Once again I’m at a major crossroad in my life.
When I decided to give up my career and stay at home with my kids I knew my future for the next few years would be centered around them.
The plan was that I would go back to work eventually.
Since then, life has changed…
We started a business, and then another one.
I got into blogging, social media, and web design.
We are going to homeschool our children.
So the crossroads.
One path leads to my children.
Educating them for the next 10+ years.
On this path, a full time job is not an option. I can’t do both.
The other path leads to my career.
I could get a full time job outside of the home.
I could really put forth an effort with social media and design and work from home.
Either way, I would have to devote more time to work and less time to my children.
So here I sit at the crossroads.
I know which path I will choose.
And my heart is okay with that.
As long as I can still sip Chocolate Mint Mojitos after a long day.
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Twitter: AlisonSWLee
says:
You’re still young. Once you’re done homeschooling, you’ll still have lots of time to pursue other things. So yes, I agree with your priorities.
Just don’t leave Twitter, yo.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..I Wonder . . .
I won’t be leaving Twitter. Don’t worry. I know you would miss me too much.
Oh, I love Bone Thugs N Harmony!
Wait. Uh.
Kidding aside, I’m at a similar crossroads, but I make lots of u turns before I figure out which way I’m going.
Julie recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Queue
Twitter: elenawollborg
says:
I love it….I thought Bone Thugs the moment I read the title, too. Great minds, Julie!
U-turns are okay.
So is Bone Thugs.
I think they are both great decisions. And although you homeschool this year, you may decide on another school next year–a Montesorri program or a magnet school even. Take it one year (or one month!) at a time. And I know that you know you are doing what’s best for your children.
Rach (DonutsMama) recently posted..Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone
We are going to take it one year at a time and see what happens. You never know what the future holds.
Twitter: mommysparadise
says:
I think it’s the difficult path you chose, working (outside the house or at home) is much easier then homeschooling. But your kids will be grateful for your decision and are always worth it. And as Rach said, you’re not stuck with it, there is always another option if you believe you want to go another way.
Karin @Mommy’s Paradise recently posted..Come sing with me (Memories Captured)
I’m sure homeschooling will be challenging, especially at first but it’s for a good cause.
And, we can always do something different in the future if we want to.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
You’re doing what’s right for your family, right now. That’s what matters.
Kimberly recently posted..They Teach So Much
Very true Assycakes.
Twitter: applesndroses
says:
The decision that makes you feel at peace is always the right decision. Great pictures, Jessica!
Mirjam recently posted..Dirt and flowers
Thank you Mirjam. I agree.
Twitter: skywaitress
says:
Trust yourself. You know you’ve made the right decision for you and your family.
Abigail recently posted..Six years
I do know that and I’m at peace with it.
Twitter: UniquelyEN
says:
Decisions are so complicated, especially when they involve your family. I have found that sometimes I tend to over think things and the correct answer eventually comes to me when I least expect it.
Erin recently posted..New Tricks
I do the same thing sometimes. It’s when I take a step back that I get the answer I need.
Twitter: galitbreen
says:
Oh that’s such a tough one, isn’t it?
(I admire how decisive you are.)
Galit Breen recently posted..Raising Kick Ass Girls
It is tough but I know what my priorities are so that makes the decision easier.
Twitter: corp2domestic
says:
I totally know how you feel…and these kids are totally worth it!
Natalie recently posted..The Work Clock that Never Stops
Yes, they are.
Twitter: andthenkate
says:
It’s got to be a huge decision. I feel for what you must be struggling with, in terms of them vs. you. Of course, the them always wins with us moms, but still.
I haven’t blogged about this yet, since we’re still in talks with the town, but we’re going through a similar process of dissatisfaction with our public school option for next year. I think we have another avenue to pursue before we even consider home schooling, but it has crossed my mind, several times.
There are so many pros, and a considerable number of cons, but home schooling and the resources available to parents and students have grown by such leaps and bounds over the past decade. You are going to be golden. Of course.
Kate recently posted..And believe it or not, the mailman is NOT as sparkling a conversationalist as one might expect.
In starting to research homeschooling I have found that there are so many resources for it from websites with curriculum to blogs to my online friends who homeschool. It makes it easier to take this path knowing that I have help.
I look forward to hearing more about what you decide to do.
Twitter: mommonsenseblog
says:
A decision like this isn’t easy, especially when you already had an initial plan in place. Being a mom for four years, I just laugh at my attempt to long-term plan. Before I know it, everything’s changed…again! =)
Looking forward to seeing all that you do!
Elizabeth recently posted..It’s My Blog and I’ll Cry If I Want To
Long term planning always seems to go out the window when kids are involved.
Twitter: momma23monkeys
says:
Good luck along this path you have chosen.
Robbie recently posted..Prairie Shirts, Knickers and Loneliness
Thank you Robbie.
Twitter: elenawollborg
says:
You’ll rock whatever you do. Funny how our life has to be flexible when raising a family. Whatever you do at the crossroads, you’ll absolutely know what’s right when you pick it.
Thank you Lena. I hope so.
Chocolate mint mojitos? OMG.
Nicole recently posted..Fear Leads To Anger, Anger Leads To Suffering
Exactly.
I think staying at home was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. I never imagined I’d be here but now that I am here I really can’t see being anywhere else, even if the right job opportunity came around. That realization was unexpected for me. I always assumed that I was a career girl and that this stay at home thing was temporary until I found something that fit. But, this isn’t the case. This is truly where my heart is. So to you, I say go where your heart leads you. Go where you can feel most happy, most fulfilled. Whether that’s at work or at home, just do that.
Jessica recently posted..Facebook Friends is Syndicated on BlogHer
You are absolutely right about following what the heart wants. Those are the best decisions we can make.
Fortunately and unfortunately you’re not done, life is a never ending series of Crossroads. I so admire your talents and convictions to sacrifice and do what is best for your children.
There is so much help nowadays for home schoolers, I am sure you will be amazed at all the resources available to you. Good luck, can’t wait to hear more about it.
marie recently posted..May I have your attention?
There are a ton of resources out there which makes it easier to homeschool (I hope). I doubt there is ever an end to the crossroads, I just hope that I always take the right path.
You will be investing in you and your families future no matter what decision you make.
JDaniel4′s Mom recently posted..Earth Day Activity- Backyard Nature Center Table
That is true, thank you.
You’ll never regret choosing this path.
Love your pictures
xo
Runnermom-jen recently posted..Happy Birthday, Katelyn
Thank you Jen. I feel you are right.
Twitter: beeswithhoney
says:
First of all, I love the photo of you at the beginning of your post. It captures you and your beauty perfectly.
Second, I think you will make the best decision for your family.
Third, no matter what you decide, you will be successful at it and with whatever career path you end up taking.
You have proven to all of us bloggy friends just what you’re capable of when you set your mind on something.
Bruna recently posted..being a kid
Thank you Bruna, for everything you said.
I totally hear you!!! For a while I just homeschooled. Then I found a work at home job part time & then for a while it sort of took over & I didn’t like the mom I had become. I had so much stress bouncing between everyone all day long. Then the company was sold & I am back to just homeschooling- but with the twist of trying to get the blog to pay for the hours I put into it- oh & launching the photog biz. If it were not for the cutbacks to public safety in the hubs job- I wouldn’t think at all of trying to work from home. There is too much already to keep me busy. But I completely understand the pull you are feeling. It will work out though. I know that a lot of times the path we end up on is not the one we had planned for ourselves- but the one that HE has planned for us. And that is why it WILL work out for the best.
Gina recently posted..A Little Cookie Therapy
I know everything has a way of working out the way it is supposed to. We just have to remember what is important and focus our priorities.
Twitter: Twinisms
says:
Congratulations on being brave enough to choose the path that is right for you and your family!
Bridget recently posted..This Is Why I Drink So Much…
Thank you Bridget.
Twitter: PampersandPinot
says:
You gotta follow your heart!!!
Kristy @PampersandPinot recently posted..Sin City Knows My Name
That’s what I believe.
You can never go wrong with chasing your heart.
You are a wonderful mama to those girls. Don’t forget that. Xoxo
Kimberly recently posted..There’s Nothing That I Wouldn’t Do…Except Oprah…Unless The Lights Were Off
Thank you Kimberly.
I think you will be a fabulous homeschooling mama. I’m excited to hear about it!
Natalie @MamaTrack recently posted..Sprinklers and Life
Thank you Natalie.
Twitter: katiefhurley
says:
As long as you know in your heart that you’re making the best choice as a family right now, that’s all that matters. The rest will come. But I feel that conflict often. Sometimes I consider adding another day of clients…but then I struggle with taking more time away from the kids.
Practical Parenting recently posted..Get Out and Play!
I’m sure we feel the same struggle between work and kids. We just have to do the best we can.
Twitter: SharonPfeiffer
says:
You are doing the right thing for your family and your children right now … you’re not necessarily giving up a career, but delaying it.
Your girls are so lucky to have you!
Sharon {Grumpy, Sleepy, and Bashful} recently posted..I Give Up
I know I’ll still be able to do some work from home but I won’t be getting a job outside of the house anytime soon.
Twitter: fromtracie
says:
It is touch making these choices. We have been reevaluating our homeschooling situation lately, and for now it is going to stay the same, but there were moments in that discussion where we almost decided to go another way.
We all have to do what we think is best for our family. Good luck in your path.
Twitter: laurenweber84
says:
Aww, girl, I say go with your heart – it always leads you where you need to go. If you need money, try the graphic design/blogger guru stuff and just dedicate yourself to it once the girls have gone to bed. You’ll figure out what works best for you
Mrs. Weber recently posted..One Year of Blogging
I do some blogging/design stuff from home but I make sure that I don’t take on too much.
Twitter: csiracusa
says:
Not to take away from the challenge in this position (a position I’m very familiar with) but I’m so impressed that you know what you will choose. That kind of clarity is such an asset.
It’s really incredible how many decisions we have to make as adults, isn’t it? Ay ay ay!!
Christine @ Quasi Agitato recently posted..This One’s About My Face.
It seems life as an adult is always filed with choices.
Twitter: FarewellStrangr
says:
I’ll trade with you. You can have my job and I’ll make a go of the other stuff. Deal?
Seriously though, I know that’s tough, no matter which side of the line you’re on.
Robin | Farewell, Stranger recently posted..In the Softening Light
Only if I get to fly airplanes.
Twitter: NorthWestMommy
says:
Making big decisions gives me the hives. I never had a hard time when I was single, but now it impacts all of us I keep struggliing. I think you will be happy. And the best bit, life changes and so can you.
Stasha recently posted..Inside Big M’s head
I’ve never been afraid of change so I know that whatever comes our way we will be able to figure out.
Twitter: EverythingEvie
says:
I do admire your decision to homeschool your girls. That’s so awesome! However, I don’t think that working means you put more time into working and take time away from your kids. I think it just means you needs to be more organized and prioritize family time during non-working hours. That’s the way it is for me anyway. I’m glad your heart told you exactly what to do, it’s always right to follow your heart!
Eve recently posted..That Time I Met Scary Mommy
I can still do some work from home but I won’t be working outside the home anytime soon. Guess I’ll need to stock up on more yoga pants.
Twitter: thekircorner
says:
first, I know I say it often, but I love your blog…it just looks so good and so comfy.
also, I support any decision you make, I know that you’ll be here and I’ll find you when and if I need you and I’ll find you when I have something funny to tell you, I’ll send Cards in the snail mail and I’ll track you down when I can’t install my PIN IT button..(which I still haven’t done!)
I think you are awesome for doing what you’re doing. It’s a selfless and amazing thing. Your girls are so lucky to have a mom like you.
I will always be here to help you my friend. Even with that pin it button.
Twitter: krrobi
says:
Jessica,
I have several friends who homeschool and they are VERY happy, blessed, and rewarded because of it.
Follow your heart…and the rest will fall into place.
Love. Xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted..Inside The Rain
That is my plan. Thank you.
Twitter: bocafrau
says:
Sometimes being a mother and the choices we have to make can be tough to swallow. In the end whatever we choose we do because we want the best for our children. I hope, all will work out. One day at a time.
Susi recently posted..Follow Friday Four Fill in Fun #59
One day at a time is a good philosophy.
Your heart and your gut won’t steer you wrong in this path. You’re going to do amazing things with your girls; I just know it.
angela recently posted..Freshening Up
Thank you Angela. I hope so.
Twitter: ByWordsMusings
says:
You will rock this thing … and the best field trips are in FL
By Word of Mouth Musings recently posted..Erma Bombeck, I am a writer.
Are those the ones where you take my kids to Disney World while I sit at the bar?
Twitter: livingthescream
says:
So many crossroads with motherhood and hard decisions! It can be so stressful. Good luck on this crossroad.
Carly recently posted..My Pandora Predicament
It can be stressful but I’ve learned to take each crossroad as it comes and make the best decision I can.
At the end of the day, you have to do what is right for you and your family, You just do. Wishing you all the best, no matter what path you take.
Tonya recently posted..Laughter Is My Only Good Advice
Thank you Tonya.