Thank you State Farm, for sponsoring today’s post about my awesome family.
So you may have noticed a little bit of a shift around here lately. I haven’t really come out and advertised it, but after a lot of discussion, I did something a little bit crazy. Last month, I quit my day job.
It’s true, that totally happened. Did you ever see the flair scene in Office Space? It was a little bit like that. Ahem. I work from home now, and I’m totally loving it!
It was a big, scary decision, I won’t lie. Kevin and I had been talking it over for a few months, and I kept saying, we can’t afford it, and what if it doesn’t work the way we think it will? But he was so encouraging about it. We will make it work. I really think you deserve this. I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time seeing around my limitations sometimes. It hasn’t been until I met my husband that I started to truly believe what I can do, and not just what I can’t.
So I took the leap. Our expendable income budget is awfully light now, but it’s a great trade for what I get to do. My husband values my happiness, and wants me to do crazy things like chase my dreams. Like ArtPrize 2014 – I made it into the competition this fall! I never would have had the confidence to feel that I could wow a venue with my work if I didn’t have such great encouragement at home.
It used to be my achievements were in spite of pressure. You know, the “I’ll show you that I can do this on my own” thing. I’ve always been achievement-driven, but it’s hard to enjoy when you’re doing it for someone else. But since I met my husband, I’ve gradually adopted the, “look! I did it!” attitude – and that’s what truly launched me into healthy adulthood. Do you have someone in your life like that? I hope you do.
See, despite the fact that he makes me totally crazy sometimes (hey, he has the same number of flaws as the average human being, after all), the number one thing I can say about my husband is that he supports me 100%. And you grow so much as a person when you have someone who believes in you like that. I have never in my life experienced someone who is behind me, no matter what. (Which kind of puts the tiff about the laundry standoff into perspective, too. Ahem.)
So here I am. A mom working at home, with two kids under age 4. I have freaked out some days. Kevin talks me down. I still feel like I’m just taking an extended vacation. But I can’t even explain to you how much better I feel for taking the plunge. One of the things that I always secretly wanted was to be a stay at home mom. So now I’m living the dream, with time to spend with my family.
As I write this, this is what I can hear: my son is laughing hysterically, playing with his dad. My daughter is dancing around in the hallway outside my office, trying to sneak in here without Kevin catching her for about the fifth time. (She keeps asking me if I need anything. I said no, but she left me her favorite blanket anyway. I know it’s just an excuse to be near me, and I’m okay with it.) You know who she got that from? Her dad. Not today, not by suggestion, but by example. And now, I’m not missing it, spending 50 hours of my week at a job I hate. Dreading Mondays. Trying to leave with children attached to my legs, telling me to stay home.
This story is uncharacteristically mushy compared to my typical sarcasm, I know. (I promise, I’ll be back to cracking jokes tomorrow.) But I’m not even embarrassed about it today. I love my family, and I’m thankful for the man who makes me a better person, just by loving me well and encouraging me to follow my passions. It’s more than I thought I was getting when we got married.
I’m about to click “publish” now, so I can go spend time with my favorite people in the world. (Because that’s yet another perk of working at home – a tickle break is so much more energizing than a coffee break!) But let me end on a question, to keep the conversation going: is there someone in your life who has helped you be a better person? Leave me a comment below – let’s celebrate the people who have our backs in the good times and bad!
Like a good neighbor State Farm is there.
Compensation was provided by State Farm via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of State Farm.
Jenn Hoff says
Adrianne, way to go! That’s awesome. I know your kids will LOVE it, and I bet you will, too. A lot of women get really touchy about the debate between working outside of the home or working in the home. At the end of the day, it’s your family, and you decide what’s right for you! I am personally thrilled because I have a sneaking suspicion this might mean more posts for ME! :) That’s the important part! ;) Hope it goes well!
Tara says
So wonderful, Adrianne! I’m thrilled for you that you can make working from home “work”. You and Kevin are so wonderful at supporting each other, and it sounds like this summer of being a WAHM is only going to solidify that even further. And of course you should be doing crazy and wonderful things like entering ArtPrize! I’m so happy for you, lady!
Kirsten says
I am so incredibly proud of you Adrianne. I know it took a lot of courage to walk away from your job, but the rewards are totally worth it! I’m so happy you’re happy! I know you’ve been miserable for a while, so to know that you’re in a good place makes me happy, too. :)
I admire you, too, and Kevin, for making the sacrifices to put you where you are. (And, to be honest, I’m a bit envious because I want to quit my job so bad I can’t stand it and work from home!) You’ve given me the courage to dream a little bigger today. Thank you :)
Susan says
Beautifully put! Thank you for sharing. Congrats! It all work out just fine. this is the best time of your life, enjoy!
Debbie says
I’m so glad you made that choice! It IS a hard thing to do financially but the benefits for your family will be so much more beneficial than the loss of the money. It may be hard at first, but after a little bit, you won’t miss the
money and will be so glad. I stayed home with my children and I don’t regret one second of it. Bless you and your family!
Meredith says
So happy for you friend!! Loved reading this post :)
Ashley says
My husband. I had been running my own hobby craft business and over the years (since we got married) he has not only helped me to turn my dreams into reality but he’s encouraging when I feel like something doesn’t work. After having our son I took a break and since the birth of our baby girl we’ve really started to work on things again. I’m watching my dreams become a reality and I’m so grateful for someone to back me up when I need it most.
Sarah says
What a sweet post!! I feel the same exact way about my Kevin, too. ;)
So so happy for you!!
amy says
So happy that you get to be home and enjoy time with your precious family! These are times with your kids that you’ll never get back, so enjoy every moment! Quitting my “day job” was one of the best things I ever did, and worth the sacrifices!
Donna says
That is a really beautiful post. I hope to one day feel such sincere & heartfelt support. Maybe your husband could start a blog to teach my husband how to do it :)
Congratulations & wishing you all the best!
Kara says
What a beautiful post! I am so happy for you :)
Melanie says
My hubby definitely!! Glad to see that you are enjoying your new “office space”!!