Work-At-Home Mom a.k.a WAHM

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Ever since Chip was born in December of 2010, I knew I wanted to be at home. It was so hard to leave him after my maternity leave to return to finish the school year at Salina Central High School. After that school year, my husband was promoted to district manager with Propane Central. This new job relocated us to Topeka, Kansas. I got a job, because there was still not quite enough money to keep us out of poverty if I stopped teaching to become a stay-at-home mom. I resolved that this would be fine. I could do it.

I was hired to work at Washburn Rural Middle School.  I worked there two school years, and met some great friends in the process. (God knows what He is doing; sometimes it takes me a minute to believe Him but it all works out.) Working the past two years afforded me great friends, memorable students, and it gave Chip the opportunity to make great friends and memories at his in-home daycare. Our daycare provider, Cathy or “Khaki” as Chip calls her, was a great mentor for Chip. She taught him manners, sharing, cleaning up after making messes, and how to trust other adults. I wouldn’t trade those years of learning for anything.

However, the desire to be a stay-at-home mom was rekindled the moment I discovered I was pregnant with Calla. I began to bring it up to Keith, and he wanted to make sure we prayed about it and did everything possible to make sure we could afford to do it. So I got busy looking into options. I applied for an online teaching job with K12. This opportunity had Keith excited, but it almost seemed too perfect. A job I love to do, that I went to school for can be done at home! And, I can be with my kids? It was a “have your cake and eat it too scenario.” I thought, “There’s no way. This is too perfect.” I had applied previously with this company too, after Chip was born, but obviously didn’t have any luck. I began to feel discouraged with this job option once again when I heard nothing. So, I pursued other avenues. I went through all the steps to get our home certified to do an in-home daycare. This wouldn’t be ideal, as it is not guaranteed income, but it would allow me to help provide good care for families, give Chip some playtime with others, and my family some added income. Before Calla was born, and the deal was sealed on the daycare, I received an email from Manhattan-Ogden school district. They were looking for an English teacher, immediately. I was 8-months pregnant (they would never hire me, I thought) but I interviewed for the job anyway, and two weeks later was filling out papers for HR.

I began to teach a freshman English course in February. I continued to teach during my maternity leave. (Yes that was a daunting task. But I made it). I guess I did something right, because I was asked to teach full-time (which means 5 live hours of teaching a week) for a little less pay then I make at my current “brick and mortar” teaching job.  I am just simply amazed at the doors that opened, and at the doors that were so easily closed. God is great, and He does answer prayers. Truly, this was all Him. I am excited to see what this new career opportunity has in store for me as a professional, as a mom, and as a wife. I may not be your traditional stay-at-home mom. I still have a career that I love, but I will be a work-at-home mom. I feel that this could turn out to be the best of both worlds. I get to be with my kids every moment of their little lives, all while doing what I was born to do, which is teach. I will keep you posted.