July 1, 2016
As I was preparing for a business trip away from home, my husband dropped the bombshell that our marriage was over. His desire for a divorce hit me like a ton of bricks—both heartbreaking and oddly relieving. If this had happened just a few months earlier, I would have felt completely paralyzed by fear. But after years as a stay-at-home mom, I had finally secured a stable job. It’s 2016, and unfortunately, many moms, especially those who have been out of the workforce, still grapple with the financial uncertainties that divorce can bring.
Most people don’t enter marriage anticipating a split, and I doubt many mothers dream of single parenthood. With a heavy heart, I stood there, feeling foolish as he articulated the words that would end our life together.
Yet, being a working mom during this chaotic time has offered me a glimmer of stability. I know I can provide for my kids, even if the roof over our heads isn’t fancy for a while—it will keep them safe. Additionally, having a job gives me a mental escape, allowing me to immerse myself in work rather than spiral into a cycle of self-blame and endless “what ifs.” For a few hours each day, I can take a breather from the emotional turmoil.
If I had still been a stay-at-home mom when my husband made that announcement, I honestly don’t know how I would have coped. I often hear tales of women rising to the occasion and finding their strength to rebuild their lives post-divorce, but I sometimes doubt whether I possess that same resilience. My inner voice whispers, “I’m just me. I’m just a mom.”
The hardest part of this journey is knowing my kids are witnessing everything unfold. They see me fighting to hold it together in front of them, and they hear the tension in my voice as I strive to maintain respect for their father. My job, with its regular paycheck, empowers me to show them that we can endure this storm with dignity. “I am strong, and I am a badass mom!” my heart insists.
At night, as I prepare for the next day, my mind races with tasks, but it always catches on that crucial reminder: to breathe and stay strong. I often wonder how other women manage during such times, and there’s never a moment when I think, “I’ve got this.” The truth is, I feel like crumbling, but I can’t let that happen. My thoughts collide in a swirl of fear, love, plans, and sadness.
So each morning, I rise, don my work attire, pack lunches, kiss foreheads, and head to the office, grateful for the direct deposit that will hit my account every Friday. With a bit more determination, I’ll soon start searching for a smaller, cozier place to call home. I want to show my children that I can be strong, even in the face of adversity.
For anyone looking for more guidance on navigating this journey, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re interested in getting your own home insemination kit, you can find one at Cryobaby’s site, which is an authority on the topic. If you want to dive deeper into the legalities, visit our blog post that outlines the terms and conditions of this journey.
In summary, being a working mom has provided me with the strength and stability I desperately needed during my divorce. Despite the challenges, I am learning how to navigate this new chapter while demonstrating resilience to my children.