working/freelancing more from home but the second I take on more work is the second I realize my kids are the ones who suffer from it. It is very tough finding a balance without my kids being the ones who bare the brunt of it.
If you are home, do you plan to return to work one day?
For sure! In about 10 years I will have 3 teenagers...3!? If anything I'll have to go back to work to stock the
pantry ;)
Any words of advice for mama's who are struggling with this decision?
I think my biggest advice would be for those who are struggling with the money aspect of staying home. It is very doable...hard to lose the extra income, but very doable. Don't let the money part rule your whole decision. If you budget out and eliminate extra expenses you will realize how much you don't really need. Remember, they are only little once you can always work later. And if you make the decision to work, go, don't beat your self up, lots of mamas work... I grew up with a working mom and I never felt like I was lacking. In the end as long as your kids are loved it doesn't really matter.
The decision to work outside the home or stay home with your children is such a personal one. There is no right answer or right decision but rather, I truly feel each woman must do what is right for her and her family.
I commend each and every mother out there for this. It is not easy.
We are women and man, we're amazing.
A huge thank you to my sweet friend Christina for being here today and for sharing her voice with other mama's.
Don't misunderstand, I know what a blessing it is to be able to spend this time with my little one;something I wasn't able to do with her older siblings. I am thankful, yet, it was {and is} a complete change compared to the life I used to lead.
No longer getting up and getting "ready". No longer rushing out the door, grabbing coffee and quiet time in the car. No more incessant phone ringing.
And in that, a certain peace, yet also a strange feeling of not contributing...not knowing where I fit in anymore.
I often wonder what led other mother's to making a decision either way. To work or not to work.
Here, in this forum, I hope to share some of those stories with you and in that, selfishly, a chance to hear how other mother's are feeling.
Christina from The Olive Tree is mama to 3 beautiful little ones, 2 girls and a boy!
She provides me with inspiration almost daily and is one of the most helpful and kindest girls around. Not to mention beautiful, inside AND out.
She also loves sweets almost as much as I do. Obviously, we're soul sisters.
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I am mostly a stay at home mom. About 10% of the time I work outside the home and about 35% of the time I freelance from home. My husband has a very unique work schedule so we work it out that one of us is always home with our kids. I was very adamant about not having kids until we were in the position to for me to be able to stay home with them, so I guess that was always the decision from the beginning.
Did you always see yourself in this role? Was it a dream of yours?
I have to say deep down inside I really wanted to stay home. Then, when motherhood became a reality it really did become a dream...a dream to mold them, be with them, care for them...
What frustrates you most? What would you change if you could?
Potty training! lol. I actually wouldn't mind working/freelancing more from home but the second I take on more work is the second I realize my kids are the ones who suffer from it. It is very tough finding a balance without my kids being the ones who bare the brunt of it.
For sure! In about 10 years I will have 3 teenagers...3!? If anything I'll have to go back to work to stock the
pantry ;)
Any words of advice for mama's who are struggling with this decision?
I think my biggest advice would be for those who are struggling with the money aspect of staying home. It is very doable...hard to lose the extra income, but very doable. Don't let the money part rule your whole decision. If you budget out and eliminate extra expenses you will realize how much you don't really need. Remember, they are only little once you can always work later. And if you make the decision to work, go, don't beat your self up, lots of mamas work... I grew up with a working mom and I never felt like I was lacking. In the end as long as your kids are loved it doesn't really matter.
The decision to work outside the home or stay home with your children is such a personal one. There is no right answer or right decision but rather, I truly feel each woman must do what is right for her and her family.
I commend each and every mother out there for this. It is not easy.
We are women and man, we're amazing.
A huge thank you to my sweet friend Christina for being here today and for sharing her voice with other mama's.
