Balancing Motherhood and a Writing Career Is the Best Decision I’ve Ever Made
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How starting a writing career gave me my self-worth back
I have been a stay-at-home mother and military wife for two years. When I left the working world, I left behind an important part of my identity.
I have been working since my first job on a farm at the age of 14. Working has always given me a purpose. I am a perfectionist in the workplace and I enjoy being a part of a team.
In my 20s, I worked as a nursing assistant and enjoyed success in the workplace. Unfortunately, after a diagnosis of cervical osteoarthritis, I could no longer work in the medical field. I had to go back to school to switch careers.
I became happily pregnant with my daughter during school. Only 15 days before my due date, I graduated from college with an honors distinction.
A major life change
When I became a stay-at-home mom, it was a different kind of work. It was hard work, rewarding, but solitary. I loved being a mother but the days were long and there wasn't any monetary reward. It was a very different world than the one I had become accustomed to.
I own a border collie. They are a herding breed that thrives off of hard work and accomplishment. When a working dog doesn’t have a job to do, they tend to get depressed.
I could compare how I was feeling to a working dog that gets too old to herd. I lost my vocation and with that, I lost my self-worth and part of my identity.
Why did I choose writing?
Last month, I decided I needed something more in my life besides being a mother. I also needed income to help our household financially. I researched freelance writing since I knew it was something I could do from home. In high school, I enjoyed writing so it seemed like a natural choice.
I found medium and enjoyed reading other writer’s articles. I realized I could be part of a community and make some income on the side. It was a perfect fit for me.
Feeling the benefits of hard work again
I started writing daily and have noticed that my self-worth has flourished. I have noticed the days are flying by. Between caring…
