The Mom Ramp: From Working Mom to Stay-at-Home Mom, Part One

Posted by Charlene Prince Birkeland

Editor's Note: A few months ago my friend, fellow blogger and working mom, HipMamaB, quit her corporate gig. A job loved and worked her tail off to climb the corporate ladder. She jumped into the world of being a stay-at-home mom, while the wheels of work still turned in her head. And I instanly knew that hers was a story that should be told. It's a challenge and dilemma that so very many working moms face, day in and day out -- the inevitable question: "What should I do with my life?"

Following is a guest post from HipMamaB. It's the first in a three-part series that will look at her journey from working mom to stay at home mom...and more than mom. By sharing her story with you, we hope that you'll get a real-life glimpse of what it feels like to make this leap. It's not all peaches and cream, u you knew that. Right?!

Years ago I had this master plan in my head of how my life was going to go. I was going to pay my dues in the corporate world, work hard and climb up that ladder. Then when my husband and I were ready to have kids, I would transition nicely into freelancing and working from home. Yet, like all the best-laid plans we have mapped out for our lives, ten weeks after the birth of my son I found myself barely squeezing into my new, two-sizes bigger than normal black suit, packing up the “discreet” Pump in Style breast pump and heading back to work. Oh, and to a brand new job to boot.

Leading up to the moment I left the house that morning, I had cried at least once a day for ten days straight. Somehow on that day, though, I didn’t cry once.

I came home exhilarated, reeking of that “new job smell.” I was proud. I was proud that I could do this. That I could have the career that always wanted and still be the mom that I wanted to be.

This “working-mom high” didn’t last long. Baby illnesses, daycare woes and a slew of non-understanding bosses forced me to make a decision between work and family.

And my decision was my child.

Next Week: Part Two -- The New Stay at Home Mom: Day One...

You can also read more of Beth's writing at her personal blog, LaLaLaLand.

Comments

[katie]

What is that commercial - "having a baby changes everything"? I never thought I would leave work and stay at home to raise my two children. I worked hard to get where I did and I made a pretty darn good salary. And then I met them. They needed me - and I needed them. End of story. I'm home with them as long as they need me.

[gina]

i need to know how do you start looking for a job after been a stay home mom for so long i really need to get a job my husband salary is not enough please any advised need to find a job

[Jody Palmer]

Working from home is easy, all you need is you, If you look on the web there are all kinds of home-based businesses that you can do. Just becareful and look for something that is recognized by the better business bureau. That way you will not get scammed. I found an amazing company and now I can stay home with my two boys. If you would like any information please check out my website at http://workathomeunited.com/JodyP