I dont normally ‘do’ posts like this with emotional stuff in, but I felt the need to write this. A year ago today I made a huge decision, I resigned from my job. OK, it might not seem like a big deal-people do it all of the time. For me though, it was about making a change as I wasn’t happy with my little world. It also meant putting my 10 year career on hold, I’m still not sure for how long.
I was exhausted, leaving home at 7am, working until 5:30, driving home again, having a short time with the kids and working until 11pm or later once they’d gone to bed. I rushed bedtone stories ans songs knowing there was a bag of work downstaitsxwaiting to be done, and if it wasnt done it would add to my load the next day. It felt awful. If one of the kids woke in the night I’d be working on the ipad whilst sitting with them. Working all weekend and trying to run a house ran me into the ground. Something had to give, I was at a point where I cried driving into work, where I struggled to get out of the car and actually enter the workplace once I’d parked up. Nothing was enough, extra work was added daily and I had no more to give. Handing that piece of paper over lifted a huge weight from my shoulders, the next day I felt as if I was walking on a cloud, almost giddy in fact.
This post isnt intended to be a pity party, though. A year on and I am happier, I have a better work-life balance and, although I am still a bit lost as to what to do or where to go next, I know I made the right decision. On the days when I question myself, I think of how I felt the day after and know I was right. It took a lot of guts and felt as if I was turning my back on my life’s ambition but I know now that there is more to life than that.
Making the choice to make a change feels so tough when you’re in that situation, you get so close and then back out before the final decision is made, then carry on for a while as it seems OK, then end up with the same dilemma a few months down the line. I was caught up in that cycle and it was hard to break. Let’s just hope I make the right choices now and end up in a job that suits me and my little family. Goodness only know what that is!
A brave decision that seems as though it has paid off. Good for you.
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Thank you, still hoping it pays off.
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I know that feeling. But trust in the process and don’t forget to check in with yourself to see how you are feeling now and then. We make changes and then forget to check back and remember why we made the changes in the first place.
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That’s a good point, thanks, I will make sure I look at how much better things are. š
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I am in the midst of a major change myself, but I think when you’re happier than you were before, that’s a sign that it was the right decision, even though adapting to the change itself is hard. I don’t think there’s any job or any amount of money or any friend, for that matter, that’s worth having in your life if it’s making you miserable. š
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Thank you, it’s very true. Hope things work out for you.
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Thank you, and for you too!
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I think you are very brave for doing that. I am so glad to hear that you’re happier and made the right decision. Good luck working out where you want your life to take you – a scary but exciting time! š
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Thank you, it is definitely exciting and scary.
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It definitely sounds like that was the right decision. I’m sure something will turn up and you are certainly getting to spend quality time with your family now crafting and on your allotment. Good luck with the stage on the job front š x
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Thank you. I’m sure it will turn out OK x
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Well done! A few years ago I went down to working 2 days a week for health reasons, best thing I ever did, we may not have as much money and have to cut our cloth accordingly, but I’m healthier and happier and that is priceless, good luck in your new life š
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Thank you, there are times when the money really isn’t worth it. X
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Good for you. It takes guts and courage to do something like that. I have said this (or something like it) before. You are smart, resourceful and would be an asset to your employer. Something will happen to make it all work out.
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Thank you, that really is a lovely comment. I just need to find a job I’d like and then have the guts to apply for it. x
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No harm ever came from completing a job application form!
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You did the right thing Mrs. Craft.
No on can carry on existing in a life like that. You were running yourself into the ground, leaving nothing of life left to have a little fun or enough time to make decent memories with your children.
As for what’s next … give yourself time to find yourself, and then eventually the right things will open up and start showing themselves to you and you’ll be in a better position to make a proper choice on what you want to do.
Sending you love, and wishing you happiness ~ Cobs. x
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Thank you, I’m not rushing into anything and taking a day at a time for now. I’m keeping an ear to the ground for jobs that I am qualified to do though. x
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I’m a great believer in fate, when something is right for you it will come your way, enjoy your time with your family as that will never come around again, what you have done takes courage I applaud you my dear friend x
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Thank you for the lovely comment. I’m trying hard to treasure every day (even the ones where they drive me bonkers!) X
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The days they drive you bonkers are the ones you will look back on in years to come and realise what a fantastic job you did bringing them up š
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That’ll be every day then! Thanks, some days I do wonder what on earth I’m doing!
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You say that now but in 30 yrs (believe me it will fly by) you will look at the adult before you and wonder how on earth you raised such a amazing person, in that moment you realise the life you have shaped has been a wonderful journey
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That is lovely and makes me a bit emotional, mainly because I’m clearing out all of the baby stuff and missing the baby days! Sounds like you did an excellent job x
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Kudos to you! I am very lucky that I love my job and only occasionally have bits where I want to scream at someone…usually for making their crisis an impossible deadline for me. So much so that I’ve been with the same company almost 25 years. I wish more companies understood about work / life balance. It would make for much happier and productive employees. Good luck with your search! Have you thought about maybe a craft shop since you love crafting? Of course, you may have an issue with your paycheck going to your employer because of the discount you would get on supplies š
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I dream of having a cafe and craft shop combo but it is a pipe dream. Doing something linked to craft would be amazing but I think, for now, it will have to be a hobby. Work life balance is essential but a bit tricky to achieve.
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There is a brilliant saying ‘They deem me mad because I will not sell my days for gold; and I deem them mad because they think my days have a price’. -Khalil Gibran Its so true. Good for you for getting out and being out for a year! I’m very much a convert to Reducetarian, which whilst is mainly about eating less meat, but also about reducing ‘things’ in general, I bet your life is the richer for it x
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It is much better. I would never have set up my blog if I was still working that much, and I wouldn’t do any craft either really! We live within our means, and it’s amazing what you can live on if you have to. Thanks for the lovely comment. X
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Wow well done on making such a tough decision! I know how difficult it can be. I did the same thing a few months ago. I got to a point where I just couldnt continue to work in my place of employment either. It was awful. And it has been tough being unemployed, but i am so much healthier and happier for it and i have had the chance to really make a positive change in my life. It is definately worth it!
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Thank you, glad you are happier too! š
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This post really struck a chord. It’s always simpler to stick with the status quo. It is far braver to take the risk and make the change. I have always believed that motherhood IS a full time job but society doesn’t condone that position. Enjoy this time and know that your life’s ambition is allowed to change on a daily basis…life’s like that.
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Thank you, I do think working and being a mum is almost a no win situation in many ways, you just have to find your own balance. I’m beginning to worry about money, though I’m hoping I will get more agency work soon and if not I will have to apply for another permanent position (part time!) It’s funny how your ambitions change, 10 years ago I was very career minded.
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I hope you find a way to work things out financially. All I can tell you is that, even though money is a constant worry, I wouldn’t swap a day I’ve spent cutting and sticking and building Lego. Take as many of them as you are able to because they don’t last long. Best of luck!
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Thank you, that is reassuring. I feel I’ve missed out on a lot with my daughter as I started work full time when she was 5 months old. Today we have played a colours game and had some wonderful snuggles.
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Bravo! You are most certainly on the right path- because you are happier, and that’s the truest indicator of having made the right choice. Keep believing in yourself, and keep creating beauty! Blessings on your journey! š
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Thank youš
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Good for you for having the courage to say goodbye to a job that was made making you miserable! I did the same thing a couple of years ago, and I’m so glad I did. It takes a while to get it right – I’m still trying to fine-tune the money vs hours spent in my part time job balance – but I’m so much happier for it. Good luck!
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Thank you, it’s never an easy decision when you have to take into account finances too.
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That’s true, and getting used to having less money around isn’t easy! But at the same time, it can be quite liberating when you realise that you can do without certain things… And I find I appreciate the treats I do allow myself so much more!
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You are welcome, I hope you can get something sorted to improve your situation. š
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