Life doesn’t always go in the direction you think it will. Besides telling me to “sleep now,” one of the things I often heard while pregnant was “everything changes when you become a parent.” While I knew that was true (duh, you’re now responsible for taking care of a tiny, milk-drunk creature who can melt your heart with one glance and who you will never make a decision without considering again), I could not understand until the day I became a mother.
I’m a driven person and my career has always been important to me. I stared my career in public accounting, got my CPA license, moved into corporate accounting and ultimately, corporate financial planning and analysis. But no matter how much growth there has been available in my career path, family and living a life that I find fulfilling has always come first and I have made many choices throughout my career that reflect this.
After returning to work after a six month maternity leave and putting Siena in daycare, I didn’t feel like I was getting enough quality time with my family. Although we got to spend an hour in the morning and a few hours in the evening together, the majority of that time was spend cleaning, cooking and preparing for the next day. Half our weekends were taken up by chores to get ready for the week. I was barely getting any quality time with Siena and even less quality time with Mike. At times I felt like I was juggling a hundred balls and felt like I was failing at everything. I didn’t feel like I could do a great job at work as well as be the mother and wife I wanted to be. I felt mediocre at everything I was doing and I hated that feeling.
While I’m ambitious, I have always felt that my career in accounting and finance wasn’t the perfect fit. While I excel at it (and literally love Excel), it’s not my passion. Leaving my baby and missing quality time with my husband every week for something I’m not passionate about is not ideal. It’s pretty freaking obvious, but fitness is my passion. When I signed up as a Beachbody coach again earlier this year, I wasn’t sure where I would take the opportunity. But thanks to the incredible support and training I’ve benefited from as part of my team, I’m ready to really pursue it as a career. I can literally say that it’s my JOB to work out. It’s my job to help others achieve their health and fitness goals. It’s my job to improve myself with learning opportunities. It’s my job to eat healthy.
My last day of work in the corporate world was Friday, August 19th and after a week long vacation, today is my first day of my new job as a Stay at Home Mom and Beachbody Coach. While I’m by no means replacing my salary with my Beachbody income now, there is potential to do that (and much more) in the future. I’ve already seen significant increases in my income from the last time I coached and every month I am earning more simply by sharing my story and my passion for 21 Day Fix, Shakeology, P90X and other Beachbody products. Until my Beachbody business really takes off, I’m also doing digital marketing work for my sister in law who recently started her own marketing firm (I’ve been doing this at a very part time basis since December when I decided to extend my maternity leave). Luckily we have family in town and I will have help one day a week for now and two days a week starting in November so I will be able to focus on work as well as get some much needed “me” time in.
No matter what, my first job is being a mom. That is why I left my corporate job and the money and perks that come with it. While I plan to check in on my challenge groups and do some social media updates while Siena is awake, the majority of work will happen during naps and when I have someone to watch her. I am excited to spend more quality time with her at home as well as on the go. Knowing me, I will go stir crazy if we stay inside all day so I’m sure I’ll have at least one activity planned out of the house each day.
Am I scared? Yes. As a planner and someone who likes to know what to expect, this change is scary. But I know it’s the right decision for OUR family. It may not be the best decision for everyone’s family but it is for ours. I know that we won’t regret it.
Any words of advice for working from home with a baby? Have you ever had to make a similar decision?
Congrats! As you know I left my corporate job to pursue a job in fitness a year ago. I am still doing “business/accounting and finance” just in a different capacity. While we don’t have kids I am so much happier with my decision. Enjoy this time!!
Jen, I am so proud of you for following your heart as well! You seem SO much happier!
Congratulations on following your heart….
Thanks Linda!
Congrats Nicole! I think it’s wonderful you are pursuing your passion and also finding a way to spend more time with Siena and Mike. Seems like a win win to me 🙂
Thank you Sun!
Congrats! I feel the exact same way. Being a mom is the best job in the world and I love staying home with Allie.
Thanks Sara!
Congrats on taking that step away from cooperate! I’d love to do that but unfortunately our family kinda needs my stable income. I tried BeachBody coaching but between my full-time job and home there just wasn’t enough quality time left for anything. #priorities I felt if I couldn’t be my family’s biggest cheerleader then I’ve added too much. I’m excited to watch your journey. I enjoy everything you post!
Thanks Jess! And yes it’s definitely a juggle. That was probably part of the reason I was feeling overwhelmed (doing these 3 jobs…) but it paid off because it allowed me to make the choice I made. I totally respect everyone’s decision – whether its to stay home full time, work full time or do both. We all have our own choices to make for our families and no matter what we are all great moms.
Good for you! Being a mom is the most important job of all! And knowing you it will all work out!
Thanks Mom 🙂
I am SO proud of you for taking a risk and listening to your heart. You will definitely never regret putting your family first. I am sure you’ll be wildly successful with this beachbody venture, too. If you’re up for a beach walk this week, text me! And bring Siena. 🙂
Thanks Kate!!
This is great Nicole! I was hoping you might be thinking of doing this, as it just seems like you are made to work in health and fitness. I’ve found your blog really inspirational, especially lately as our babies are really close in age. We get longer maternity leave in the UK – my little boy is nearly 1 now and most mums go back to work after a year. I’m self-employed so I have more flexibility, but I’ve really been questioning whether I’m prepared to give up time with my little one to do the very corporate job I was doing before. I’m currently planning to retrain as a swimming teacher and see where that takes me. It’ll be less money, but hopefully something I can enjoy more – I’m particularly passionate about showing kids exercise can be fun, teaching skills that they can use to stay healthy throughout their lives. I look forward to hearing how you get on with this new adventure, I’m sure you will do great things! Congrats from a long-time reader 🙂
Thanks Susie! That sounds like a perfect fit for you too! Money can’t buy those moments together and they will be gone forever.
This is really inspiring, thank you for sharing your decision!!
Thank you!
Nicole—there is so much time after the kids get to school to have a career. Stayed home with my kids until they were in school, and then went to full time when the youngest was in 2nd grade. Enjoy your daughter!
Thanks Rita!
How Awesome, I am so happy for you and Sienna! I am about to go back to work in two weeks and I am freaking out a bit. I would kill to be able to find something to be able to work from home with my little man. Just like you I never thought I would want to be a stay at home mom….but then I had a baby 😉
It’s so crazy how these little things change our lives. You can do it! And if it’s not for you, I’m sure you’ll find some way to make it work.
So so exciting! I didn’t really leave “corporate” world, but I left teaching 3 years ago after my 2nd was born. Now here I am, teaching again, but this time I get to teach my own kids! At home 🙂 So I still get to use my skills and talents, just in a different way.
You are rocking it in the fitness world, I’m sure you will only go up from here. How fun!
Big time congrats, I think stay at home mom is the most amazing, rewarding job on the planet 🙂 I may be a bit bias of course 😉
It’s so awesome that you home school your kids! I’d be really interested to hear more about that.
And thank you! 🙂
So happy for you & for making this life changing decision! You & I have both made big shifts this year that are already paying off. I wish you could come be abroad with me as I learn more about myself through my travels like I did for you many years ago, but what you are doing now sounds so right and I couldn’t be more excited for you. Miss you friend! xx
I wish I could come visit too! So glad we’re following our hearts, even if it’s in different directions (for now).
I work less than full time, but totally from home. For months I squeezed work in during naps, and after bed and while my baby could just sit around and watch. I felt overwhelmed and didn’t like feeling like I was multi tasking or trying to take care of the baby half heartedly. I realized I needed to put her in daycare 2
Days a week to have time to properly work. I just don’t do well with multi tasking like crazy. I’m a better mom/wife when I can focus on one thing at a time. Just throwing this out there so if you feel like taking care of Siena and staying on top of your new ventures is tough, you’re not alone! So happy for you!
I totally hear you! Luckily we have family who will be helping two days a week starting in November ( just one day for now) which helps a lot. I definitely think trying to fit it all in during naps would be impossible. But, if the family thing doesn’t work out we would definitely consider day care or some part time help.
Wow how exciting! I’m so happy for you ! I have done everything from work full time, part time, and work from home as a mom. I quit working full time when my second son was a baby, for the exact same reasons you stated! I felt like I was missing SO much, and working was not my passion anymore. I currently am working 2 days per week, and a a few hours a week from home, and find that this balance is working well for us at this time. I am making goals towards potentially working from home full time (and am SO excited to begin my journey as a Beachbody coach! 🙂 ) As a mom, flexibility is crucial. I know you will enjoy being home with Sienna … I know it sounds cliche, but it really does go by SO fast! I blinked, and now my oldest is 8! 🙁
Yes flexibility is so key! I wish more companies would get on board with that. Beachbody is one that has changed so many mom’s lives and allowed them to be with their kids. It’s truly an incredible opportunity! I”m excited for you to join me!
Congrats Nicole for making this decision! I have never regretted leaving my paid job/career when my sons were young and I know you won’t regret this decision either. Motherhood is such an important job and its importance is often overlooked or underrated. I am proud that you and Mike have found a way to make this happen. Childhood is fleeting; there will be plenty of time later in life if you want to return to a more traditional job. But in the meantime, soak up as much time with Sienna as possible! It is WELL WORTH IT! Congrats again!
Thank you! Glad you hear you did the same and did not have any regrets!
Not a SINGLE regret! And my sons are 26 and 23 now and I would not change anything!
Good luck to you!
Big congrats!! I was laid of from my corporate job back in February when I was 17 weeks pregnant. I felt scared, lost, and angry. Not to mention my salary was about 70% of our household income and I was freaked out. I had a lot of supportive friends that kept saying maybe it’s a blessing disguise – I didn’t buy it then but now that I have chosen to be a SAHM and we worked our finances out, I am eternally grateful! I’m so glad you have this opportunity and from our emails (can’t thank you enough)I know you are going to be an awesome coach!
Wow! I can’t imagine how scary that would be. I’m glad it all worked out for you. I never thought that it would make sense for me to leave my job financially but somehow we’re making it work.
And thank you for the kind words!
Excel at a Excel…love it.
Big risks mean big rewards. You got this!
Thanks friend!
Now that I am done Ironman training and the term has come to an end, I’m finally sitting down to read and catch up on blogs. I read this a while ago but wanted to take the time to comment and tell you how happy I am for you that you are finally able to stay home with your little girl. I have worked full time from home since Axel’s birth and it IS doable. It definitely takes time and patience to work around different schedules (they are always changing patterns and habits), and there will probably be moments of chaos (mental, emotional…) but at the end of the day I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Justin and I are fortunate that we have someone who can help out a few hours (4-5 hours a day) a few days a week, which allows me to work, train, or run errands, but I take over the rest of the time. I probably couldn’t do both (work full time and SAHM) all by myself. If you can, perhaps find someone who can relieve you a few hours each week. Those hours will be gold. ☺ Otherwise, enjoy this new adventure! I sure wish we lived close so that we could enjoy it together.
Thanks Kristen! I do not know how you do it with working full time! I’m probably doing about 20 hours right now including Beachbody and it has been a big balancing act. My mother in law comes one day a week but it’s only for a half day and I often don’t work for the entire time she’s here. My mom is supposed to retire later this year and that should help because she may be able to come one day a week as well and stay longer. But, if not, we will be considering getting help for another day a week! It’s a juggling act. I need to blog about it soon actually! I appreciate the support!
I wish we lived closer too! We’re potentially planning a trip to Bend soon, I’ll keep you posted.
Congrats! I recently switched over from being in a desk job to being a personal trainer and it is really paying off. I currently am not making as much money but I am having much more fun. I actually enjoy my job now!
Thanks Kyle! Loving what you do makes a huge difference! You only live once…