I quit my job this morning.
And I want to make it very, very clear, that it was my decision. BlogTalkRadio is an exciting website run by people who are the very definition of devoted and committed, and everyone I had contact with was kind and welcoming.
But.
I underestimated the amount of devotion and commitment I would need to have. Maybe if I had always worked, that would be one thing, but for Kaitlyn to suddenly go from having all my attention to having very little of it, well, that was just not working out for us. The stress level shot up to eleven, and it was affecting every single one of us. I have such a deeper respect now for those of you who have found a balance between working a job and having a family.
But.
There goes my guaranteed weekly income. Have you noticed the definite absence of paid posts on this blog lately? That’s because I was going to be getting a bi-monthly paycheck that would replace my paid blogging income. And now I’m not. My husband works very, very hard, but in order for us to provide for five people not only the basics but the very occasional treat, like new clothes or a weekend vacation, we just plain need more money.
I’m not going to stop looking. I believe that somewhere out there is a job that I can do from home for some company/organization/website, where I can make a difference without having to sacrifice my family’s needs as well. There must be someone who can use a college educated, efficient, organized, Internet-savvy, likes-to-interact-with-people, employee. Right? Someone?
So, yeah. I actually had a completely different post planned for today, but I’m just going to leave this one up for a while as I get used to the idea of what has just happened. While you are here, take a gander at the new blogroll on the left, and on the right, a new search widget from Lijit, I met Tara from Lijit at the Sunday Un-Conference at BlogHer last summer. It was easy to set up and it’s wicked cool, and I’m not getting paid any money to tell you that, either. Peace Out.
It’s hard to find the balance between working and mothering. I gave up a few years ago and quit my job. I am happier now, and even though we do without the luxuries, I wouldn’t give it up for anything. I hope you find what you’re looking for, and that it makes you happy.
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
Thank you, Jenn, for that kind comment. Looking at the amount of money I was earning, and comparing that to the effect it was having on our family dynamic, I’ve made the right decision. Having my kids be happy, having my husband be happy, not having everyone be so stressed out, that is what I need to be happy right now. Not that some extra cash wouldn’t be nice too, though
You have made a wise decision. Some day your children will be out of the house and you may want to do something different. For now it is important to maintain a calm home for everyone.
Sorry to hear you quit, Elizabeth, but it sounds like it was the right thing to do, despite the lack of income.
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
Karen-Thank you for your supportive words. I’m hoping that we will all get back to a more calm environment around here soon. Unfortunately, it also means I won’t be going to BlogWorld after all.
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
Graham, thank you. It’s helpful to have blog friends to “talk” to about this
I am so sorry to hear that things did not work out as you had hoped. I remember the level of stress that incurred when I worked out-side of the home and had an ulcer to prove it. I will send my most happy thoughts and wishes your way! I hope that you will soon find the job that best suits you and your family!
Oh, wow. That was the last thing I expected to read when I opened your site today. Here’s hoping for new, better opportunities for you – something’s BOUND to come along sooner or later!
I’m sorry to hear that things didn’t work out. Something good will drop into your lap!
I really wish I could quit my job. The headaches and the constant crap I have to deal with isn’t worth it anymore…
I’m sure you will find something else that fits your schedule.
I wish I had been able to deal with you last week when I was having my disastrous start with blogtalkradio.
Twitter: blondemomblog
says:
I just e-mailed you info about a part time job I have info on. Good luck! My mom always raised me to believe that when one door closes, another (better one) opens.
Good for you! Making a decision like that is tough. Really tough. Way back when I quit working our stress level just went to nonexistent, it was amazing. You’ll find something, I’m sure you’ll land on your feet.
Oh, hey, maybe you can get back into something like BlogTalkRadio when/if Kaitlyn goes to school. Just because something’s not working this very minute doesn’t mean it won’t work for you in the future.
Ohhh. Hope Jamie finds something great for you.
But sorry to hear it didn’t work out at this time.
Hey sissy,
While I know you were very much looking forward to a little breathing room financially, and I know you were inwardly looking forward towards becoming “a contributor” to the family, I am sort of relieved to hear this (please don’t take that the wrong way.) I know from 5 years of experience just how hard working from the home as a mother is and *I* didn’t have to do it with a toddler (well except when I was a nanny but that’s different.) I worked out of the home with a toddler before I was a nanny and while it really was painful in my heart to leave Lou every day I can say without question working from the home was far more challenging and I cannot even begin to be able to imagine how hard it would be with a toddler. Not to mention that a large part of my web work I did after Lou was in bed or in school for the day. While I wanted (and still do) the very best for you, my Tover, the boys and Princess Muffinest, I did worry that something so attention intensive just would nearly be impossible (did I mention you have a TODDLER??
)
What I really hope is that you find in yourself an answer that has been there all along and is as beautiful as the noses on all of your faces. You have THE most important job in the world. You have one of, if not the hardest jobs in the world. You have a job full of self sacrifice, more than three times the legal limit for hours per week, no vacation or sick days, no raises (or income for that matter) and very few praises or acknowledgement from the “outside world.” Yet one look at the beautiful, happy, articulate, polite, did I mention beautiful? People that you work for and there is no question, at least in my mind, that there is NO better use for “a college educated, efficient, organized, Internet-savvy, likes-to-interact-with-people,” woman. None.
And yes I know it doesn’t help with the bills. I do know what it means to scrimp so badly that you couldn’t afford clothes or anything else. Hell, our car’s turn signals, anti-lock breaks, horn, cruise control, windows and power locks no longer work because we can’t afford to fix them. Believe me, I know. But think of it as an investment… Not just in their future, or in your future, but in EVERYONE’S future.
Awww…no Vegas? Bummer. I was looking forward to hanging with you.
You gotta do what you gotta do. Things happen for a reason.
I guess I’ll just have to take a trip up there!
Twitter: pz5wjj
says:
Sorry about that Elizabeth! I can imagine it must have been a difficult decision but I’m sure you made the right one for your family!
But you’re right… I’m sure a window will open for you some place!
I am so sorry to hear this did not work out for you. I have heard that a door can’t close without a window opening at the same time. You just have to look and feel around for that open window! Your window is open you just have to find where it is!!!
I know you can find it!
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
Sheila-Thank you for your kind words. One of the warning signs for me wasn’t an ulcer (thank goodness-OUCH), but the amount of yelling I was doing. Whenever I find myself yelling for no good reason all the time, it means something isn’t working in my life. So the absence of money is balanced out by the absence of yelling.
I completely understand your position. I have struggled with the employment situation for years. While there is a need for money, the price of working always seems to exceed its dollar value.
You are very smart, very talented and you have a great blog. Fret not, opportunity will avail. Sometimes it doesn’t come as quickly as we would like, but it does eventually come
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
Jes-Thanks for the kind words of support. I just wrote a new post about another opportunity that was offered to me last night, so things are looking up already!
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
Lisa-Thanks for the comment, sounds like you have a really stressful job! I just wrote a new post about a new writing opportunity open to interested bloggers, let me know if you want in on it!
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
R- Thanks for the kind words, I’m sorry you had a hard time getting started on BTR. I still think it’s a great site once they work out all the kinks.
You might be interested in the new writing opportunity that I got yesterday, it’s for bloggers who write well, which definitely describes you. I just wrote a post about it, Let me know what you think!
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
Jamie-I didn’t get the email, and I’d like to know more! I really appreciate you thinking of me, too
I’d love it if you would stop back at table for five and check out the new writing opportunity I was just offered last night, I think you would be perfect for it!
I know how you feel. When I started writing at MamaPop, I thought I could handle it, I was at home right? Wrong! It was stressful and taking away lots of time with my kids. I had to quit I totally understand.
Hope you find a job that can offer the flexibility you need.
Sorry to see you go, Elizabeth. Take care.
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
Lanna, thanks for your kind comment. I really thought that an online job would be easier, but it really isn’t! In a few years Kaitlyn will be in kindergarten (*sob*) and then I can take another look at my working situation.
Sorry it didn’t work out. You sound like you have your priorities right though.
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
Amanda-thanks for the nice comment. My family is my number one priority!