Things, they are a changin'

Yesterday I posted a certain picture on Instagram

and promised details to come, so here they come. Yesterday was my last day of work. Let me back up and tell the whole story, though.

I started this job, hired from a temp agency to come in and help when one of the owners was on maternity leave, in December 2008. There were 5 of us {not including the pregnant one that was out} crammed into a 700 square foot room. I am talking there was a desk every couple of feet against the walls and a couple in the center of the room. We were jam packed. Like sausages. I was hired on as a full-time employee in March 2009 and remained a staple in the office since. We have been housed in three different locations and have grown and shrunk and grown again to settle in to around 23 employees.

We were, first and foremost, government contractors. This means that most of our income comes from the government via projects we won. Of course, you can see where this is going. Recession, government shut-down, yada yada yada. Badda bing, badda boom lay-offs begin. I survived the first round and was assured that I would not suffer the same fate, but alas that was not to be.

On September 27th {and yes, Joy, the only reason I remember the date is because we came to your wedding the same day I found out}, I was pulled into my boss' office and informed that my job would be ending as of the end of November. Not only that, but as of October 15th, I was officially part-time and down to 20 hours a week. She cried. I didn't. I was probably in shock. I mean, I made less than anyone else at that entire establishment {which I know because I handled payroll along with a million other things} so I just always figured that I would be one of the last to go - if ever. 

I went to lunch with Craig and broke the news. He laughed nervously. I definitely did too. We had talked about me staying home with Canon on many occasions. We loved the idea of it, but for it to be forced on us when we weren't ready was just...well, who's ever ready for a change like that. However, we did make the decision to try it out for a while. So, now this is my first time saying it to you, internet. As of today, I am, officially, a stay-at-home-mom.

Reality: there have been many freak-out moments, by myself and by Craig, where the stress of the situation takes over and we break down wondering how was are going to handle this financially. It obviously isn't easy to go from two incomes to one, especially when you weren't expecting it. We are going to take it day by day and see what happens. We are trimming down our lifestyle and figuring out what is most important. It actually is pretty freeing - at least that is the way I am choosing to look at it.

This situation has given me a wonderful opportunity though. I am looking into expanding my love of photography into some extra moolah. I will bring you all the details when I figure it all out, but suffice it to say that I am excited that I now have, not only time, but motivation to move myself in the direction that I always wanted to go.

I chose to break this news after my official last day so there would be no weirdness at the office if a coworker happened to come upon this blog, so please friends don't be offended if I didn't tell you before. Also, not gonna lie, there is a little bit of a feeling of failure there so while I wasn't in love with my job, I was good at it and I know that. And I have never been laid off or fired before so I didn't know what it felt like until now. 

After five years of employment and multiple lateral promotions, I can officially say that I am no longer a valuable asset to my company and am now a more present mother and wife to my family.

No, this is not a jab at my former coworkers or bosses. It is, however, the song I have had in my head for the last two months.

Also, I am going to be DIY-ing like a crazy person for Christmas so get ready!