I thought I could have it all. Husband, kids, a job and time to myself. After working outside the home for eight years I realized that I just couldn't do it all and have peace in my home. Some people seem to make it work, but I couldn't do it. Everything was suffering.
In February 2000, I happened to stop by the book store and pick up a book called "Getting a Life" by Jacqueline Blix, David Heitmiller. That book TOTALLY changed my way of thinking and my life. In the book, they ask the question, “If you didn’t have to work to pay your bills, what would you do with your life.” I immediately said that I’d quit my full time job and stay home with my babies.
I devoured every book I could on finance and the frugal lifestyle. At that time we had a few student loans to pay off as well as a truck loan. We cashed out a mutual fund and began the snowball principle in getting rid of the debt. Nine months into the journey we sold our house in Colorado and moved to Montana. One year later I was able to quit my part time job and realize my dream of staying home.
My life line over the years has been the forums at frugal-families. I love that community of frugal-minded people!
I have no plans to return to a job outside the home any time soon. My husband brings home the paycheck and my job is to stretch that paycheck as far as I can.
