I don’t know—maybe I’m just a glutton for punishment. I have three careers: mom, homeschool mom, and ghostwriter.
I didn’t plan for my life to look anything like this, but that’s the funny thing about life. It kinda has a way of showing you your true path when you weren't even looking for a new one.
After the birth of my first son, Porter, I didn’t immediately return to my writing career. I felt really overwhelmed by motherhood, and I didn’t think there was any way I could return to working and still do “momming." But then some opportunities manifested out of thin air when I was pregnant with my second son, Wyatt.
My first instinct was to say no, but something inside told me to say yes.
So I did. And one referral led to another, which led to another. Pretty soon, I had a waiting line of clients and was actually turning people away.
In the midst of all of that, we decided to have a third kid (because why not). I didn’t let up on my work. In fact, from the time our third son, Jesse, was ten days old, I wore that little guy in a Baby Bjorn and got to work (see pic).
As Porter was reaching school age, I felt led to homeschool him, despite the fact that on the surface, I definitely didn’t have time (and still don't). My reasons for disliking the traditional schooling model are vast and wide, so we’ll save that for another post, but suffice it to say, the homeschool experience has been both rewarding and humbling so far.
So, back to the real point here. Some people have asked me, why are you trying to do so much? First of all, I don’t look at it as too much. I’m simply pursuing three things about which I am extremely passionate.
All I can really say is this—when you find your passion in life, it’s hard to walk away. I have been a part of writing books that have literally changed my perspective and my life. I have had interviews with some of the greatest thought leaders of our time. I am so blessed by my clients and their words.
Do I think that some women’s big purpose in life is to take on the role of motherhood and NOT have a side hustle? Absolutely! It just didn’t feel right to me. And all I can be is me.
Yeah, it does feel like too much sometimes, but in those moments, I stop, talk to Jesus, and ask Him to confirm that I’m in this "thang" for the right reasons, and then I keep on keeping on (Keep Calm and Write On?).
If you have ever felt passionate about something—maybe there is some dream career that is alluding you—I tell everyone who feel that "pull" to start writing down why love that area, subject, or field. Simple “stream of consciousness” style writing has been turned in books more times than I can count!
And once you have a book, you have a launching pad for a new career.
If you want it, just go out and do it. YOU make the rules for your life, not the other way around.
Jen