For those of you who follow along on my Instagram Stories, I mentioned a few days ago that I had some news to share today….
I QUIT MY JOB.
I guess I better back up first and explain how we got here. In Canada we get a full year maternity leave, meaning I was supposed to go back in May. However, I was able to make an arrangement with my full-time job that would allow me to go back in September.
And up until last week that has been the plan all along. Lucy would be watched by my parents and Garrett’s parents for September and October, and then start daycare in November.
Then last week I started really thinking about everything. I was chatting with my friend who is covering my maternity leave and she mentioned that she was still looking for a job for September and hoped to stay with the company after. Knowing that she wanted to stay made me realize that a part of me going back was a sense of duty to my team and that I had been afraid of leaving them in the lurch if I’d left. Knowing that she wanted to stay made me realize that not only would they be in good hands, but I could make this decision freely.
Then came the number crunch. We figured out how much I’d make working full-time while paying daycare and all the expenses that come with that VS. working at home on the blog, flower business, and freelance work. In the end, it made more sense to stay home.
And the BIG BIG bonus…I get to take care of this little cutie and be home with her in these early years. It means lots of juggling to make my small business work while still being present for her, but it’s worth it to have this precious time together.
She is growing up so fast and every day is full of new adventures. I didn’t want to miss that.
So that’s where we’re at now. I’m going to miss the great office I worked at, my lovely coworkers and the adult interaction, but I also know this time is temporary. Before I know it, she’ll be off to school.
It also gives me a chance to continue to grow this blog (which turns 8 this year!) and our flower business, which I’m really really excited about. A big thank you to YOU for following along on our journey. I wouldn’t be able to take on this new adventure if it wasn’t for everyone who takes the time to stop by and say hi, and keep this blog rolling along. I can’t wait to see where this takes our family and my business. THANK YOU! xoxo
Congratulations on this major life decision. I’m sure it will be rewarding!!!
Thanks Grace! I’m excited about it. It certainly does feel like a big step.
So happy for you! It isn’t always easy to make these decisions – but I’m glad you made a choice that’s best for you and your family. I worked for about a year when Henry was born and leaving was super hard – and also the best decision I could have made. So many doors were opened that couldn’t have been were I working full time. I wish the same for you! Best of luck!
Thanks Kim! I’m glad to hear it worked well for your family too. I’m excited to see where this takes us 🙂
Congrats! Very exciting news! I left my job after my second child was born and have never regretted the decision. Good luck to you!
Thanks Sarah! 🙂
Congratulations! What a big, wonderful, scary, meaningful step for you. It’s great that you’re able to take this step for yourself and your family. You’ve done so much already with your business and blog. It seems like you have a great foundation to build on. Good luck to you.
Thanks Julia! I’ve been blogging for 8 years and had always hoped that someday I’d be able to build it enough to stay home. It feels great to not only finally hit that goal but also open up myself up to see what other opportunities lie out there. Exciting times 🙂 Thanks for all the support!
Hurray! A Great choice and I know you and the family will make it work! It’s all about what you need V/S what you think you need. When you think about it Amanda you’ve always made it work in the past! Hugs your Denver connection
Thanks Bev! When we really looked at the small changes we needed to make VS. the benefits to our family and my business, it was the best choice. Excited to see where it takes us 🙂 Say hi to the gang down there!
Congratulations! A big life change, but I’m sure you will love it
Thanks Jessica! I’m really excited about it and where it will take us. And I appreciate so much support on this decision from everyone 🙂