When I embarked on my journey in sociology with a Ph.D. and launched a successful career in policy development and speech writing, little did I know that life would take an unexpected turn. In 2021, my world was forever changed when my oldest and youngest kids faced complex medical diagnoses. This led me to make a difficult decision - to leave my six-figure career and become a full-time caregiver to our boys.

Redefining Success Through Unconventional Career Choices

Leaving the Paid Workforce: The Challenges and Realities

When people discover my professional background and contrast it with my current role, a spectrum of reactions emerges - from confusion to sympathy to admiration. In certain aspects, I do indeed miss being part of the paid workforce. Take, for instance, the lack of balance in my life now. Caring for my youngest child is a 24/7 responsibility. Despite the aid of advanced technology to manage his medical needs, my sleep, mental focus, and self-care time have been irreversibly disrupted. I engage in online therapy and take short breaks to prevent burnout. Thankfully, I have a highly dedicated husband who values my work, talents, and the natural human need for rest and autonomy.Another aspect is the financial aspect. We now have to rely on a single income for the foreseeable future. While my partner earns well, there are times when the budget tightens. To make things work for our family of five, we have made certain sacrifices. We own only one vehicle, forgo a TV and expensive gadgets, and apply for scholarships for our kids' extracurricular activities.

Finding Fulfillment in Unconventional Work: The Benefits

Despite the challenges, my life has actually improved. I now have nearly complete autonomy over how I structure my time. For example, I can schedule medical appointments during the day, host toddler music classes in my front yard, or take a "morning off" by providing my kids with crafts and store-bought lunches while I indulge in a few hours of reading in bed.I don't have to answer to a manager, stakeholder, or CEO. As long as I meet the needs of my family, I can choose my own path. Writing my own job description has always been a dream of mine, and I have crafted a position that centers around the things I hold dear: cooking, tranquility, lasting relationships, and a passion for reading and storytelling.Although I have less time to focus on my health, I reap significant benefits from not sitting at a desk all day. I enjoy cooking real meals at home, walking my kids to school and activities, and avoiding the stress of office politics and project deadlines. I recently started wearing a weight vest and dusted off my running stroller. In truth, I get plenty of exercise by chasing kids around our three-story house, walking when the family car is in use, and tending to our outdoor property. During these moments, I am in our bright and airy kitchen, cooking multiple times a day to accommodate the various special diets in our family. For instance, we have a slow carb diet for type 1 diabetes, a higher carb diet for our older kids involved in sports, and dairy-free and egg-free options to address allergies. This flexibility would not have been possible if I were working a regular job five days a week.

Meeting Extraordinary Needs: The Meaning Behind It All

People often inquire how I can find fulfillment in taking care of kids after engaging in knowledge work. My response is that nothing has been as meaningful as meeting my boys' unique needs, helping them acquire new skills, forging deep connections with those who will be by my side for the long haul, and establishing a strong organizational culture within our family.