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My Transition from Office Worker to Stay-at-Home Mom
Parenting
Updated: June 4, 2016
Originally Published: May 18, 2015
At 40, I found myself with a newborn and a lively preschooler, questioning the very essence of life. Was it really meant to be spent in a cubicle under harsh fluorescent lights? This thought lingered in my mind, especially as I juggled my career and motherhood.
Before my second child arrived, my professional life was thriving. I was editing two magazines—a prominent health publication and a regional travel magazine. I loved my job and cherished my toddler. However, my first daughter was a restless sleeper, often waking up at the crack of dawn after several nighttime interruptions. Balancing two demanding roles, I worked late into the night, finalizing articles and planning future issues long after my daughter had fallen asleep. This left little time for my husband, who often prepared dinner since I was usually at the office late. I always wanted to be home for bath time, though.
While this arrangement functioned for years, it became increasingly challenging with unexpected office crises, traffic delays, or a sick nanny. The arrival of my second child made me realize that not every woman can thrive on limited sleep. Some of us can manage on just a few hours, while others require a full eight to function properly. I recognized that stress had become my constant state, rather than an occasional hurdle, prompting me to seek change.
Even as I contemplated my next steps, I felt conflicted. After my younger daughter was born, I transitioned to working from home and scaled back to just one magazine, the less demanding one. I negotiated a flexible work schedule, only going into the office once a week. I found joy in the simplicity of daily activities, like playground visits, and felt a newfound happiness in my home life. I appreciated having control over my schedule and relished the chance to take naps when the kids napped, sip my coffee leisurely, and choose assignments at my own pace.
To my surprise, I discovered how much I enjoyed motherhood and the little tasks that came with it—pushing swings, singing lullabies, and reading bedtime stories. I felt fortunate to trim my work hours without facing financial disaster. We did take a hit financially, but we managed, even saving a bit after letting go of our nanny.
After a year of this new lifestyle, we moved to Los Angeles for my husband’s job, and I fully embraced being a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer. Seven years later, we’re back on the East Coast, and while I’ve missed the camaraderie of an office environment, I’ve also gained a deeper connection with my children. I recall the warnings from older female colleagues about leaving the workforce, cautioning that I’d be left with “nothing” when my kids grew up. But I’ve found that nurturing my daughters and being actively present in their lives is more valuable than any job title.
I don’t regret my choice in the slightest. Now, I maintain my professional identity as a freelance writer, albeit at a different level and pay scale. I’ve embraced the freedom to enjoy life outside the confines of an office. I dared to take a step back and truly appreciate both the small moments of motherhood and my own personal growth. It’s clear to me that there’s more to life than just work, and I’ve taken control of how I define my career path. For me, it’s about finding that balance—right from home.
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Summary:
In this heartfelt reflection, Jenna Collins shares her journey from a demanding office job to embracing life as a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer. After realizing the importance of being present for her children, she made the leap to prioritize family over career, ultimately finding happiness in the balance of both worlds.