From Career Woman to Stay-at-Home Mom, Articles, living

From Career Woman to Stay-at-Home Mom

by Julie Chaumont
published March 01, 2012

rating: (155 Ratings)

When mommy chooses not to return to work

The birth of a first child can turn one’s life upside down more than we would ever imagine. When it comes time to return to work, some women opt to switch careers and become a stay-at-home mom, instead. Below, one mother explains how she came to make that very same decision.

Choosing another path

“I work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I never get a break, day or night. And I don’t have any colleagues to help me get through the rush,” says Julie, a professional who became a stay-at-home mom following the birth of her first daughter, almost five years ago.

Like most women, Julie planned to return to work following a year-long maternity leave. “I really thought that I would ease back into my job, even though it pained me to think that my daughter would spend her days in daycare.” By visiting different daycares, Julie realized that the life that awaited her wasn’t for her. “I couldn’t resign myself to spending only a few hours with my daughter after work.”

Telecommuting and freelancing efforts

Julie was nevertheless passionate about her job, working long hours and aspiring to move up the corporate ladder. “I asked my boss whether I could work from home or come in four days a week instead of five, but neither was possible.”

After managing to have her maternity leave extended by a few months (without pay), Julie was offered the promotion she’d always wanted. Her head said “yes”, but her heart said “no”. “I told my employer over the phone, 'I can’t believe I’m about to say this to you, but I decline your offer.'”

In order for her skills not to fall to the wayside, but to also supplement her income, Julie took on freelance work. She quickly realized that working from home with a baby in one arm was much too difficult. “I realized that I couldn’t be fulfilled in anything other than an office job.”

Career mom

As a result, Julie put her creativity to good use in her everyday life: she cooks different dishes at every meal; turns birthday celebrations into rituals; and fashions all the decorations, as well as many of her girls’ toys, herself.

Julie is fulfilled by her career as a stay-at-home mom… but she does wish it paid better!

We want your feedback: after the birth of your child, did you go back to work or did you choose to be a stay-at-home mom? Share your story with us in the Comments section below!

Tag(s): living, family, motherhood, career

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melvonjoy
March 3, 2012 at 3:08 pm

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I think that given the chance, if we as moms being women, could make a portfolio of what we do on a regular basis(meal plans) (party planning & decorating)

(Home decore) (books we read to our little ones) alot of us would have employment that meet our standards.
March 4, 2012 at 8:28 am

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V
March 6, 2012 at 11:07 pm

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I've been a stay-home mom for more than 8 years now. Absolutely worth it, and by far the most challenging thing I've ever done. Kids are more important than self-fulfillment and pay cheques...they need raising, and it's best done by a parent whenever possible. Besides that, they are only small once...it goes by so fast, and there are no do-overs. I don't want to miss any of it that I don't have to miss!

Besides that, I have more freedom to order my day as I see fit and to enjoy my hobbies than I would have if I was working outside the home.
Mom4ever
March 6, 2012 at 11:19 pm

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I chose to become a stay-at-home mom 19 years ago after the birth of my first child and have never regretted my decision. I think I have a very close relationship with both of my children as a result of this. One of my favorite quotes is by Mildred B. Vermont which states:

"Being a full-time mother is one of the

highest salaried jobs...since the payment

is pure love."