From corporate to chaos, what being a SAHM has taught me.

Being a stay-at-home mom is no walk in the park. I’ve spent the last eight years in the insurance industry and decided to finally part ways to be a stay-at-home mom in April. During my time in insurance, I learned a lot about self-discipline, networking and most importantly time management. Something that has come in handy as I’m learning to balance the day-to-day routine with both my kids. As much as I enjoyed the sales aspect of my job, I knew it was time to step away when part time work wasn’t an option. I simply didn’t want to feel like I was being pulled in a million different directions; like I did when my son was first born. I’m beyond grateful I’m able to have the opportunity to stay home with my kids this time around. Whether you’re a stay at home or working mom, both jobs are hard. The demands and hectic routines never stop. Now that I’m a stay-at-home mom, I can honestly say I miss the corporate world …. at times (like adult interaction!), but I absolutely love being home with my babies and wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve also learned a lot about myself over the last several months and realized how much support I and all mothers really need, regardless of whether we are working or stay-at-home parents.

I always dreamt of being a stay-at-home mom before having both my babies. I imagined how good it would feel to finally be on top of everything. No more rushing around, cooking healthy dinners every night, along with being present for my kid’s every need. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I’ve quickly learned that being a stay-at-home mom is like running a marathon, every single day, along with carrying two kids on my back. Never ending laundry, dishes, errands, making doctors’ appointments, the list goes on. I’ve realized how important it is to try and turn my brain and phone off after a certain time because I truly don’t think I would stop. As moms, it’s normal to feel like everything needs to fall on us, because it quite literally does, but delegating tasks, errands, etc. is just as important. I remember getting so anxious (still do at times!) and couldn’t fall asleep because I would think about how I would make it from one kid appointment to the next. I’ve realized that I can’t just make it out of the house as quickly anymore or schedule appointments so close together in hopes I can “fit everything all in”. Now, if I do have back-to-back appointments, I’ll try to ask for help way in advance or try to avoid over scheduling myself. Asking for help has taken some weight off my back and makes me feel like I have a relay team while I’m running my day-to-day marathon as a mom. Whether that means hiring extra help or reaching out to family/friends, do it! Sacrificing your own mental and physical health is just not worth it. We are human and it’s ok if we don’t have it all figured out.

For me, the most important lessons I’ve learned from being a stay-at-home mom is that it’s ok to admit you can’t do it all and how essential having a great support system is. We need breaks too and that doesn’t make you lesser of a mom. Support from your spouse, family, friends, or even an online community can make all the difference in our day to day lives. Regardless of if you’re a working or stay-at-home mom, we are all in the same boat of motherhood together and need all the encouragement and support we can get. I’ll leave you with this. Never underestimate the power of a simple call or text. It could ultimately make all the difference in a mom’s day.