It’s been awhile…almost 2 months to be exact.
The past 2 months have been a whirlwind. I’m going to do a seperate post on 50K training but first an update on life in general is needed.
I quit my job in early July to become a SAHM, running coach, and (former) barre instructor. More on that last part later. I was lucky to have 6 months of child care leave but I knew I wasn’t going back. I started RTLR Coaching 4 years ago with the goal of devoting more time to it once I had kids. And I loved staying home with Fiona more than I ever imagined.
In anticipation of leaving my job I decided to pursue any and every opportunity. Because adjusting to motherhood, coaching runners through a busy Fall racing season, and train for a 50K isn’t enough (this was an actual thought of mine). One of the opportunities that came up was a barre instructor position at a new studio. This was perfect – I loved barre and wanted to start teaching classes anyway. Win-win.
I started training back in April and teaching in June. What an eye-opening experience…and kudos to all you fitness instructors out there. A lot of work goes into an hour class (and a lot of work to make it look so seamless and easy). Between taking barre classes, prepping for classes, making playlists, and getting up to speed in general, I was in way over my head. WAY over my head.
The pressure to give 100% to everything was physically and mentally draining. There was so much I wanted to do with coaching but didn’t have the time. When I was with Fiona, I couldn’t turn off the to-do list in my head and just be present with her.
I finally admitted to Matt last week at dinner that I bit off more than I could chew and something needed to come off my plate. He agreed (to say I was an anxious basketcase at times is an understatement) and wondered when I was finally going to wave the white flag. The problem was that I truly enjoyed everything on my plate and, obviously, coaching and Fiona were non-negotiable.
Matt, always the voice of reason, reminded me of why I left my job in the first place: to stay at home with Fiona and grow my coaching business. Barre was taking time away from coaching and, to a much lesser extent, Fiona. It had to go. It killed me to give up such a wonderful opportunity that I loved. Had this opportunity popped up before Fiona was born or even when she was a bit older, the timing may have been better. So I slept on it, ran 20 miles on it, and then resigned. I do feel as though a huge weight has been lifted off of me but part of me is still sad about it.
unrelated but makes me laugh
Lesson learned? You can have it all but not at the same time.
Congratulations on leaving and being able to stay home! And way to go having the insight and awareness to know your limits. I’ve always thought I would love to become a yoga instructor, but I can’t even come up with the time to go to teacher training….much less figure out how I would fit multiple classes in a week. It still shocks me how much work goes into being a SAHM!
Hey Kristy– Oh man, that sounds like a tough situation. I, like you, want to be able to do it ALL, so I completely understand about biting off more than you can chew. I admire you for having the b*lls to quit– it really does take courage to admit and accept you can’t do it all!
Side note– I really always thought I would hate barre, but I’ve gotten super into it! Who would have thought!
Second side note– Fiona is still the cutest!!
I think you made the right decision. Taking care of children is a lot of work! I have major respect for stay at home moms. I am not sure how sure how you do it.
Sounds like it was both a tough, and easy, decision to make. Sometimes we want to follow a lot of our passions but unfortunately, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do all we want too. Sounds like you made a great choice and will be able to focus on what’s really important. Great reminder!
First of all, Fiona is such a cutie!! I don’t blame you for wanting to spend all your time with her. My daughter is 4.5 month now and a month before she was born I quit my corporate job and I really enjoy being a stay at home mom. We have so much fun! Sometimes I feel bad for not “bringing home some money” but then I look at my daughter and I think she appreciates the time with me as much as I enjoy spending time with her. We don’t have to worry too much about schedules or if she wakes up during the night, since I don’t have to go to work, I can sleep when she sleeps during the day. I think we both are much more relaxed.
SOOOOOO excited to read this awesome news! Fiona is the best and has 2 of the best parents in the world!
Good for you for knowing yourself and what is best for your family – that is the best example of a strong and awesome woman! And you gotta love the voice of reason in the husbands- I’d be a mess without my voice of reason- LOL!
Thanks so much for the link to the article too- I enjoyed it and it was a great reminder.
Rock on!!
Congrats on quitting your job, to be a SAHM. I’m sure it is scary to give it up, but well worth it in the end.
Love the pic of Hawk and Fiona!
Good for you. You’ll never regret investing in your precious daughter.
I applaud you for choosing to be a SAHM. It is a hard, never-ending, 24/7, 365-day work. But, I am sure you would not trade it for the world. Keep your passion alive. You inspire a lot of women to pursue what makes them happy and live life to the fullest.