Working at Home

When I decided to leave my job at HMH, I knew it was the best decision in the world. This last year went so fast, and I am so blessed to have been able to share it with Mary Ellen. I love teaching her and showing her the world around us, and the selfish part of me loves that I don't have to miss any part of these fast-flying early months.

But what about my brain? I know this is a very standard issue with women who choose to leave their jobs to be at home with their growing families. I'm certainly busy enough during the day, but I can't say that I get to use my problem-solving skills or creativity in the same way that I used to when I worked 9 to 5.

So a few weeks ago, I started freelancing part-time with my old company. I'm doing some technology editorial support for (get this) high school Biology, Chemistry, and Physics online textbooks. The work is challenging, yet flexible, and I'm really enjoying it. I am lucky enough to have a sweet neighbor who is able to come help out with Mary Ellen a few hours a day, so we've been settling into a regular schedule.

But what I really enjoy doing is my completely unofficial second job. Earlier this year, I opened an online shop on ETSY.com. For those of you who don't know, ETSY is a marketplace for all things handmade. I've been a shopper on ETSY for years, but I took the plunge and started listing some of the little things that I had "designed" for Mary Ellen along with nursing covers that I had made for several friends. Here's a link to my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetSummerBaby

Last night, I reached 15 sales, and I couldn't be more excited. It's the art of creating that I really love, but it's also so exciting to think that my little things are finding homes with babies all over the country (and world, for that matter).

I also wanted to let my friends and family know (i.e., those of you who read the blog), that if you ever need a unique gift for a little one, I'd love for you to check out my shop or let me know. I love making custom things, too, so if you have an idea for something that you'd like, just ask. I'm pretty sure I can make it happen for you.

Who knows? Maybe this little adventure could allow me to "work" from home doing something that I actually love. Well, there's nothing I could love more than the work for raising my daughter, but you get my drift.