If I had the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn’t pick the path of a stay-at-home mom (SAHM). There, I’ve said it. But don’t get me wrong. When I opted to stay home with my first child 13 years ago, it was the right call for our family at that moment. We were just starting, and it made perfect financial sense for me to handle the home front while my husband worked. After years in the grind of the workforce, I was ready for a change, excited to embrace the daily joys of motherhood.
I stepped away from a rewarding career and didn’t look back. The years that followed were filled with the beautiful chaos of motherhood—diapers, bottles, and the occasional tantrum. I found immense satisfaction in nurturing happy kids, and for a while, being a mom was enough. I pushed aside that nagging thought in my head questioning whether leaving my career was the right move. For many years, I managed to silence that voice—until now.
Now, my kids are older, ages 10 and 13, and they require much less of my time. The house is eerily quiet after the morning rush. Sure, there are only so many loads of laundry I can do to fill my days. After a bit of adjustment when my daughter started full-time school, I figured out how to balance a few freelance gigs while still being available for family needs. I was “working” but still the go-to parent for sick days and school events.
For a time, I was content with this arrangement, feeling I was getting the best of both worlds. However, the urge to reconnect with my professional ambitions grew stronger. As my writing career flourished and opportunities knocked, I found myself torn between home responsibilities and my aspirations.
Looking at the stack of dishes and the laundry waiting to be done, I think, “When is it my turn?” I’m beginning to feel frustrated that my mom duties are holding me back. I’m even a bit mad at myself for taking such diligent care of my family that it’s noticeable when the laundry’s behind or the pantry’s bare. I feel like I’m fighting against the never-ending cycle of chores. I’m ready to step up and reclaim my identity—not just as a mom but as a woman with dreams. The kids can manage their own laundry, and if that means eating off paper plates for a bit, then so be it!
I’m asking myself: When can I leap back into my career? The answer is simple: now. And I’m not sorry about it one bit.
For thirteen years, I’ve devoted myself to everyone else. Now, I’m ready to breathe new life into my career. I refuse to apologize for wanting to shift my focus from being “Mom” to embracing my ambitions as my children prepare for college. Just as I adapted when my youngest started school, I realize I have a whole world ahead of me to chase the dreams I shelved when my kids arrived.
I can finally be selfish in my choices and make career decisions without stressing over carpool schedules and school plays. I’ll work late hours if I want, investing time in what inspires me. Maybe I’ll even enjoy a cocktail with my husband after work and share stories that don’t revolve around children’s activities.
While I cherish every moment I’ve spent with my kids, I still ponder how I was able to set aside a flourishing career so easily. How did I walk away without a second thought? I now understand that whatever I pursue professionally in the future will hold greater significance because I’ve fought my way back to the woman I used to be.
I was once a driven professional with ambitious goals. I will always be a mother, and that’s a role I will forever cherish. But soon, I get to rediscover the real me again, and I can’t wait!
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Summary
Embarking on the journey of motherhood has its challenges, but now that my kids are older, I’m ready to reclaim my career. After dedicating thirteen years to family, I refuse to apologize for pursuing my dreams. It’s time to embrace my ambitions and rediscover the professional woman I once was, while still cherishing my role as a mother.