By: Jamie Lee Patterson
Updated: June 4, 2016 | Originally Published: May 18, 2015
At 40, I found myself with a newborn and a lively preschooler, pondering life’s big questions. Was my existence really meant to be spent in a cubicle under those harsh fluorescent lights? I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
Back when I was pregnant with my second child, my career was thriving. I was the editor of not one, but two magazines—one focused on health and the other on travel. I loved my job and cherished my time with my toddler. However, my first daughter was a champion early riser, often waking me multiple times during the night. Balancing two demanding roles meant I was working late into the night, tightening articles, assigning stories, and proofreading layouts. Meanwhile, my husband, bless him, was left to handle dinner most evenings, while I was often missing out on precious family moments like bath time.
This fast-paced arrangement worked well until it didn’t. A work crisis here or a traffic jam there, combined with a sick babysitter or my fatigue from another sleepless night, threw everything into chaos. It became clear that not every woman is the same. Some thrive on little sleep while juggling everything life throws at them, while others, like me, need more rest to function properly. I had to admit that the stress had become my default state, and it was time for a change.
The decision was a tough one, even when I knew what I needed to do. After my second daughter was born, I transitioned to working from home and scaled back to just one magazine—thankfully, the less stressful one. I negotiated a flexible schedule that allowed me to only go into the office once a week. Surprisingly, even the mundane tasks like playground trips and lullaby-singing brought me joy. I discovered how much I loved being a mom and being present for my girls, which was a blessing. We did take a financial hit, but it was manageable, especially after letting go of our nanny.
A year later, our family relocated to Los Angeles for my husband’s job, and I decided to fully embrace the stay-at-home mom life and freelance writing. Fast forward seven years, and I find myself back on the East Coast, still at home. While I’ve missed the camaraderie of an office and the identity that came with it, I’ve gained something priceless: a deep connection with my children. Sure, I remember the warnings from seasoned colleagues about leaving the workforce, but I often wonder, what’s more valuable? A job title or the memories created with my kids?
I don’t regret my decision, not for a second. I’ve managed to keep my professional identity alive, albeit on a different level, as a freelance writer. It’s okay that I now accept assignments at a lower pay rate; what matters is that I took the time to savor life—whether that meant enjoying the sunshine or changing diapers. For me, it was all about finding balance from home, and I’m grateful I did.
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In summary, my transition from a hectic office life to a fulfilling stay-at-home mom has allowed me to redefine success on my own terms. I’ve learned that being present for my children is worth more than any corporate title.