A couple of co-workers and I posing for a staged photo
that was used at last year’s leadership conference
(Faces obscured to protect the innocent)
Five months have gone by since I’ve set foot in my office, but work has never been far from my mind. A week before my due date in September 2008, I created a comprehensive SOP for my job, cleared out my desk, and bid co-workers a fond farewell. “I’m off to have a baby and I’ll be back in six months,” I said, knowing that it was a very real possibility that I might not be back.
For the past five months while I’ve been on materntiy leave, I have been weighing all of my options, considering the consequences, and charting the pros and cons of leaving my job to become a full-time mom. Of course, in this down economy, it makes the decision that much harder.
But really, no one resigns from a full-time job at the post office — especially one that’s in the administrative realm. Are you nuts? Yes, I am.
Today, I went to talk to my boss, who was very understanding of my situation. I introduced Baby Champuru to him and my co-workers and dropped off two Sunnyside pies as a small token of my gratitude for our time together. The finality of turning in my ID badge, credit card, and parking pass was somewhat surreal. As of tomorrow, when I call the 800-number to process my resignation, I will be officially unemployed.
I’m so grateful for the years that I’ve worked at the post office, 8 years as a contractor and 2-1/2 years as a postal employee, working alongside the most kind and generous people, who showed me the meaning of the “postal ohana.” Some of my best friends were made during my time at the postal service and I hope to keep in touch with them for a lifetime.
I’m leaving behind a steady, decent-paying job, great co-workers, and the comfort of a disposable income. But, I’m gaining the chance to give my child my undivided attention, to be there for her as she hits every milestone in her early development and to help her along every step of the way.
But honestly, when I look at that face, I realize it wasn’t such a tough decision after all.
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12 Responses to A Tough Decision
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Congrats Donna! I had a feeling you were thinking about this. But you know what? You wont be unemployed! Being a mom is a full time job and your benefits and pay are the joys of motherhood.
Im proud of you and you are a great mom! Krislyn is so lucky to have you and the hubby!
congratulations on your decision. It was a tough one and seems to be the right one for you.
Great post and awesome decision! Being a mom is such a blessing. Wishing you only the best in you at-home mom life. Enjoy each moment. They grow so fast!
Also, don’t let it get to you when people ask you what you do, then when you tell them, respond with, “Oh…that’s all?”
That used to drive me nuts when I was a first time mom taking care of my oldest daughter. I was offended that people felt like me being there to raise my daughter was a non-important/almost trivial thing.
Like I said earlier, I wish you the best and enjoy every moment. I know I’ll never regret choosing my kids over career status/$$$.
*hugs* Congrats! I went back to work when TLE was 3 months old and we were both miserable. After only three weeks, I took more time off (for state benefits), knowing I wouldn’t come back. I don’t regret it, even though we have far less money. Being a SAHM is such a blessing. Baby Champuru will thrive with mama home with her!
Welcome Home, Donna! It will remain to be the best decision you have made for this season in your life! Enjoy the special Mommy moments…
May God bless your dedication to raising Krislyn with your undivided attention. I am so proud of you for your decision, especially in light of the sacrifices. May He be doubly good to you.
Good for you!
Sometimes I think being a full time mother might be harder than an office job. I never get to leave work and it follows me everywhere.
The first 5 years are the most important in development of a child, after that it is togh to change the basic person they are. Being there is best, congrats. As to why stay home, the heart has its own reasons. Money is nice to have but it can’t buy love, character, values, or any of te really important things. Best wishes for your future.
You are not going to regret it one bit.
Congrats on your decision to be a sahm! It’s a rewarding, and very challenging job – I always tell my husband that going to work is a cake-walk compared to being with baby all day, every day! And if you ever feel like you need a little adult-time, there’s always part-time or work from home to consider as well!
I know it was tough. I did the same thing last year, quitting from a very good paying university job. I now work from home, earning less than half of what I used to. But I do love being here with my son. It’s worth the sacrifices.
[...] I resigned from my job (February 28, 2009) – The decision to leave my secure, comfortable, and decent-paying postal job to become a full-time mom was not an easy one — but one that I do not regret for a moment. Sure, the budget it tight, but the opportunity and privilege to be with Baby Champuru full-time is unspeakably valuable to me. I am so grateful to Hubby for working so hard to make this a reality, and of course, to God for meeting our needs and providing for us! [...]