When I was still teaching and just had one kid, I couldn't wrap my mind around leaving my profession. I love teaching! There was so much I wanted to do to improve my teaching practice, and I loved reflecting, developing professionally, and being creative. I didn't feel like it was something I could ever leave. It is who I am to help and teach, and my classroom was my second home.
I was thinking today about how much I enjoy my time at home these days (most days, let's be realistic here!), and started to think about why I was so resistant to staying home for so many years. I came up with a few thoughts.
1. Financial Fear
I was terrified of the thought of one income. I didn't think we could swing it to live off of just Adam's teaching salary. I didn't see what we could give up in our life to make it work, and I wasn't willing to compromise our lifestyle.
It turns out, we can live off of one income. Very frugally, but it works and we haven't had to completely change our lifestyle either. We have had to become smarter with our money (which didn't happen overnight, it's been a process), and find other opportunities for income (this also hasn't happened overnight, but boy has it been an amazing process!).
2. Teaching was My Identity
This was a tough one. For 8 years, teaching kids what who I was. It was the majority of my life. I spent more time in my classroom than I did at home it seemed. Because of that, I couldn't see myself outside the label of "teacher". My classroom was my safe place, and I didn't know anything else. I thought that if I left teaching, I wouldn't have a purpose.
I'm so glad I was wrong about that. God gives things to us for seasons, and then sometimes takes them away. I am incredibly thankful for my season as a teacher, and am equally thankful that God led me to the place I am now. I am not only a teacher now. He has allowed me to expand and realize my identity.
I am
- a child of God
- a MOM
- an entrepreneur with a vision to help people
- a teacher (yes I still get to teach, I have little ones to raise!)
- a WIFE (focusing on this one is such an incredibly rewarding journey!)
- and some who can inspire others
- and more
I was kidding myself with this one. I mean, yes, I do miss those moments in the classroom, but I am in no way lacking! I have three (soon four) beautiful kiddos of my own to inspire, mold, teach, and see their own lightbulb moments. As a stay at home mom I get to see those moments often. The trick is to be mindful of them happening. I get to see my oldest son learn how to read, play sports, and take on the role of mentorship with his siblings. When older brother is at school, I get to watch my daughter play her imaginary games that are so creative, be mommy's helper, and be the mentor for her little brother. And then there is little bro who is about to become a big bro. I get to watch him solve problems, become independent, learn more words, and read him so many many books.
Above picture is a real life example! Just now, as I was putting little bro to bed, my daughter asked if she could color on my desk and this picture is what I found. So proud of this girl!
In addition to helping my own kids grow, I get to teach Sunday kids church every once and a while (investing in the growth of the Kingdom of God and our church family!), teach my team of entrepreneurs, and teach people about my passion! Win, Win, Win.
When I told my school director I was pregnant with my third baby and wasn't coming back, he told me something that I've never forgotten. He said that he has never regretted any time he took to stay home with his kids.
I loved my time as a teacher (most of it),
I love my time as a stay at home mom (most of it).
And I'm challenging myself to love ALL of it and soak it up!
If you have been thinking about making the jump to stay home, or already have and need encouragement, message me on FB and we can get to know each other.
If you stay at home or have been thinking about it and want to learn about opportunities to make a side income, message me and we can chat.
If you like my blog, please go like my Facebook page "Emily Coe"!
Thank you and God bless your day!
~Emily
