Hi-Ho Hi-Ho, It’s Back to Work I Go?
When I left full-time employment seven months ago to stay home with my girls (ages 3.5 and 1.5 now) I knew I’d return to the workplace…someday. I even knew it might not last much more than six months, since our budget is tight. And while we’re very careful (aka stingy) with our money, the “little dips” into our savings are starting to add up. More than I realized. At this point, we’d have to make some major life changes. We’re moving forward with a vehicle downgrade, but selling our house is out of the question. We love our little homestead, and if staying here means me bringing home some bacon, then so be it.
Don’t get me wrong, we’re not in dire straights, but we have been before. Hubs and I worked HARD to create a little financial security, and I just can’t justify letting it slip away. And speaking of slipping away, these past seven months have flown by. When I stopped by my old office the other day for a former supervisor’s going away party, it felt as if I’d never left, and yet I’ve changed so much since I was a career mom. I’ve grown in ways I never knew possible.
While I feel confident that I can hit the ground running in a new position (I’ve still been putting my skills to use), I want to be sure this is the right time. That this is the right decision in our life. I feel strongly that God was calling me to stay home, but was it for the long haul, or only a brief while? Does he have something planned for me right around the bend, but we just don’t have the faith to continue on this path? I suppose the only way to know for sure is prayer. Good old-fashioned nose in the Bible time with God.
Whatever the outcome may be, I feel grateful. I’ve had the opportunity to be at home with my children full time, and enjoy the heck out of their little ornery smiles. And, I’ll someday (maybe sooner rather than later), get to return to a career I love. You know what? Some moms haven’t had the luxury of doing either. They bust their humps at a job they can’t stand, and long to be at home with their kids. I’m lucky. Very lucky.
A part-time position would probably be the ideal balance for my family (or a mainly telecommuting gig), but if that’s not in the cards, then I’ll do my best with the hand I’m dealt. Maybe I can even find a job that pays well enough to hire a housekeeper…(a mom can dream, right?)
Praying for you, dear friend, as you try to discern God’s will.
That is the best thing right now. Thank you friend! We’ve had this conversation many times. I can honestly say I have no regrets that I tried. 🙂
Thank you friend. I have faith, either way. And if I win the lottery, I’ll know for sure! 🙂 Of course, I’ll have to play first.
I totally relate to the tight budget! We have been trying to figure out how to handle some of the added expenses (which really didn’t come with kids til it came to preschool) and did even pray about and try to sell our house. God clearly didn’t have that in the cards (weirdly every house in our hood sold in the time was on, even if more expensive, smaller, less upgraded, etc) so we are still kind or working on it. Now we have some issues we discovered that are expensive to fix on our house and are looking for plan b. I never had a great career job and spend my work time writing…but it doesn’t pay yet so it’s sometimes hard to justify. I’m glad that you enjoyed working AND being home and hope God makes a clear path through prayer or the right job!
Sounds like you’re right. House selling wasn’t in the cards for you. Isn’t writing so frustrating sometimes? I love it. Won’t stop. But having checks show up in my mailbox would be oh so nice.
I just had my third. Love my career, but with three kids under 4 years old I’m growing concerned about finding a nanny who could handle this. Like you I know I’m lucky to love my job and I’m not sure if the change in lifestyle will ultimately be in our best interest. But, I look forward to the challenge… Whatever it is!
Three under four! Wow, you’re a saint. 🙂 Sounds like you’re on the right track for your family. And here’s to Mary Poppins showing up soon! 🙂
How do you know, Cat? How do you know that God has heard you and answered you? How do you know to accept his answer if it’s not how you’ve envisioned the answer or what you actually wanted the answer to be? How?
We’ve been a one income family for a few years now but the time has come for my husband to get back into the working world. All three kids are in school full time so it’s easier. But, things are at the scary point financially (the gas is going to be cut off if we don’t pay this scary point). We have to make changes and yes, we’ve cut back, but he needs work and I need to change jobs and and and. I’ve gotten way off of where I was going with this comment LOL
I hope God leads you to the answer that works for your family (and that you’ll KNOW it. Because again, how?).
This one’s for you! https://catpoland.com/what-if-god-is-talking-and-you-just-arent-listening/