When I first started working from home full-time, I was excited – it was the dream! I felt like I finally had the work-life balance that I had always been wanting. It gives me the opportunity to work when I am available and spend time with my son without having to worry about daycare costs or missing out on any of his milestones. But, my boss had other expectations for me.

I am one of those “workaholics,” I asked my boss for 2 weeks recovery time after giving birth before being virtually available. Instead, 1 week postpartum, he wanted to know when I was coming back full swing. This threw a wrench in my postpartum journey. I had just had a baby and wanted to spend time bonding with my son for a little longer before being pulled back into work. But, I went ahead into meetings and wearing myself out only 1 week postpartum.

I realized shortly after this experience that I wanted to do something that I had more control over and still allowed me to work from home. I looked into starting my own business and even trying to get back to my teaching and insurance roots. I have found a place to sell insurance and build my own insurance agency from the comfort of my home. I feel fulfilled doing this because it is something that is mine without having to answer to a boss. I also help many people protect their families – it is why I love to teach and why I started selling insurance 10 years ago. Getting back to my passion of helping others gave my life meaning and focus. Instead of feeling lost at a dead-end job fulfilling someone else’s dreams, I now find myself working on my own dreams and goals every day.

There’s nothing more I would want to do and I am blessed to be able to do so. I no longer ask myself what my next steps are or how I should pivot next. This is the season of my life where I have found my passion and purpose again and I am grateful for the detours I have taken to get here. It makes the journey worth it.

Copyright 2023 Jessica Nash. All rights reserved.