The Five Year Plan

"Do nothing and the next 5 years will be the same as the last 5. Is that what you want?"

Nearly three years ago I was at a business presentation that ended with those words. Facing life as a single mom, with very few viable financial options this resonated with me deeply.

Today I face life completely differently, but it isn't simply because my personal life has changed. It is because *I* have changed. 

Following those words I began a journey of education that has provided me with financial stability, confidence in my decision making, and accountability to myself in both these areas. I've met new people, stepped (been SHOVED) out of my comfort zone, and learned more about myself, my strength and what I can survive, grow from and thrive because of. 

Basically I've learned about the fundamentals of money, protecting my family and in the process made fundamental changes to the way not only I think about my financial situation but also the way my kids think about money too.

When I began the plan I had no idea how much my life would change, and it all began with a simple thought.

"I will never again be stuck in a place and space that leaves me hopeless."

I began to teach myself, and so began the 5 year plan. It doesn't matter if I fall down. I have. I simply stood back up. I've taken control of my time, my finances and my life. 

The goal of my 5 year plan? Emotional, financial and familial stability. Today I am over half way there on all counts. 

Honouring MY Calling

So it's official. I'm off the market. For some reason the last month or so I've felt the compulsion to apply for jobs over and over and over again.

I've been called for several interviews, which a mere matter of months ago would have fallen into my 'dream job' category.

Today we made a decision. I say we because in the last two years I've learned that my decisions aren't mine to make alone. Our family makes major decisions together. Kyle and I often discuss prior to talking to the kids about major things, but all major things include the kids opinions, thoughts, feelings and concerns.

Last week I took a short contract to produce an event next week. 10 days of doing what I love, not a bad thing. On Thursday even when we were telling the kids that we had to be gone all day the next day, our littlest looked at me and said "Mum, you got a job?"

This was said with such sadness and disappointment that a decision was made driving our first meeting Friday morning. Being home with the kids and working from home is more important than punching a time clock and having a regular pay cheque.

We are in the very fortunate position of being able to do that, not every family can. But as my kids get bigger we are realizing that being present, available and THERE is the most important investment in the kids lives.

So for today, I've been withdrawing my applications and planning for the next while to just simply be working from home mum.