Alright, so picture this: I was SO pumped 🤩 to hang out with my kiddos 24/7. But WOW, saying "bye-bye" to my job? Way tougher than I thought! I cried heartbroken after I submitted my resignation letter 😭💔. It was like breaking up with something you truly L-O-V-E, especially when you're passionate about your work. Even though I knew this new SAHM season was the right move for my family, I still had a little pity party for the career path I was pausing. Bittersweet, for sure! 🤷‍♀️ (This whole experience actually led me to write a lot about the journey – if you're wondering about the bigger picture and whether stepping away from a dream career was worth it, I get really honest about that in my post, "I Walked Away From My Dream Career to Be a SAHM. Was It Worth It? (My Honest Discovery)." https://thepivotmom.com/blog/i-walked-away-from-my-dream-career-to-be-a-sahm-was-it-worth-it-my You might find it resonates!)

Let's be real, change is kinda spooky 👻 and can make you second-guess EVERYTHING. Those first few weeks (okay, maybe longer 🫣), I kept wondering, "Did I make the right decision?!" It's like when someone quits a habit they know isn't great for them – they still miss it sometimes, right? So, if you're a new stay-at-home mom feeling like a bit of a hot mess 🔥 or questioning your choices, you're SO not alone. Totally normal! High-five! 🙏

People always say being a stay-at-home mom is one of the hardest jobs. Well, they weren't kidding! 🤯 I didn't truly get it until I was in the thick of it. You're exhausted by the end of the day. It's the kind of physical drain where every limb aches for rest, and you just feel thoroughly depleted😴, yet it feels like nothing actually got done. Because, let's face it, there's a never-ending tsunami of toys 🧸, mountains of laundry 🧺, and a sink that magically refills itself with dishes 🍽️. But even though the days are packed with giggles and sweet moments 🥰, it's surprisingly easy to lose a little bit of yourself when you're a full-time caregiver to tiny humans.

Then there were those moments out in the wild... aka, social gatherings! 😬 Chatting with working moms sometimes made me feel like I needed a script 📜 to explain my new "voluntary career break." Even though I was super clear on my why, that little voice of "FOMO" on career stuff would whisper in my ear. карьера (That's Russian for career - just keeping it real about the random thoughts that pop up! 😉)

And get this: no performance reviews! 😱 How do you even know if you're doing a good job?! My hubby is awesome and super appreciative 🥰, but I definitely missed those pats on the back and "great job!" shout-outs from work. But guess what? I learned to measure my success in a new currency: my kids' hugs 🤗 and sticky kisses 😘. Realizing I was making a HUGE difference – like planting a tiny seed 🌱 that grows into a giant tree 🌳 – gave me such a massive sense of purpose. That feeling, that self-validation, actually stuck with me even when I eventually went back to my professional work. Pretty cool, huh? ✨

Looking back, this whole journey from a career I loved to embracing my new role as a SAHM (and eventually figuring out how to blend it all) involved so many emotional twists and turns. If you're on a similar path, or just thinking about it, perhaps these key discoveries will resonate with you too:

1. The Unexpected Grief of Career Loss Even when you're excited about more time with your kids, the act of leaving a job you love can be tougher than expected. For me, it brought a surprising depth of sorrow and felt like a bittersweet farewell to a significant part of my identity, even knowing the SAHM path was right for my family.
2. The Normalcy of Early Doubts & Second-Guessing It's completely normal to question your decision and feel unsettled during the initial transition to being a SAHM. If you're feeling like a bit of a hot mess or wondering if you made the right call, please know this period of adjustment is common, and you're certainly not alone in those feelings.
3. The Invisible Labor & Identity Erosion of SAHM Life The saying that being a SAHM is one of the hardest jobs is no exaggeration. It’s a unique kind of exhaustion – both physical and mental. Amidst the endless cycle of caregiving, toys, laundry, and dishes, it's surprisingly easy to feel like you're losing parts of your individual self.
4. Navigating Social Perceptions & Career FOMO Explaining your new role as a SAHM in social settings can be challenging. Even when you're confident in your "why," feelings of "Fear Of Missing Out" on your previous career can still surface, especially when chatting with those still in the workforce.
5. Discovering New Metrics for Success & Lasting Purpose Without traditional performance reviews, learning to measure success differently becomes key. I found profound purpose and self-validation in new ways—like the impact on my children and the difference I was making in their lives. This shift in perspective can bring a lasting sense of fulfillment that even carries forward if you return to professional work.

(P.S. If these stories and a-ha moments resonate with you, and you're looking for more insights and a deeper dive into navigating the beautiful chaos and profound discoveries of motherhood and career shifts, you might be interested in my book, Pivot. It’s filled with practical exercises, financial advice, and emotional support to help you make these transitions with confidence and clarity. You can grab a copy at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1DP2XYX )