Everyone always talks about what they gave up to be a stay at home mom, but truthfully in my heart, that’s all I have ever wanted. Sure I graduated college, and had a good job before having kids, but I never really felt fulfilled. I had dreamed about being a mommy for as far back as I could remember, and couldn’t wait for the day to have no one else to answer to other than the little sweet baby in my arms. I know to some that may seem like “I didn’t dream big enough, and I am not using my full potential” but for me, this was the best dream I could come up with. Others think it is just plain foolish, to leave the career world, I was once told “This isn’t the day and age to up and quit you job and stay at home, that’s what babysitters are for.” But for me, I didn’t care what anyone else thought or said, I knew where I belonged. I knew it would come with challenges, just as all jobs do, but staying at home with my kids was more important to me than worry about the struggles along the way. I knew we would have to make major adjustments, and it wouldn’t all be easy, and I admit, there are days where I have hidden in the pantry devouring an entire chocolate bar because I have been so stressed out, but even still it was one of the easiest and best decisions I ever made.
I was walking away from a job as a supervisor, where I was making pretty good money, to being a full-time mommy where I was making something that was priceless to me. I was making memories that were irreplaceable. I knew if I went back to work I would forever regret it. Let me stop here, and say I am not saying working moms are wrong for working, in fact I admire them for juggling a job, a household, and a family…that has to be so incredibly hard. I honestly don’t think I could do that. I know myself, I would get lost in one world of the two worlds (working or parenting) and be totally neglecting the other. I am good at multi-tasking, but only when my heart is in it. If I was at work, but knew I could be home, I would be awful at my job. I also know there are moms out there that share my dream, and simply don’t have the option of staying home. Those are the woman I feel for the most. The ones who are out there, providing for their family, when their heart aches to be at home.
When I dreamed about my dream job I didn’t dream of being a teacher or a doctor, I dreamed of being at home all day with my children. I used to feel embarrassed to admit that, but I have gotten to the point where I feel secure enough to share that. Your dream is to be a dentist, mine was to be a stay at home mom. Both of our dreams are important, and I support those amazing moms out there living their dreams as a social worker or yoga instructor or whatever their aspirations might be. Good for you!! You rock Mama!! I only hope you can be supportive of my dream too… When you see me with no make up, frizzy hair, and someone else’s food splattered on my shirt, don’t think “oh man, poor thing, what happened to her” instead just wave while thinking.. “Oh there’s Nicole again, just living her dream.” and I’ll wave back at you in your amazing stylish work clothes and to-die-for heels and I’ll think “Go make your mark on the world my friend..they are waiting for you” And if you want to talk about it when you get home, come on over, I’ll be ready for some adult conversation by then anyways, but just a warning, I’ll probably still have no make up on and food on my shirt 🙂
XO♥ Nicole
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I agree 100%. People thought I was crazy wanting to be home with the kids all the time. Maybe I am but its the best job ever! Love this and you!
Aww Thanks Kate!! I agree it is the best job ever! There is no where I would rather be <3 Love you too! xoxo
This was all I ever wanted as well. That doesn’t mean I don’t get irritated though when people imply it is an easy choice, or a luxury, as has been happening a lot in the media lately. I am still at home (for 20 years now) but working in the home, and I think that might be the hardest thing of all!
Oh my Gosh, I know right? It drives me nuts when people assume my life is so easy and carefree… I go to bed at night so tired, with my mind still racing about all the things I still need to do. But I know in the long run, all that hard work will be worth it. 🙂
Hello Nicole, you express your dream of being home with your children well. I never wanted to be a SAHM, but I respect those who do. I wish we could just end all the stupid Mommy wars and let people get on with living out their dreams.
I totally agree, the mommy wars are ridiculous. I cant stand it. We are all different.. thats what makes moms so great! We all have something to offer both our kids and each other. Just wish more people felt that way…
It took me a little while to realize how great staying home really was, but now, I wouldn’t trade it for all the money in the world. A great pair of shoes.. that might sway me momentarily.. but, nope, not even for that! It really is the greatest job in the world. 🙂
Hahaha… Those shoes… I know, they always get me too 😉 Joking aside, I am so glad you have learned to love being a SAHM, I think we will look back, thankful for the time we had at home.
Being home with my children was always my dream job too, and I’m glad I have to the opportunity to do it. I love being so involved in my children’s day to day life, and I know not everybody wants this. I just wish there wasn’t so many judgmental people who knock stay at home moms. I have nothing to say bad about mothers who work, and I understand that every family is different.
I totally agree, thats why I had it on my heart to write this. As I said above, I admire working moms for all their hard work, I just only hope they can see that us SAHM’s also work super hard all day! I am fortunate enough to have some really wonderful friends who are full time working moms, that show nothing but love and support for me staying at home. That always has meant a lot to me 🙂
I work from home is in the wonderful and occasionally unfortunate position to be both a SAHM and a working mom. Both are equally hard work. It’s wonderful that you love what you do. #creativebloggers
Yes working at home, while also being a SAHM must be super hard!!! I have got a small taste of that just by starting my blog! Its so hard to find time to make to blog, let alone work full time!! I will say however, that my blog allows me to follow another passion of mine… Writing!!! So I am thankful for that 🙂 And thank God for Nap time! 😉
Love love love this. I wouldn’t want to miss being home with my kids for anything.
<3
Well said! I wanted both, to have a career and to be a stay at home mom. I tried both of them and although there are many ups and downs to being home with the kids, I wouldn’t trade it for the world 🙂
You are Right, there are definitely ups and downs, its not an easy job, but its one that I know the challenges are worth it.
This was beautifully written! I completely agree with you. I honestly can’t think of a job I would rather be doing. I feel truly blessed to be able to stay at home with my children. Yep, there are definitely days where I am ready to pull my hair out, but I wouldn’t change it for anything! Thank you for writing this!!
This was beautifully written! I completely agree with you. I honestly can’t think of a job I would rather be doing. I feel truly blessed to be able to stay at home with my children. Yep, there are definitely days where I am ready to pull my hair out, but I wouldn’t change it for anything! Thank you for writing this!!
Of course! I am so glad you liked it!! I cant imagine being anywhere other then where I am right now, right here with my 3 babes…. Even on the tough days haha
I was a SAHM for 15 years and it was the most rewarding, most incredible experience ever! It was such a blessing to be able to stay home with my kids…..to watch them grow and learn and thrive…..to hug them and see their smiles while they play, ahhh, i could go on and on. My advice: Enjoy every minute, because each moment that passes,you can never get back. I miss those years, now that my children are grown and they have gone off to make their mark on the world. But I have fond memories in my heart and mind….and I know they do too (as they have told me so)! No regrets! I started working part-time when they were in high school and now I work full-time outside the home…..there is always time to work and have a career…..after they are grown.
I agree 100% Lisa! I cant imagine doing anything else right now. I know I will look back with no regrets, just as you’re able to!! And you are right, there is always time for a career later.. Until then, I will try and savor every moment… Even the tough ones!! Thank you for the encouragement!!! <3
I was a SAHM for 15 years and it was the most rewarding, most incredible experience ever! It was such a blessing to be able to stay home with my kids…..to watch them grow and learn and thrive…..to hug them and see their smiles while they play, ahhh, i could go on and on. My advice: Enjoy every minute, because each moment that passes,you can never get back. I miss those years, now that my children are grown and they have gone off to make their mark on the world. But I have fond memories in my heart and mind….and I know they do too (as they have told me so)! No regrets! I started working part-time when they were in high school and now I work full-time outside the home…..there is always time to work and have a career…..after they are grown.
I agree 100% Lisa! I cant imagine doing anything else right now. I know I will look back with no regrets, just as you’re able to!! And you are right, there is always time for a career later.. Until then, I will try and savor every moment… Even the tough ones!! Thank you for the encouragement!!! <3