A few weeks ago on Instagram I said that I would write a life update post about some life changes that I recently made. I wanted to share why I decided to leave my attorney job but I was not sure how to write about it. I know a lot of people probably have questions about why.
Well I knew that when Madison comes in January that I would not want to go back to working full-time once she arrived. Growing up, I was very fortunate to have my mom at home with me so I did not have to go to daycare or have a nanny. Tommy grew up the same way. I want to be there day-to-day with Madison so that I don’t miss anything! (And I don’t have anything against working full-time mothers!). If I was working full-time at the law firm, I would barely see her except for an hour or so at night before bed. I also had no idea how I would be able to balance working full-time as an attorney, owning One Fine Day Bridal Salon, and taking care of Madison, let alone other responsibilities at home, blogging, and occasionally taking a minute for myself.
I let the law firm that I was working for know of my plans as soon as I went to the doctor to confirm my pregnancy (beginning of June). I think honesty and giving as much notice as possible is the best policy. They knew that they needed to hire a replacement for my position so I told them I was fairly flexible about when I could leave the position – earlier or later. I was hoping to be done working at the law firm by October because that is when my third trimester started. I also knew I was going to be traveling a lot and that I needed to start on the nursery. Leaving a few months before Madison’s due date has given me the time to spend much more time at One Fine Day before her arrival which is great too!
I think some people may look down on my decision because they don’t understand why I would want to get my law degree, become licensed and then not practice. But, I know that I always have that skill and can go back to it whenever I want if I choose to do so. I will remain licensed and keep up with continuing education so that I can practice when I want to. Plus, I can still do side projects – like go to traffic court for my family LOL! My law background also helps me in the bridal business as well! I am also not stopping working entirely, I will still be running One Fine Day (I can do a lot of behind the scenes work from home on my laptop!) and my blog.
For Tommy and I, we decided this was the best decision for us as a family. I am really looking forward to Madison’s arrival and getting to spend a lot of time with her!
XO, Danielle
I also work full time as an attorney. My husband landed a new job in a new town, so I decided to take advantage of the move and take a few months off to be with the new baby (due in June!) Once I have a few months, I plan on going part time just to maintain my law credentials, keep my CV current, and give me something else to do that is something of my own. Being a lawyer is not an easy task…especially for the new mommas out there!