Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Easily the hardest

This is easily the hardest choice I have ever had to make. And Before I get into this, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at ALL to me. Don't make a comment, don't talk to me about it. This was really hard for me to do and I wont take any backlash from anyone. I have been struggling. I mean really struggling. My job wanted me back two weeks after I had Shirley, that didn't happen. We did get sick though. To get to the point I quit my job. But I hate that word. See, I have been in my CAREER for FIVE years. That's a half a year shorter than I have been married. So it's like a marriage, my job. I've built this relationship, we have had our ups and downs, thankfully, mainly ups. I LOVE my job. It is challenging and rewarding and it is what I went to school for. And after 5 years I feel confident saying I am good at it. Now, there is always room for improvement, I sure know that. But give me an artic group with no time to plan, done. A group lesson, got it. A social skills group, one of my favs. And oh those kids. I sure love those kids I work with. Like, their in my prayers at night. And I love the people I work with. Actually there are very few things about my job I do not love. Well, to be honest there are two. And their names are Porter and Shirley. And that's why this was such a hard thing for me. Those two, Porter and Shirley, they are my world. I made them. With some help... But they are mine. And I want to do right by them. I didn't have them not to raise them. So if I love them, why is it so hard? Because I'm scared. I'm worried about money. (Who isn't) But we have worked REALLY hard to be where we are, and that is where we think we can make it. I didn't have kids to let the government provide for them. That's not right in my opinion. I had to go back to work full time when Porter was a baby, we needed insurance. And I did what my family needed. That's love. It sucked. It was so hard, so incredibly hard. But it was necessary. And then my job let me go part time, and we made that work while we paid off some debt. And now, now things are different. Sure, we could use the money. But it wouldn't be much. My location changed to a school 40 mins away, then there is gas, daycare and taxes. And after that, well there wasn't going to be much. It just didn't add up. Not for the stress I would be going through. And the hubs, he feels it just as much as I do. And my babies... Oh my babies. I was getting physically ill when I thought of leaving them. We had a really bad situation with Porter. And while that aspect would be different, just the thought of leaving them brought tears to my eyes. Sure, if my mom was here and could watch them I would still work. But she's not (although she is invited!) And then it's winter. And it is hard to leave your sick babies, and sometimes not an option. So now what? Now I am a full time mommy. A stay at home mom. I think they are called SHAM's. And you know what? I'm pretty excited. If I am going to stay home, I am going to rock staying home. It's been an adjustment. At first it was just maternity leave, but now, now its different. Caleb said I need to set goals and have structure. He knows me well. And that's what I've done. It also helps to put real clothes on. Sometimes I worry that I should have sucked it up and gone back, but then I look at those kids and I am thrilled that I am going to be home with them. And it's not forever, they won't always be little. And when they go to school I will head back to work. And if things get tight, I can work at night or on the weekends or start some blog and make money from home, right? :) So I did it. I did what was easily the hardest choice in my life to make. And it feels so RIGHT.

8 comments:

Shabang said...

Yay! We'll miss you, but I'm glad you made the best decision for your family.:)

Nicole said...

Good for you :) Different things are right for different families at different times! And it really is a comfort when you know you are doing the right thing at the right time. Good luck! (not that you'll need it!)

MeganandClaudy said...

Proud of you. I also struggled with quitting. The way some women feel satisfaction with being a mommy, I felt with my job. I LOVED having a career, using my degree, and providing for my family. So, I completely understand where you are coming from. You will be surprised how you can get along without the money, and how enjoyable staying at home will be. I pictured complete boredom--not from a lack of things to do, but from a lack of stimulation. But, I think the Lord provides for those who take that leap of faith. And, like you said--I plan on going back, but this is a sacrifice I know is right for my kids. To be honest, there are hard days. Days when I miss my heels, adult conversations, business lunches...etc. But, there will always be hard days, no matter what age/stage in life you are. But, at the end of the day, I always feel right about my decision...and know you will too! :)

Katie said...

I know that decision was so hard for you, but I am glad that you feel good about it. I often remind myself of the idea of times and seasons for all things - you can go back to work when it feels right, or you can stay at home longer if that is right.

Rebecca & Jeff said...

I can only imagine how hard of a choice that was. I love what you said about them only being little for so long. Seriously, you blink your eyes and you miss a milestone. Being at home does have it challenges, but you will love it! Wish we were closer so we can have play dates. :) Good luck! Sounds like it was the perfect choice for this time and season.

Mrs. Hornberger said...

Ummm who would have anything negative to say about your decision? I'm hoping you don't have any friends
Who would! Wether or not u stay home or work is your choice and I hope all of your friends would support u either way or else I will find them! I'm proud of you! It seems like wether u went back or stayed home would have been a hard choice to make for different reasons. And both choices lead to the same end result-you being an amazing mother and doing what's best for your kids. You're awesome. Money always sucks. Some times we have to not drive any where for a couple days before pay day because we don't have any money from the previous pay check to put into our gas tank. Yup. But we're squeaking by and I know you guys will be fine. Better then fine! Caleb's a hard worker and you guys are awesome. Love u.

Helena said...

Every single situation is different, and no one can ever really understand from the outside. Sounds like you made the perfect choice for you guys for right now. It wasnt an easy decision, but it was the right decision for you. I hope no one tries to make you feel bad about it, because it is no ones business but yours! I think you are going to rock this stay at home mom thing. It is challenging, but the benefits are pretty great :)

Jenny said...

I constantly feel judged the other way around for the being the working woman with a stay at home husband, but I love it and we're really happy and it's working for us.

I don't think anyone else should ever judge your situation and the decisions you make -- so more power to you for feeling like you're making the right decision for you and your family and for going for it!