Why losing my job was a turning point
I lost my job during covid. I felt like I failed my family. I felt like I was letting them down. I have always worked a 9-5 type job. I didn’t know anything else.
It took me a long time to realize that my job did not define me. In fact, I had two people at home who needed me more than anything in the entire world. This is the most important job I will ever have. I could never be replaced at home and to them, I am everything.
With Covid hitting in March 2020, having two small children, and having just recently been told my position was eliminated, I had so many emotions swirling in my head. I was finally getting to a point in my career where I was starting to feel stable, things seemed to be going well, I enjoyed what I was doing and had been working in the field for almost 10 years (and a few mat leaves in between). So, when I was told my position was being eliminated, although I understood and knew so many others were in the same situation, I was most definitely sad and felt defeated. Starting over seemed impossible.
After awhile of feeling down on myself. Something clicked. I decided that maybe this was a sign. I could finally do whatever I wanted. Was I scared? Absolutely. And I am FAR from a risk taker. But I always felt like something was missing (in my professional life), I enjoyed my job but have always wanted to do something else, something that really sparked my passions and something that I could have for me to fulfill my own dreams. That’s when I decided I would write my book. I felt like the timing lined up well and it was my time to do something for myself.
Flash forward to today (2 YEARS LATER), I now have my very own published children’s book, that I’m so proud of. It was not easy getting here. Lots of nights where I questioned if I made the right decision to do this. Publishing a book does come with a large financial investment and as someone who has always been a saver and does not like taking financial risks, it was tough seeing the big picture when it came to the financial side of things. So many days I questioned whether anyone would want to read my book or follow my social media page. And while I may never be a famous author or blogger or make a huge amount of money I’m super proud of where I am today and how far I’ve come.
If you are looking for a sign to go after your dreams or do something you’ve been putting off doing because you’re afraid, take this as your sign and GO FOR IT! We only live once and whether my book is financially successful or not, I think I would have regretted not trying it. I’m always here to chat if you’re looking for support or advice on moving forward with your idea!
AND… while we’re on the topic of work – I have also just started back to work after being off for almost 2 years…well back to an office job – being at home with my kids was and is the hardest but best job in the world, BIG shout out to all stay-at-home parents.
So many emotions have come with this change…
excited to be back working and doing something for me…
sad that I feel like I’m missing so much time with my kids…
anxious trying to balance everything that needs to get done…
guilty.. so much guilt about feeling like every part of my life is not getting 100%…
I know that not everything and every day will be perfect, but I am trying to soak in as much time with them as I can. It’s also ok to feel excited about getting up and going to work and feel like I’m contributing in a different way for my family.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that, with any change comes different emotions and it’s ok to feel them and just know you are doing your best!!!
xoxox
Jess
