Last week on the Shark Farmer podcast I talked about one of the hardest decisions of my life, which was leaving my career to be a stay-at-home mom. If you would’ve asked me while I was pregnant if I was planning to stay home with my kid, I would’ve had a hard “No” for an answer. It wasn’t something I ever pictured for myself.
How could I walk away from the income? From health insurance? What about my self worth? What would it be like relying on the farm as our main income source? There were so many risks and unknowns with the decision for me to stay home. I liked the idea of knowing we would bring in X amount of money every two weeks from my steady job. And I thought it was my dream job. But I wasn’t happy.
It’s amazing what motherhood can do to you… completely change your view of life itself and the goals you have in mind. But to be honest, I felt really selfish in my desire to stay home. We would be in a totally different place financially right now if I had continued working. But ultimately, the things we gave up don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. We are able to live comfortably and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.
If you’re faced with a tough decision or have different desires for your life than where you’re at now, I have some tips/suggestions.
1. Talk to your spouse and be open with your wants/goals in life, even if you do feel selfish about them.
2. Pray about it.
3. Money-you can’t take it with you when you go.
4.There are options for insurance, don’t let that be the end all be all of your decision.
5. Be honest with yourself. If you’re not happy with where you’re at in life, make a change.
