As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to stay home with my baby. However, wanting to and being able to are two different things. Throughout the pregnancy, I struggled with what to do. If I stayed home and stopped working, it wasn't going to be easy financially. Our income would literally be cut in half. And with the economy as it has been, is it really smart to leave a relatively secure job? But as the pregnancy progressed - especially after I suffered the mini-stroke at 30 weeks - I realized that there is nothing more important than taking care of my baby. And my current career was not going to allow me to do that in a way I felt comfortable with.
Many of you have asked what I do for a living - I work in Public Relations. Or I should say, "worked". : ) PR is an AWESOME field - constant action, amazing opportunities, dream clients. However, it is VERY demanding. I often say that while it isn't a life or death occupation, the level of stress would make you think that you hold someone's life in your hands. In some ways, you do. Not a life of course, but a company's reputation. Companies pay big bucks to ensure they are top of mind with consumers. And you need to be 110% accountable to how you are spending those bucks. This isn't always compatible with a work/life balance if you know what I mean.
So, last week I officially resigned to become a stay-at-home mommy to my little Peanut. Finally saying it out loud - acknowledging my decision to the world - gave me peace. And though I'm putting my career on hold for a while, I've never been more proud, satisfied and content in my latest venture. No job title is as meaningful as that of "Mommy." I may not get a promotion or raise, but knowing that I did what my heart was telling me I needed to will be my annual bonus. One question: I wonder where Motherhood will fit onto my resume? : )