Happy Friday!
Before we get down to the 5, I wanted to share some pretty big news…
I resigned from my corporate job.
I’ve written and rewritten this announcement a million times but it’s truly too much to unpack in just a few paragraphs. There were a million factors, discussions, therapy sessions, sleepless nights, overthinking and prayer that went into this decision, but the simplest explanation is…my family needs me. And not the burnt out, perpetually exhausted, distracted, short-fused me.
Pausing my corporate career has honestly been one of the most difficult decisions to make, and it has been accompanied with a waterfall of emotions. I am sad, excited, nervous, and relieved all at the same time.
If you’ve been reading along for awhile, you know that I am really proud of the career I’ve built over the past 13 years. And the last 8 of those years I have balanced the role of mom while climbing the corporate ladder. My job has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, so it’s definitely been hard to let go of. However, at the same time, the pressure and expectations were often all too consuming. And as our kids, my career and Matt’s business have simultaneously grown, it has become increasingly difficult to keep my family at the forefront while working full time. So, I’m following my heart and putting my career on hold to show up better for them. And we, as a family, are beyond fortunate that we could make this change.
So what does this mean for y’all and Carolina Charm?
Honestly, nothing really changes in this space for y’all, yet everything changes behind the scenes for us. Now more than ever I am incredibly grateful to have this creative space to pour into while the kids are in school. I’m excited to bring you all more content, to shift blogging to daylight hours, to tackle post topics that have been swirling in my head for years and to pursue projects I’ve always dreamed about.
I also really want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all of the love and support you’ve given me and my family over the years. I am so excited to bring you along for this next chapter in our life.
Alright, on to the 5!
1. St. Patrick’s Day
I hope you all had a great St. Patrick’s Day! The kids were elated to wake up to a special Lucky Charms breakfast! This is their favorite cereal and we don’t buy it often so they were even more surprised to see the Marshmallow Clusters edition — and green milk! And in their lunch boxes I added another festive surprise — a Lucky Charms bar.
2. Sprinkles
I’ve got new Sprinkles content for ya! My friend April actually made this bow many years ago for Caroline. For real, isn’t she the cutest?
3. Spring Allergies
One day last week I received a call from the school nurse seconds after Caroline entered the building informing me that Caroline was complaining about ear pain. Our kids are super prone to ear infections so I immediately ran up, grabbed her and took her to the doctor. (Side note: It was a mind blowing experience to not be sent into a tailspin over notifying my boss and rescheduling my entire work day to grab a kid from school). Anyway, I was extremely thankful when the doctor said both ears checked out clear but that Caroline is likely experiencing pain deep down in her ear from allergies (which both kids get really bad during the spring time). So he recommended Zyrtec daily as well as steam showers. I always keep a bag of Dr. Teals Epsom Salt Vapor Bath on hand for when someone is congested or sick so I sprinkled a generous handful on the shower floor and had Caroline take a steamy shower. Between the vapor bath salt, daily allergy medication and saline nasal spray (both kids get terrible nosebleeds during the spring too), Caroline was feeling better by the next day and back to school.
I was telling my girlfriend Lisa about Caroline’s steam showers and she shared another awesome product recommendation that I immediately purchased — Vick’s VapoShower Bombs! These last a lot longer than the epsom salt since they take a little longer to dissolve.
Allergy Products
4. Teacher Appreciation Week Snack Cart
Aside from showing up for class parties, teacher meetings and school events, I have usually chosen to donate in other ways than my time to the kids’ school during the middle of the work day. And so this week I was unbelievably excited to volunteer to push the snack cart to every classroom for Teacher Appreciation Week! Passing out popcorn cups was seriously the highlight of my week and the excitement across both kids faces as they ran to greet me in their classrooms had me teary. And they were shocked when I signed them out for early dismissal afterwards.
5. Amazon Spring Dresses
Last weekend I polled y’all to see what your favorite content from the previous week was. The most popular response was Five on Friday, followed closely by Amazon spring dresses!! I haven’t received any new dresses yet (still weeks away) but I wanted to round up my favorite dresses already in my closet in case you’re itching to grab a few now so you’re not waiting weeks by the time everyone is ordering.
Amazon Spring Dresses: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
Have a great weekend friends!
I am so happy for you! I honestly didn’t know how you did it all! The timing is perfect going into summer. I look forward to hearing about it!
Wow, huge news! as a fellow working mama I totally get the struggle and am so glad you were able to make the change for your family! Enjoy this new chapter!
I think (I know) you made the right decision ❤️
Oops I think I posted this in the wrong area – obviously it was meant for Chrstina
Congrats on this new chapter for you and your family! The time we have with our little ones is short, everyone always tell us this! I try to remind myself to enjoy the chaos while it lasts lol. I enjoy your blog and look forward to the content you’ll be sharing!
Congratulations! Soak this time up with your family! Love your blog!
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and your!!! You are doing what is best for your family. God Bless You and Your Family!! I also was a stay at home Mom. It was my most rewarding careers ever! Enjoy!!
What exciting news!!! Congratulations!! I can only imagine the relief you must feel because just reading some of your posts about daily life wore me out!! Enjoy your extra family time!!!
You can never be wrong following your heart!
That’s awesome! Congratulations on your new adventure ! I always love your blog ! Enjoy the special time with your kids !
Congratulations!! I quit my corporate job 5 years ago and it was the best decision of my life! It was for me hard to see then, but the job and the skills you have will always be there if/when you want to return. I consult part time from home now which is a nice balance for my family. I’m excited for you and this next chapter!
Congratulations!!!
(And thanks for the allergy tips…they hit my son yesterday. Going to grab some of those Vick’s bombs and try the steam shower!)
Congratulations on your big update! There is so much value in building a life and a home for your family – I’m thrilled for you! Hugs!! <3
I quit my corporate job 4 years ago when my kids were right about your kids’ ages, and IT IS THE BEST THING I’VE EVER DONE. I know the decision was such a hard one to make, but you won’t regret it! You’ll never ever regret being able to spend all of that extra time with your babies while they’re young. And the older they get, the busier you’ll be, so you’ll be so grateful that you did this. I’m still pinching myself all these years later that this is my life now. So very grateful. Very best of luck to you!
Congratulations! As a mom to grown children I can tell you, you will NEVER regret this decision. Life will only become busier as they grow. The days are long, but your kids need you more and more to be present. My kids say now, if mom wasn’t home I would have gotten into xyz. Love your posts as always.
I know this was meant only to be supportive of Christina and her decision, but comments like this are unintentionally very insensitive to moms who do work outside the home — either because that is what they believe is best for themselves and their family, or because it is financially necessary and being a stay at home mom just isn’t possible. It’s wonderful that Christina was able to follow her own heart and do this. But as a mom who works full-time and is the primary breadwinner for my family, it is so hard to see comments like this that imply my children will “get into xyz” or won’t grow to be their best possible selves because I was not home with them. Again, I know everyone is expressing support to Christina, which I echo. But I would ask anyone who reads this to be mindful of how those comments might impact other moms in different situations.
Mollie — I hope you read this. You can work full time and raise amazing children. The fact that you are so empathetic is one example that you are a great parent !
Thank you, Diane! I know in my head lots of moms work full time and their kids turn out just fine, but hearing the reassurance from someone else really helps!
Mollie thanks so much for mentioning this! Unbelievably happy for Christina and full of admiration that she has grown her own business while working her corporate job which has contributed to her ability to do this!! But as the primary breadwinner in my house (by alot), this would never be possible for me (I want it to be!!!) and comments about how kids are better off with their parents not working a “normal” 9-5 job hit hard ❤️
I’m right there with you, Kate. Working on seeing the benefits of it – for example, that my kids will grow up seeing that it is perfectly normal for a mom/woman to be a boss, to earn a larger income, etc. But that mom guilt is always strong!
I’m so glad to see this discussion. I’m a single working mom with a daughter and son the same age as Christina’s. I’ll probably never be in a position to choose to be a SAHM and I got a lump in my throat reading some of the comments. I know everyone means well. But just the same, I’m glad to see this discussion so we can all remember to be sensitive to our individual situations and choices. None are wrong and none are better or worse! I know Christina understands this, I’m so happy for her, and I’m excited to see how her blog develops.
So happy for you! I’m in a different stage of life (32, single, not in a relationship, no kids) and I’ve always valued my career and said I want to continue that when I have young children. I’m probably wrong (after all, not a parent yet!) but I feel like the older kids get, the more they need their parents to show up. Good for you!
hi christina…..WOW!! I never expected that news! How wonderful! Like many others, I was always amazed at how much you accomplished. Honestly, I was in complete awe. My boys are now going on 19 and 22 and I’ve been home with them through it all- even homeschooling. You will LOVE IT 🥰
I can only imagine all the emotions you went through for this decision, but so happy for you. I am a new mom and struggling with the thought of returning to work after 6 months with my first. I feel very similar to you, love working and climbing the corporate ladder but afraid of feeling burnt out. I seriously wish part time corporate jobs were a thing! I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you.
Love your page and content!!!! Especially your Amazon recs! I’ve tried many of them! Congrats on this next chapter!
Praying for you during this transition! There might be moments where you do regret leaving your job but know they will be fleeting! Being a stay at home mom is wonderfully hard!
Yay! Congratulations!! I’m so happy for you!
Congratulations!!!! Family is the most important thing in life. I’m so happy for you that you were able to make such a big change! Cheers!
Congratulations and I’m beyond excited for you and your family in your decision to be home with them. You will never regret this time with the babies. I worked part time for many years when my kids were small before being forced to go full time or lose my job with my employer. I needed to help pay the mortgage so full time I went. I’ve always been fortunate to have great bosses (except two very awful ones!) but I work for amazing staff now and I love my job (most days!). The days are long but the years are so short and now that my kids are almost 19 and 23, I look back fondly on my extra time with them. Always love your blog (and have for years!) and Sprinkles content is a new favorite. Cheers to a much more fun and calmer life my friend! 💕🥰
So happy for you & your family! You will never ever regret the time and energy you invest into your family! These school years are priceless! i was a stay at home mom ( and later parttime playschool teacher) when my kids were school age& though our bank account and retirement funds may have been greater now that we are senior adults, I have such sweet memories of my children’s school years, being a school volunteer, volunteering in my church, doing women’s bible study during the day, working at the homeless shelter & meals on wheels & just being able to be fully present for them! It is so difficult juggling fulltime work while trying to be a fulltime BEST MOM and running the kids/family to different activities (church, dance , swimming etc)! You have many years left to invest in a career, but you only have this small window of time to be a part of your kids school years! TRUST ME…. they will notice that things are a lot less stressful & rushed at home and will thank you when they’re all grown up! Ive followed uou for years so i know you LOVED your career, but I also know that God will honor your decision and bless your family in ways you cannot even imagine!
I am so happy for you! Absolutely the right decision.
Always go with your heart and I know you won’t become a mom who loses her identity in her children. I have a different perspective as the mom of thirty somethings that saw moms who had no identity when their children went to college. I did switch to a more family friendly setting as a speech pathologist, and my children were relieved I had that area of my life that brings me so much satisfaction.
YAY!!!!!!!!! You (and Matt) have always worked SO hard. You deserve to have this peace of mind and freedom! So happy for your family!!!!!
GOOD FOR YOU!!!! I swear I blinked and all of a sudden my baby is almost a teenager 🙁 Our kiddos are only young for such a short time, and you get to enjoy these days. You will never regret giving up a job you love in order to be home more with your children. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for your family 🙂
Congratulations! what a wonderful and huge shift for you!
You’re so blessed that your economic security will not be jeopardized, which many women can’t say. Looking back, I wish I had quit when the pressure was so hard on my family. It’s a cliche but so true of your stage of life now: YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL, BUT NOT ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
Congratulations to you and wishing you all the best with this new chapter!
So happy for you girl!! Enjoy this next chapter 🥰
Oh Christina! I teared up at you announcement, and I don’t even know you! I left my job a few years ago, and it has been the best decision ever. My breaking point was when my then 5 yo answered the question “What makes your mother laugh?” With -nothing, my mommy never laughs. It broke my heart. My husband has been able to focus on his career, because I take up all the slack at home. It has taken a few years to be at peace with myself for making this decision, as I felt like I had failed to be able to do it all. My kids, my husband, and most importantly I feel so much more peace at home. I am able to enjoy my children, and my marriage is much more fulfilling now. Best Wishes as you figure out your new situation!
Congratulations!!
Congratulations! Having made the same decision about a year ago, I can truly say you won’t regret it – and work will be waiting when you’re ready to dive back in!
Do give yourself some grace and time to find your footing – creating your own rhythms for the first time in years is mind blowing and overwhelming!
First time visitor (came over from Shubox)!
Wow! This is such interesting timing; my husband has just started a 6-month sabbatical from a big, exhausting career. I already am convinced pushing pause (albeit temporary in our household) was the best decision ever. I didn’t know how much we all (the kids, my husband, myself) needed this change of pace!
Been a follower forever and so excited for your new chapter!!
So excited for you and your family! Congratulations on making an extremely tough decision. I’ve been a follower for years and can’t wait to keep seeing and hearing updates as you all figure out the new rhythm.
Congrats!!! So happy for you ALL! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Congratulations! You have made a decision you will never regret. I chose not to work when my children were young and it remains to this day (my sons are 34 and 32) one of the best decisions we ever made. I became a more patient person; more understanding, adventurous, loving, and flexible ……and the list goes on. You will love it! Again, congratulations on a decision I know couldn’t have come easy for you.
Enjoy every minute of your extra time!
Congratulations to you and to your family! I am a long time reader but I don’t know as I have ever commented. My kids are much older than yours (29, 25, 22) and I remember when I made that decision. It was challenging for me at times but in retrospect, it was THE BEST thing I did for my family and for me. It enabled us to enjoy the good times and to get through the challenges. My husband is also an attorney and as his practice grew, it was inevitable that someone had to be the point person at home. One of the things that I really found was that I couldn’t create “quality time” with my kids. It came about through quantity time with them which increased when I was around more. I was lucky enough to be able to do that. I wish you all the best!
So happy for you and your family! I love your content and honest writing and am excited to see you and this space grow – congrats!
I love that you used an old TV Cart for the Snack Cart. I’m a teacher so I know those old TV carts. Congratulations on your new chapter!
SO THRILLED FOR YOU AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY! Embrace this beautiful time in your life. You are young and should you want to re-enter the work world later it will still be there. I am so very happy for you!!!!!
Best of luck on your new adventures each day!
Ah friend, this makes my heart so so happy! What an exciting time ahead, and so many amazing memories to cherish together – and so proud of you, I know this wasn’t easy for you either x
Congratulations! I’m so very happy for you!!!