I never imagined that I’d one day find myself unemployed.
Like many adult people, I had always associated having a job with stability, purpose, and productivity. So when I entered this season of unemployment, it came with a wave of emotions—uncertainty, fear, and even guilt. I worried about our finances, my career path, and the fear of being “left behind.”
But as the days turned into weeks, something shifted in me.
This season—though unplanned—offered me something more precious than any paycheck: time. Real, undistracted, 24/7 time with my son.
For the first time in a long time, I get to wake up without rushing. There’s no morning traffic, no constant checking of emails, no racing against the clock. I get to start my day with cuddles, story time, and watching my son’s little face light up when he sees me beside him all day.
Being with him every single day has opened my eyes to how quickly children grow. I’m noticing the small things now—the way he pronounces certain words, his current favorite songs, the way he gets excited over the smallest discoveries. These are moments I might have missed if I were caught up in work, deadlines, and meetings.
Of course, it’s not always easy. There are tiring days. There are moments when I miss having my own space or being around colleagues. And yes, sometimes I still feel the pressure to “do more,” to be “productive.” But I’m learning to shift that definition of productivity.
Because isn’t being a mother—being fully present—one of the most important roles of all?
This season of unemployment has become a season of presence. A season of laughter, of sticky little hands wrapped around mine, of tantrums and tender moments. I may not have a job title right now, but I have something even more meaningful—I have memories being built, hugs that don’t have to be rushed, and a deeper connection with my child that I’ll never regret.
I know this phase won’t last forever.
One day, I’ll return to work. Life will pick up its usual pace again.
But for now, I’m choosing to be grateful. I’m choosing to soak in every second of this unexpected pause, and I’m trusting that everything will fall into place, in time.
“Sometimes the most valuable seasons in life are the ones that don’t look like success from the outside, but feel like home on the inside.”
Here are some photos together.
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