If you’re short on time and want to get on with your Tuesday (full of debauchery), I’ll cut to the chase for ya. I quit my job at the gym. If you’ve got like 3 minutes, stick around and find out more. Again, no pictures. Just words – they won’t stop coming out. ;)
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When you understand how fleeting life is, you begin to focus more on what’s important. The simple things.
For me, that means my family. They are what’s important. They are the priority.
Not more money.
Not organic food or the latest clothes (I haven’t been shopping in like a year).
Not more things.
Not a fitness model’s body and all the effort that comes with it. (Enter yesterday’s post)
And lastly, not a job.
I had never meant for my training/teaching job at the gym to take over so much of my time/thoughts. What started as teaching a weekly aquatics class slowly changed into being there 3 hours a day + writing emails + managing a Facebook page full time. It might not seem much to some but for me, a woman who is called to be home, working outside of the home for NEARLY THREE YEARS has been in direct misalignment with our family mission statement. (Every family’s statement and the means to which they fulfill that statement is different. I’m not trying to start an argument here. You can win. End of discussion.)
For months leading up to July (almost a year if I’m being completely honest), I knew that I wasn’t where I was supposed to be. Several things contributed to the decision (which I won’t go into today – I hear there are several “spies” who read LL. Hi spies!!). As I was preparing my clients for my month away, several of them said, “You won’t be back. You’re going to fall in love with staying at home.”
And I did.
I fell in love with not having to be somewhere at a certain time.
With not having my kids stuck in an 8×10 box for three hours a day.
With going to the gym, on MY time, for ME.
By making even the smallest changes, we FLORISHED!!
I drank the Kool-Aid and it was good.
So what’s next??
(surely I’m not the only Type A person who asks that question, and must get a complete answer! P.S. It also drives me nuts when people say they won’t “go into something” like I just did. I needz the scoop! <-sorry.)
The answer: Oh gosh – I hope a lot more of the simple life.
I won’t be jumping into anything too soon in regards to training (already been asked). I’ll keep both of my certifications up-to-date because a) I want to be open to another adventure should it present itself and b) I don’t EVER want to take that wretched NASM test again! And as far as blogging is concerned, there may be weeks where I don’t post ANYTHING. I hope you’ll stick around. ;)
Basically, I want to focus internally in this little family of mine. To INTENTIONALLY and DELIBERATELY put stock in them and not myself. In this current season, with this changing wind, it’s not about me. It’s about US. And I’m ok with handing myself over. Quitting my job was a step in that direction.
QUESTION: Ever quit something?? How was the transition to the new thing? <-would love prayer during this transition if we cross your minds!
splendid…lindsay
Linds! I just got back from being away late last night and got caught up on all the news…So much to comment on! I am so happy for you taking this step and see already that it will be such a positive thing for your heart and for your family! How neat. :) Way to step out and do it! Also, I loved your post about being a little bit fluffy – just how I feel right now – and I am okay with it. :D LOVE YOU!
Amen girl you are sowing a Godly heritage. May He bless your family for you hearing His voice. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with my loving eye on you Psalm 32:8.
Good for you Lindsay! I love how you’re always growing in life. So happy for you!
Again…AMAZING! So happy for you and what lies ahead. It is going to be scary, frustrating, fun, exciting, and who knows where it will take you and I think that is the absolute BEST part. Go with it, follow your heart, and it will all fall into place. Love you to pieces! XOXO
I definitely have been struggling with some life changes. I’m set to go back to school full-time next month, and my baby girl will be 9 months by then and I worry about if it’s right. My internal battle is off the radar lately. Mainly because of that, I’m focusing on self-improvement and motivation this month to find balance and peace. I need to make sure the decisions I’m making are the right ones – for me and for my family, and I’m glad you’ve done the same :)
I respect you so much, Lindsey, for doing what you feel is best for you and your family, regardless. I admire that you recognized you let your training and teaching get a little out of hand and turn into something you didn’t intend. I know you’re going to love this next season of life!
Proud of you, mama.
I love you Lindsay Elise….God and family will honor your decision and if other opportunities arise then you will have a clearer vision on what you do and do not want! Change so many times is good for the soul…Henry and Clara will only reap the benefits of your decision….and this is from a Mom who felt that she had to work but desperately wanted to stay home with you and Katy…..but have to admit that you 2 turned out pretty darn good.(do not want to start a debate on working Moms either…many have no choice and many choose to work outside the home) But do what is right for you….LOVE MOM
Amazing post. To answer you question, I quit my job last week – eek! My husband accepted a new job in Chicago so we will be moving there for good next weekend. I don’t have a new job lined up and I have been so stressed worrying my current job, not having a new job, selling my condo and living apart from my husband and fur child (they’re already in Chicago) that my hair has started falling out. That’s when I’ve decided – similar to you – that a job and the money that comes with it are not what is important in life. Yes, I might want those designer workout clothes and purses and shoes but do I need them? Heck no. And you know what? Laying by the pool in our new Chicago apartment without a schedule and no one to tell me what to do for the next few weeks might be just the cure and detox that I need. Thanks for this post! I’ll keep you in my prayers :)
I’m emailing you. We need to chat! Seriously… I say this every time I comment, but I love you. You have been speaking exactly what I need to hear lately. God is too good!
You gotta be true to you! Go girlie
I’m right smack dab in the middle of transition right now…I quit my job as a teacher in June to go back to school for a year to become a Certified Health Coach. I don’t like (one little bit) where I’m personally at financially right now (hello, college debt) but I’m chasing after my dream career/lifestyle – thank goodness my husband is so incredibly supportive. It’s difficult being in this transition period (I’m most certainly a Type A person/planner too) but I just keep praying every day that I’m guided to what’s best for our family and my career.
You’ll absolutely be in my prayers, too! I’m so glad you’re finding a place of balance and happiness.
I really love that you have a family mission statement. Do yall have it written out or displayed somehow?
But more than that, I am continually inspired by your commitment to be the best wife and mother and follower of Christ that you possibly can be. Truly inspired.
What a brave decision to make. I quit my job after finding out I was pregnant because I knew that the hours were not going to work when we had our son and the stress that the job brought was not good for me while I was pregnant. It was scary because I had always had a job, and to be quite honest, I was afraid what people would think. After all I wasn’t mom yet. In the end it was the best decision I had ever made and God gave me the peace to reassure me of that. Good luck!
Thanks!!
Wow, I think this is an amazing decision and time for you and your family. and any next adventure you dive into, you have a very clear head, direction and priority list in mind and that is just the best. Excited for you!
I’m excited too, Jolene!
So proud of you & your commitment to your family! I love the way you make decisions, clearly guided by God, even if sometimes it takes us longer to realize what He wants us to do.
I applaud you for making this decision — it’s definitely NOT easy to listen to your heart and make a big transition!! Change is hard! I have made several major transitions thus far — specifically school and jobs- but nothing really all that major in awhile — although a change may possibly be on the horizon. Sending you a high five today — Are you missing teaching at all?
Oh yes! I miss teaching so much! Hope to get back into it slowly.
I don’t have a boyfriend or a husband or kids yet I am constantly feeling overwhelmed. I give you kudos for doing it for so long and taking the time to focus on what it is most important and valuable to you.
Thanks, Maria!
I’m so proud of you for taking that step Lindsay! It can be a little scary to look at the numbers of quitting a job to raise a family (I know it was/is for me anyway) but when you move in faith you can’t go wrong! And investing in those sweet children and your hubby definitely won’t go unnoticed!
MUAH!
MUAH right back atcha my friend! (wish we lived closer!)
I am on day one of a month long leave I chose to take from work. Spent today focused on my kids. Not sure what I’ll do at the end of the month but feeling calm and content tonight. You are so smart to follow your heart. You will never be led astray when you do.
CONGRATS girl!! That is awesome. So proud of you!
Yay!! Congratulations and good for you!! I quit my job in February because making money was not more important than living full time with my husband. I loved the people I worked with and my job was rewarding, but the commute wasn’t sustainable. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. Wishing you a positive transition!!
I LOVE that you’re putting your marriage first!!
Well done, do what makes you happy. Life is too short to be unhappy because of a job! Enjoy your family time
Awesome!! Congrats! I actually quit my part-time teaching job in public school to teach piano at home. We don’t even have kids yet, but it’s still a better balance for our family. :)
Good for you!!! It sounds like you’ve found what you need to do for you and your family :) I’m so excited for you!
Good for you & your family! Sometimes the right thing is the scariest thing, but we cannot fear the unknown. :)
LINDZ. I’m almost in tears reading this. I’m so so so glad for you that you figured this out. Happy day!!
indeed!!! thanks, Calee!
That’s awesome, Lindsay. I admire you for not just “saying” things, but following through with them by making huge decisions like this one. I think family is definitely one of the most important things in life…I’m glad you’re going to be able to give more time to them!
This is so great, I’m so happy for you. I’ve come to realize over the past year or so, and especially in the last couple weeks, that life really is about so much more. Money isn’t everything and family is so, so important. Best of luck to you and your fam with this exciting change!
proud of you!!
This post made my heart swell with happiness for you and your family. SO excited that you’ve taken the leap to pursue a greater YOU! :D
Thanks friend!
Good grief I love you. You inspire me, friend. Truly. You listen, you pray, you obey. I know it’s harder than it sounds, but it’s so hard just to do each one of those things…. Certainly “you will be called blessed”. Love you!!!!! Xoxo
love you right back!
Lindsay,
I just love reading your posts. You probably don’t remember me from Fitbloggin last year, but I have been reading your blog ever since. As a newly married, Christian woman who is focused on her career, I am inspired by you. I know that I too will have to step back and drink the Kool-aid when we decide to have children. It’s not easy when you’re Type A and you want to achieve all things. But family is important. So so so so important. Worth more than recognition or money. Thank you thank you thank you for sharing!
aww thanks Kate!!
<3 <3 <3 Good for you for listening to your heart and that you learned so much about yourself and where you need to be right now during your month away :)
I quit my job when I got pregnant with Max (my youngest) after having two miscarriages and difficulties with his pregnancy. My life definitely needed to be focused on my family. We don’t have much money and ever day is a question of where the next door will open, but we are a strong unit and I really feel like we can accomplish anything as long as we 4 stick together. I love that you did what was right for you. I’m now on the other side of where you are. My boys are older and I’ve started working again more the past 3 years. I have actually cut back on blogging because my main focus is working when they are at school (to provide and hopefully start saving for college for them (3 years away from that) and spending more time with them when they are home because THAT is where I want to be.
Good for you Lindsay! Enjoy that beautiful family!
you’re like my role model, sarena! :)
I am happy for you Lindsay that you were able to do this for you and your family. I wish it was that easy to quit my job and it was a possibility for us but with a new house, we rely on a double income. My children are cared for by great people during the day and when we get home and on the weekends we spend every last minute with them:) We make it work!
I love how in tune to yourself and your whole family you are Lindsay. Good for you! Enjoy that family of yours! We will be here to listen! :)
“I’m not trying to start an argument here. You can win. End of discussion.” I love this. I find that one of the things people have strong opinions about is mothers. Who works harder. Who does it best. Who spends more time doing what. How clean the house is. Job or no job. That was the PERFECT disclosure, my friend.
I was a working mom for 4 years. 50+ hours a week. I was miserable in the end, and fortunately, God handled the burden of quitting for me. I was blessed with a layoff. I took the hit as a career woman, and that was two years ago. I’ve been able to go to school and be a SAHM for two years, with blessings that have made that possible. Our youngest is going to be in preschool in a couple of weeks, and I can tell you – without them home, it’s hard for me. I’m fully aware of the fact that I won’t be able to stay home while the kids are at school, just out of wanting to contribute to the family in any way that I can. If we get pregnant, I’ll still be here, of course.
I think it’s wonderful that you have followed your heart as a mother and found happiness and purpose and love in being at home. I love reading your updates and such on a daily basis – I love being in the company of moms who truly appreciate the gift of motherhood (SAHM or working mom). Congrats for following your heart and for being blessed with the opportunity to do so. <3
I always have said that if you can be home when your children are young, then do. There’s always time to work (for money–a mother is WORK) when the children are older. Congratulations and have fun.
thanks Lee!!
Amazing for you to follow your heart!
Quitting a job at the end of last year for a different job was a good change for me – but it has also showed me where I truly want my life to go. I wish I could stop both jobs that I’m at now, but being an independent college student doesn’t really allow that right now! I’ll be done with my degree after fall semester and I plan to make 2014 my year!
Good for you! Way to listen to your heart… more people should do the same.
I like to tell people that I retired when I was 29. Right now my kids are 10 & 12 and I am back to working part-time while they are in school at a job I truly love. But, I still consider “Wife & Mom” to be my first titles. Anything that gets in the way of those 2 jobs is clearly IN MY WAY.
Good for you! These will be the best years of your life, family flourish! xo
Good for you for listening to your heart! When I was 23, I quit my job and moved to Atlanta with no job at all. Everyone told me that I was crazy but I listened to my heart and it ended up being the best thing I ever did.
I’m proud of you, Lindsay. You and your family will be in my prayers!
yup. Where you are called– YOU GO. YOU DID. He is faithful.
I call this the season of FAMILY FLOURISH
good for you! <3
and your family of course :)
Probably the only one but I read this while humming the whistled melody from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4RjJKxsamQ
oh how i love you.