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Life Updates - My New Job

life updates-golden hour photos-siblings-sisters-outdoor photography-dresses-mother daughter-family photos

my loves of my life in one photo 

One week down at the stay at home mom gig and I think I'm going to love it!  I wanted to give a little back story to our decision to have me stay home full time with my girls and how we were able to make this happen.  The last job I had was working for Vera Bradley.  Working at Vera was such a fun job and I loved going to work every day.  I was lucky enough to be able to work from home full time in our HR department supporting our retail stores.  I've made lifetime friends and connections and absolutely loved my time there.  Unfortunately, they made some cuts and eliminated any remote workers (which was me) and wanted everyone to be located at their headquarters in Indiana.

Changes

After a few months of job searching, I found a new position working in HR for a bank.  It was my first job where I was fully outside of the house (except being able to work from home 1-2 days per week) and really my first job outside of the retail industry.  The transition was really tough and I knew that this was just not for me and my family.  I started my blog in February of 2016 after growing my following a bit on Instagram.  I had always wanted to start one, but just never had the time.  When I wasn't working, I decided it was now or never.  My degree is in Merchandising Management, so this is really an area that I've loved forever.  A lot of the classes I took were in the business of retail, apparel design, interior design, and marketing.  It was a really fun degree!

My New Job

life updates-golden hour photos-siblings-sisters-outdoor photography-dresses-mother daughter-family photos

My job first and foremost is a mama, but technically I'm not totally a stay at home mom.  I'm more of a work from home mom.  After growing my blog and Instagram following, I've been so lucky to partner up with some truly amazing brands.  It does take up quite a bit of time putting together content, taking photos, editing, etc.  I've also been able to make a nice income from sponsored partnerships.  The demands of my blog/Instagram was taking up way too much time along with my full time job.  This led us to our decision in me staying home full time.  We were paying so much in day care costs that it didn't really make sense for me to stay at my full time job.  The girls will only be so little for such a short time.  Ryan and I went back and forth on our decision so many times.  I don't know why I was so afraid to make the leap, but now that I'm here I'm so happy I did!  Calling this a job seems crazy, because I truly love what I do.  It has been such a fun challenge and learning curve, and I swear I learn something new every day.

Social Media

life updates-golden hour photos-siblings-sisters-outdoor photography-dresses-mother daughter-family photos

McKinlee's Coat 

There have been some interesting thoughts swirling around specifically on Instagram regarding Bloggers/Instagrammers portrayals of their lives.  People have been discussing how their moods and feelings have been affected by what they see on other's social media accounts.  What they post in their squares are perfect and not real life.  Apparently, this can make others feel "less than".  I have absolutely felt that way before.  How can their life be so perfect?  Why don't I have the perfect white couch (hello, toddlers!) or why can't I go on a trip to Bora Bora on a whim?  But, I have really been able to check myself in the comparison game by truly being happy and content with what I have been given and what we've worked for.

We may not live in a mansion and we may not be jet setting across the world, but we're all healthy and happy and loving the simple things.  I am so thrilled to be staying home with my girls.  Even on the days that we don't leave the house and maybe I don't shower till 3PM, I know that these are the days and that this time will pass so quickly.  Life isn't perfect, and what you see in our squares is our highlight reel.  I have really made it a point to not force my girls into taking photos.  Sometimes, all things can be perfect (lighting, setting, outfits, etc) but they are just not into it so we quit.  My house is constantly a mess and I spend 90% of my days (I swear!) picking up all.the.things.  I honestly don't think you'd want to see a sink full of dirty dishes or a dirty bathroom, right?!  One of my favorite things is styling a photo and I'm in love with decorating our home.  What I post really is our life, but I absolutely pick things up before snapping a photo.

life updates-golden hour photos-siblings-sisters-outdoor photography-dresses-mother daughter-family photos-cannon beach-oregon

Madi at her happy place - Cannon Beach

life updates-golden hour photos-siblings-sisters-outdoor photography-dresses-mother daughter-family photos

life updates-golden hour photos-siblings-sisters-outdoor photography-dresses-mother daughter-family photos

The main takeaway I've learned from all of this is if you are following someone that brings you down or makes you feel "less than", I would recommend unfollowing them.  If you truly let it get to you, it's just not worth it.  I have made so many great friends on this little app and have been afforded with some great opportunities by just sharing what I love.  I am so lucky to have the sweetest followers that have become friends.  My girl Arin wrote a blog post about this topic that you should check out.  She has some really great points too!

Now that I've completely gone on a bit of a tangent, what are your thoughts on social media causing others to have low self esteem?  What do you think about someone making a job from social media and blogging?  Feel free to send me an email at [email protected] if you'd like to chat!

13 comments on “Life Updates - My New Job”

  1. Congrats on your new adventure. I was a full time working mom and became a stay at home mom as of the New Year. I love being able to set my own schedule and raise my daughter full time. It's a great thing I wish I did sooner. ❤

  2. Loved this post! And I'm so happy for yiuband the girls that you're home! Also...my bits of behind the scenes tells me that you totally do show real life!

  3. Staying at home really is a full time job but so rewarding in some ways (and unfulfilling in others). I love that you’re keeping it real. Life doesn’t have to be glamorous to be successful.

  4. First, let me say that your girls are beautiful. I do believe that social media can influence our behavior in some ways but I will not agree with making us have low self-esteem. It's my personal opinion they may have studies to prove otherwise, I am not sure.

  5. We did the same thing! I could have had quite the job in my field, but we decided that it was more important for one of us to stay at home, and it made more sense, at this time, for it to be me. Good luck with the blog, and if you are looking for collabs, check out my blog and send me an email -- mommas gotta have each other's backs!

  6. Love this post! And that's so awesome you get to stay at home with your beautiful children! I agree about the unrealistic portrayal on social media, but at the same time I can't help but wonder if people would follow influencers if they DID have everyday, non-edited, blurry photos... if that makes sense? I truly believe comparison is the thief of joy and that happiness starts with yourself!

  7. I’m glad that you’re able to find something that works for you. Social media is tricky. It’s hard no to compare but important that we don’t.

  8. Congrats on taking a leap of faith into something new! I love your message of staying positive and not getting sucked into the comparison game! Cheers to you and your lovely family <3

  9. Congrats on becoming a stay at home mum. I would love to be at home full time but alas my children have medical needs that need to be met.

  10. Congrats, Chelsee!! It's one of the best feelings to finally be able to take a leap of faith and have it be staying home with your girls while making an income doing something you love!

  11. I can totally relate your working form home and balancing it all! I do hope that you've bee enjoying your time at home with your girls! You have a beautiful family! And I so agree that as long as you're healthy and happy, that's all that matters, despite the 'glamourous' life that many other bloggers/social media influencers portray! I love your blog by the way!

  12. I really Appreciate this post. I’m so glad you’re enjoying being a stay at home mom! Also, you provided some great insight into the blogging/social media world. As a newish blogger , I find it really helpful! Thanks!

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