mrsqueentana.com

If someone would’ve told me 7 years ago that I would be a stay at home mom I would have probably laughed. Never in a million years did I ever think that would be me. That idea never even crossed my mind. I don’t think I even knew a stay at home mom before moving to SoCal. It was not something I desired at all, until our first bundle of joy was on the way. Fast forward to more than 7 years later and it has been one of my absolute favorite things I’ve ever done in my life. 

Now I have moved on to a new chapter in my motherhood journey, I am a working mom. When looking for a job I didn’t want to give up being home with my family or pursue a career that removed me from my home for long hours. At least not right now. If any of you live away from someone to help (besides your spouse) you understand what I mean. We don’t have the luxury (yes, it’s a huge blessing) of having relatives that live nearby that will pick up or drop off your kids or take care of them while you are at work. We do a lot of it by ourselves. Disclaimer, when my mother in law is with us we are in heaven. She helps us out so much, and I am eternally grateful for her. Therefore I looked for a job that would fit in with our lifestyle and in the child rearing phase we are in.

I applied at my kid’s school and got hired! It is truly a blessing because we have a very similar schedule and the same days off which still allows me to be home with them when they are home. Best of all I get to pop in on them every so often. Did I mention I get summers off with them too?! It’s truly a win, win! Besides all the benefits I really enjoy what I’m doing.

I currently work with adolescents and my goodness, times have really changed! Parenting has changed. Education has changed. A lot has changed. I’m also getting up to speed on what the new slang words kids are using these days. Truth be told, I texted my cool teenage nieces after I got hired for the job to get me up to speed with the new lingo. I felt like the mom from the movie Mean Girls when she said: “what is the 411?… Tell me everything. What are you guys listening to? What are the cool jams?” I just want to be cool, ok? hahaha!

Working with teens has reminded me of the pivotal time it is for students as they begin to navigate more complex academic and social environments. It has also given me a preview on what my kids will be facing in the future and gave me awareness on what to be ready for and how I can help my own kids navigate those ever changing years. Not that they’re even close to being teens, but it doesn’t hurt to look ahead since it’s the direction we’re headed.

My co-workers are the best group of people! Everyone has been so welcoming and willing to show their support. Best of all they are truly invested in creating a learning environment for all the students. 

If there is anything I miss it’s my husband. He works from home on most days and I miss interrupting his day with mundane questions like: what are you doing? So on occasions I’ll go home for lunch and on others he picks me up and we have short lunch dates. Each year is different from the next. We will make adjustments as we see the need. If I ever need to be home again I will gladly do it, but for now you’ll find me in a classroom.