Changing paths, changing job titles
Everyone has a direction in life, a path to follow, an idea of what makes them happy. For the past several years I have been working for corporate agriculture companies, following a path I thought was one that made me happy. That's the interesting thing about paths, sometimes they fork, split, dead end, back up, jump forward, or fall off a cliff. There is only one person in life that truly knows where your path is going and we won't meet him the journey ends. We just have to go with the path and take what bumps come forward.
Over 7 months ago my path turned, it brought me to this new path that I never thought I would enjoy as much as I do. When my little son was born, my life changed drastically. It wasn't just me and my husband anymore, there was this little man that depended on me, he needed me and what I didn't know was that I need him too. It's strange to think that you can go so long in life just happy and content, but when children are born they make it more complete.
After spending 3 months at home with my little man during my maternity leave from work, I quickly realized I couldn't leave this little guy to return to work. My employer was very generous and granted me a very generous maternity leave. I couldn't leave them after they giving me 4 months off. I was a career women. I wanted to move up in the world. I wanted to make my own money. I wanted to make a difference.
Well, I will still make a difference. I will still move up in the world and I will be a career women. I may not make my own money but being a mother to this little guy would be the most rewarding job I could have. I decided I needed to go back to work and give it a try though. Since my employer was so generous to give me four months off, the least I could do for them was give it a try. So there I was working full time and being a mommy full time. Luckily, my job allowed me a home office from the beginning, so getting adjusted to baby hours and work hours was a little easier. But my job was on the road 30% plus of the time. Those week long business trips and flights halfway across the country to the main office seemed harder and harder to make. I gave it a shot, I tried 2 months of this balancing act. But it wasn't long that I realized the only job I wanted was being a mommy. I packed up my belonging from my work truck, visited my favorite growers to tell them goodbye and set up an out of office for the last time. It was time for me to change my job title.
It is one of the hardest decisions I have made in my life, but also one of the most rewarding. For the last few months I have been a mommy full time and nothing else. Well, who am I kidding, I have now become a lunch delivery service, parts runner, errand girl, baby food maker, and so much more. Not too mention all the other boards and committees I already sit on and don't want to give up. But at the end of the day, being a mommy is the best job I didn't know I wanted! Being able to see all those 'firsts' is the most beautiful thing. I can't even imagine not being there to see all his life moments take place. My new path of motherhood is going to be the best journey I could ever ask for!
Until Next Time,
Almond Girl