So, the New Year has rolled in once again, can you believe that? And I’ve got some new and exciting things in store for me this year. I’m officially home again….as in, I quit my job right before Christmas. Yep, that’s right. That wonderful, cushy, good fit for me job is no longer. You see, it seems my dear sweet hubby would much rather have me home again than to have another paycheck, so home is where I’ll be. He values my time at home more than money. At first, I was reluctant (kicking & screaming is more like it!). It was a great job, really decent paycheck, & I enjoyed the people. But, I had to make the decision that was going to be best for my family, so I gave my notice. They were very sorry to see me go and I was a good fit for that position. After all, I had only been there a short time, but all in all, they were very understanding. And now, I’m excited about the new year ahead.
My hubby has been very supportive of me trying to do something at home, using my talents and abilities, so I do very much appreciate him encouraging me with this venture. I know a lot of women are prodded to go out & get jobs by their husbands (I have witnessed that firsthand), & I’m thankful that mine is old-fashioned when it comes to that and he loves me being home and having the time to do what I want to do, as well as being a homemaker. I was momentarily blinded by a nice, steady paycheck & would have probably stayed there several years just to keep that going & give us extra income. My hubby works at home and is very entreprenurial in spirit, whereas I go the safe route. We are an interesting mix, to say the least. It might be time for me to get out of my box. Did I mention that I have worked 30 years in corporate jobs, in large corporations and small companies as an Administrative Assistant? I’ve always done pretty well with it, but he also hated to see me getting up at 5:30 every morning to get to the office by 7:30, just so I could leave at 4:30 & rush to do all I needed to do at home too. And I was too tired to get it all done. I know all of you who work full-time know exactly what I’m talking about. I can’t even imagine how you working moms handle all of this. You girls have my utmost respect.
So, it’s time for a change….again.
I‘m now excited about what the New Year might hold for me. I’ve loved decorating for a long time now and have always wanted to do something with that. So, I think that now might be the time for me to really explore that in more depth and figure out how to launch myself in a decorating business from home. I’m not quite sure how to do that yet. I’m asking lots of questions from other friends who are in this business and starting to do some research, so I’m very excited about the possibilities. I know there are a lot of people out there who love decorating too and it’s not that easy to start a business up from scratch, but that’s where my interests lie and that’s what I’d love to do. I’ll never know if I don’t give it a try. I’m going to look at taking some courses, where that will be online or here at a local college, I’m not sure yet. I will have to do some research on what will be the best course of action for me. I do have 3 months of some good, in-depth training from Ethan Allen when I was a design consultant for them for a few short months back in 2003/04. Retail, I discovered, was not my thing. It was way too much “sales pressure” and way too hard to making a living like that, so I know that is not the direction for me to go. I don’t claim to be an interior designer, I didn’t go to school for that. But, I think I can decorate pretty well, and I think I can help the average woman with putting her home together, so we’ll see where that leads me. I’d like to focus on redesigning & helping women rearrange rooms, using things they have in different ways, color consultations, shopping for something special & maybe even redoing some furniture. I love taking something that is not that great & turning it into a treasure.
I’ve got plenty to keep me busy for awhile at home. I’m looking forward to not having to get up at the crack of dawn, getting to the gym several mornings for workouts (instead of having to fit it in after work in the afternoons), having time to plan & prepare meals, getting my cleaning done during the week, & having some girl time with some of my friends too. I’ve got closets & drawers that need cleaning out & reorganizing…funny, we just moved in here 2 years ago & that already needs doing! I’ve also always wanted to have some time to give to volunteer/ministry opportunities & because of working fulltime, have never been able to do much of that. So, I’m trusting the Lord to lead me in all of this. I know He has a plan & he will take care of us, all I have to do is trust Him. That’s been so hard for me at times over the years, as I tend to jump in & try to control things by doing it MY way. I can figure this out & I will fix it, by golly! Any one else relate to that? That is something that the Lord has been teaching me this past year…to rest in Him. How hard that is sometimes. I think I’m finally learning that one, but it’s taking me long enough.
I‘d love to hear from all of you too! I know many of you work fulltime or part-time. Do you like what you do & if money were no object, would you quit work & stay at home or pursue something else that you love? I’ve heard a lot of women make the comment that they could not stay home, they just feel like they have to work for their own well being & satisfaction. I have never felt that way. I have always worked too & looked enviously at the women I saw who did stay home. For those who do stay at home, do you feel totally fulfilled by being a homemaker and/or mother? I know homemaking is almost a lost art these days, as most couples are struggling to stay afloat & most of the time it means 2 paychecks are needed. Finding that balance is hard sometimes.
Y’all will be on this journey with me too, so you can hear all the ups & downs as I figure this all out! Thanks for all the support from each and every one of you this year. This time last year, I barely knew what a blog was, much less thought about starting one. Blogging has really opened up a lot of doors for me too and I’m very excited to see what is ahead of me this coming new year. Thanks for tagging along with me and thanks for all the support I’ve felt from this wonderful blogging community. That’s one thing I’m really grateful for this past year. Moving to a new city two years ago was more challenging than I had imagined. Making new friends was difficult at times, but 2007 brought some wonderful new friends into my life, all of you included. Hope y’all have a very Happy New Year! I’m geared up for some decluttering & hopefully some fun projects this year, so I hope you’ll all stick around! 
(signs from Art.com)
Stopped by to wish you a Happy New Year dear friend, and see that you’ve shared your news. Over the years I have gone back and forth from demanding full time work, to “micky-mouse” part time work, and have been a full time SAHM and homemaker. Some of the happiest moments, and those of greatest contentment and enrichment were during the latter. I think an industrious happy person is going to find their mark in whatever they aspire to, and you are one of those people Rho. You always share your (many) gifts no matter. I wish you well in the new year and look forward to hearing about your new adventures girlfriend!
Happy New Year Rhoda!!
Congrats on your new venture, whatever it may be.
I have stayed at home ever since I had a little one. That was 26 years ago. I have always worked part time though, mostly from home.
Now I have been doing my art and selling it to stores etc. It’s what I was meant to do, only I am just finding that out. So you see, we all go through that. Good luck in whatever you choose to do.
I’m with you,
Rosemary
Congratulations Rhoda! I’ve been home for a few years now and last May dh retired. We shop, play with our dogs and are trying to get this new (to us)house we moved to last spring to become “home”. You just need to keep busy. I have many projects for this upcoming year. Enjoy.
Good for you to make the decision you made. I retired this past June. It was sooner than I had planned but hubby had had a stroke in 2005. I worked as long as I did but them I really felt the need to stay home with him on a full time basis. I couldn’t balance the stress of work with the stress of worrying about him being home so home won! As soon as I quit, I helped babysit our grandsons for the summer. I would never had been able to spend the time with them had I been working. Then we had our son’s wedding to help with. I’ve been able to spend more time with my mom (84 years old) and get ready for the holidays. Now I’m joining the local garden club, quilting more, going on retreats with my friends, reading, blogging, etc.. Life is full and I don’t really know how I had the time to work. In other words, life is what you make it to be. Being home can be so rewarding. I miss the people but not the politics, stress, work, hours – I could go on…. So again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Congratulations Rhoda! And a very Happy New Year! I know the Lord will show you what he has planned for you.
You asked so here goes. . . I DO like having a job. My husband and I do not have children and I am definitely a people person. So, for me, the social aspect of work is important. Of course I have friends outside of work, but most of them work also, so I’m not sure how I’d be if I didn’t work. I’m lucky in that my company has an option where you can work 75% and still have full-time benefits – which is important to me. I work for the state and our benefits are great, so that is a consideration too. I started working there @ 18, so in a little over a year, I will have my 30 years in and I will have some decisions to make then. I can top out in my retirement options at that time.
If my husband were also at home, I’d have no problem staying home. But staying home on my own is not so tempting. Maybe I’ll go to something part-time at that time, closer to home. I like the fact too that in contributing financially, it will (hopefully) enable hubby to retire early.
I refuse to do housework, etc. on my days off. There are times when it happens, or you’re working on a big task that cannot be handled during the week, but the majority of the time, my *chores* are done during the week. My off days are playtime! LOL My husband is a great help around the house and we both share yard duties, so it makes things much easier and quicker.
I do enjoy volunteer work and if I worked less at my job, like you, I think I would devote more time to that, both in the community and through my church.
Anyway, you asked – so there’s my answer. Next year, I may be facing a big change myself!
Best of luck, and keep us posted on what you decide to do!
tina
Rhoda! I am sooo excited for you! You are so talented, you would do a get job with decorating! Right now, I am working at my husband’s office til he finds a replacement, then I will be back to just filling in. I am such a homebody. I look forward to having the time to clean during the week too, prepare meals, etc. I love to nest. Enjoy! Love, Esther
Oh Rhoda, how exciting! I’m sure you will be a great success at whatever you do, and your years in the business world will have given you great experience in dealing with people, facing deadlines, etc.
When I was first married, I worked full time in the pubishing world. I quit that when my husband started working nights — we never saw each other.
For years, I worked part time as an exercise instructor — just enough to keep me sane while my kids were young.
I did have my own business as a personal trainer for a few years, but I was never really happy doing that — too much bookkeeping and not enough creativity.
I gave up teaching exercise a few years ago when my knees gave out. I’m glad to have found blogging as a creative outlet, and I’d love to do what you are going to do, but I’m really a bit of a coward.
I’m so excited for you, and I will be anxious to hear all about your new endeavor! Wishing you joy in the new year!
xoxo,
Mary
Rhoda, I am looking forward to your new journey! You are standing on the threshold of change, curiosity, discovery, and adventure. The good news is, God has it “figured” out! He has had this plan since the foundations of this earth and He knows just how to guide and steer you into every detail of His provision!
We have endured enormous change and character building this year. My husband, especially, has had to learn to get out of God’s way. It’s not easy. When we don’t see the whole plan laid out in front of us, it’s easy to start filling in the blanks. However, when we totally surrendered the controls in 2007, we experienced awesome miracles!
I bear witness to this new direction in your life. And, kudos to a husband who believes in YOU and is supportive of your pursuits! Thanks for allowing me to share the ride!
My own husband is the same and I, too, am taking some new paths!
Best Blessings in 2008!
KJ
I made the “move” to home many years ago, and haven’t regretted it once. Blessings to you in the new year~
Cathy
Hey Rhoda, just spent the morning visiting a few blogs to wish my buddies a happy new year. I don’t visit blogs often as you know, if at all, because of this demanding job of mine. Congrat on the latest news, Peter is such a gem. I know you will do well no matter which way you choose, because you are Rhoda. I think volunteering some of your time is a wonderful idea. This holiday allowed me to slow down and read up on news of the families in dire need. A gf approached me about the adopt-a-family program and we’ve signed up to help out.
Since you asked, I’d tell you that I’m one of those women who absolutely loves working. Except for a short 5 months break (from a layoff 3 years ago), I’ve always worked full-time. During this 5-mo break I tried staying busy by starting all kinds of home projects. The house ended up looking really nice (and featured on RH as you remember), but I was miserable. It daunted on me that I needed to get back to the fast track of high-tech business, as soon as possible, because my mind was so thirsty for those intellectual stimulations and challenges.
So I went back to work and took on more responsibilities than I ever did before…more traveling away from home and more politics to deal with at the executive level. Luckily I have a very understanding husband, who shares a lot of house work when I’m away. I’m also fortunate to have a very well behaved HS kid..who feeds himself and cleans his own bedroom, clothes, and bathroom, lol. Did I ever feel guilty? ALL THE TIME! But it’s a choice I’ve made and therefore had to work extra harder to find the balance between work and my family. I blame this trait on my father though, lol, who will turn 80 in a couple weeks. He still goes to work everyday, putting in at least 10 hours each day at the hospital..mentoring, teaching, seeing patients, researching….all the stuff he loves to do…and surprisingly enough, my mom allows it!
I’ll be reading up on your progress Rhoda. Wishing you the very best. Happy New Year my friend!
Hi Rhoda. I have both worked and been at hoem and I like hoem better. There is time to think, to create, you’re not tired all the time. A household runs so much more smoothly when the person in charge, usually the wife actually has time to make it a calm relaxing place and that is almost impossible to do when you eork full time. I am very excited for you! I noticed your life verse is the verse the Lord gave me for 2008! I am glad that you are a new friend! Rhondi
I wish you all the best Rhoda! Home is where my heart has always been and I was a stay at home mom for years. i only work part time now but it seems to still take a big bite out of my time and especially my energy. If money were no object (our second child will be in college this fall!) I would stay home and persue artistic endeavors. As it is their education is a must so I try to fit it in around the edges. I look forward to staying at home again some day:>) I enjoy your blog so much, I am sure it will be fun to see how you follow your dreams!
It seems you and I are two peas in a pod, Rhoda. I’ve been an admin in large corporations for 30 years now, and am suddenly unemployed (I was laid off Dec 28). However, I am thanking God for this time off. I have done well in my field, but it isn’t what I want to do. I never wanted to work in corporate America; but raising two children alone there was no option. The only reason I can take some time off now is because I got a little severance. Am trying to figure out what I could do from home. I helped a friend open an interior design store once; the hardest physical work I’ve ever done, and the happiest I’ve ever been in a job. I would also love to do something with my design experience, just not sure where to start. Sorry for this long monologue!
rhoda…how exciting for you…remember my motto- doing what you love is no harder than doing what you don’t…so follow your passion…if you were close enough,iwould be your first client…visitng you always brightens my day…may the spirit of a new year fill your home with an abundance of love, laughter, and joy…may the magic of the moment bring peace to your heart all year long…may your creativity take you to amazing places and may you experience the resulting bliss…much love you and your family…rebecca
Rhoda~ I know this was a difficult decision for you. You will do well in what ever you decide to try. God has a plan for YOU!
Have you got your greens on? Happy New Year y’all!
Sandi
Happy New Year! I feel as though you have already begun your work. Through your blog you have invited others to share in the delights of your life. What a gift that is to those that only connect with the outside world through their computer. The Lord is using you as a messenger to many more people than you realize.
Wow Rhoda, sounds like you have a real adventure ahead of you in 2008! I wish you the very best and know you will do well with whatever you do.
I love to watch HGTV and always love the segments where they have an interior re-designer come in and redecorate the room usings the homeowners own things. I’ve always wanted someone who could do that to come to our home. I’m sure there are lots of us out there that would love to hire someone just like that.
Hi Rhoda,
I just wanted to pop in and say Happy New Year! I have so enjoyed reading your posts.
Wishing you all the best in 2008
Kathy 🙂
Hi Rhonda, thanks for stopping by and for your sweet wishes. Happy New Year to you as well. Congrat on your job or should I say, getting rid of your job. : ) Working from home is the greatest and I’m happy for you. Glad you have a sweet supportive husband who loves having you around, you cannot beat that.
Hi Rhoda! It’s so wonderful to have a supportive spouse and if economically feasible, not to work or to work part-time. I was lucky enough when I remarried 4 1/2 years ago that my husband has his own business and he wanted me to work part-time so we could travel, etc. I gladly quit my 8-5 pressure cooker job as a legal assistant and went to work part-time (actually only off on Fridays) for the next year. Then I had an accident at work, was on workman’s comp. for six months and then the guy I worked for was laying folks off so I was on unemployment another 6 months. At the end, I was lucky to find a job Monday-Thursday 9-3 (no pressure and I love what I do). It gives me a little spending money and enough free time take care of my 87 year old mother, spend time with grandbabies and hubby and I do whatever, whenever. I really do enjoy having a little something to do and I hope I never have to go back full-time. Congratulations on your new adventure and I’m sure something will come your way. Keep me posted and I look forward to seeing what the new year brings for you. Best wishes, Judy