job perks

Posted: August 18, 2010 at 7:00 pm

Back in the day, I never anticipated staying at home with children. I enjoy working and seeing my thoughts and actions accomplish something. I thrive on many things related to the work atmosphere – the community, the sense of self, the pursuit of goals, etc. Turns out, my current “work” situation surpasses anything I could find elsewhere.

Constant Entertainment
I certainly receive a daily dose of laughter from M and her antics. Like today when she stole my wallet and proceeded to take all the cash out saying “Kenzie’s moneys”. Oh boy!

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Perfect workout time
I won’t deny that a huge perk of staying at home lies within my gym schedule. I have the option to wake-up early, accomplish things on my to-do list, have breakfast, and relax with M all before hitting up the gym. I love not having to feel rushed or tied down to going to the gym when I’m exhausted.

Easy eating
I have an entire kitchen of options for meals. I don’t have to eat something simply because I packed it. I can change my mind on a whim. Today I served M up a plate of pasta + broccoli, swiss cheese, and grapes. Instead of going for leftovers myself, I had a hankering for the Amy’s burrito in the freezer. Thanks to staying at home…I could eat it. 😀

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Work in workout clothes, sweats, etc
I think this speaks for itself. How nice to not have to dress in slacks every day! Added bonus – you get to feel extra special when on a random Wednesday night you have to get dressed for a meeting at church.

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Ability to pursue true passions
I love teaching. I do not, however, love teaching in an overly bureaucratic school system. Now, I can still teach, but through new and more fulfilling manners. I lead an adult Bible study, tutor high school Spanish, share information through my writing, and support the growth of knowledge in my daughter. The opportunity to develop my blog and writing by being at home provides me a perfect creative outlet and a defined sense of self. I love being a mommy, but I also love doing things like promoting self-respect.

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I believe this aspect serves as the biggest benefit. I need an identity outside of “mommy” and I thrive on developing myself in new ways. We all need to find some way to develop and work on our passions. Life wouldn’t sparkle otherwise. If we make the time for things we love, not only will we experience a greater sense of satisfaction but we could also change our lives to paths unforeseen.

Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
-- Harold Whitman

  • What is the #1 perk you would most like to have in a job?
  • What is your passion?

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45 Comments to “job perks”
  1. Seriously how adorable is your daughter! AW!!!

    I feel you on teaching in schools that make the job unfulfilling. Teaching is my passion as well.

    • Tina says:

      I know it wouldn’t be the same everywhere, but finding other things that fulfill my passion for teaching but in an even better way? I can’t deny that. I wish school systems didn’t get so bogged down with administrative stuff. Let teachers do their job – TEACH!

  2. I love my job because the people I work for actually care about me and the other employees. Other perks? They pay my health insurance which is huge — and it is “good” insurance too! Other perks: casual dress, M-F daytime hours, the ability to leave if I need to, etc. The best perk? I get to be creative and my ideas are valued and asked for.

    Hopefully one day I’ll be a stay at home mom like you — that is the plan!

  3. I teach teach aerobics and help run the group fitness, and personal training programs at a college recreation center. A definite perk of my job is the fact that I can wear workout clothes all day long! I feel so much more productive when I am wearing yoga pants and a workout top!

  4. Camille says:

    May I say that you are a pregnant woman who just glows. Seriously, you look stunning!

  5. You are so lucky to have the ability to work from home! 🙂 I would like to do that some day. For now, I like the office atmosphere, but if I could change anything, I wish I could have more flexible hours…

  6. homecookedem says:

    I would love to be a stay-at-home mom. Maybe one day! 😉 I love my classroom. I have a mini-fridge, a microwave, huge closet, window with a wonderful view, and lots of resources availabe to use with my students. I’m very thankful to have my job!! 🙂

    • Tina says:

      The county I worked in was just such a hassle. I felt like I could never teach. I do miss interacting with students sometimes though. They are so fun! Even in high school with their attitudes.

      Glad this year is going so well for you. 🙂

  7. One perk would be working from home. I would love that. My passions are in writing and exercise and trying to inspire others. I totally hold myself back right now by not moving forward with a few goals I have.

  8. I think the main perk of being a stay at home mom for me is not having to worry about my kids being in daycare. This world is so crazy, I’d be beside myself worrying over whether or not they were safe! I get stressed out alot (especially now, trecherous threes, haha!) but I am so thankful I am able to stay home with them.

  9. Dorry says:

    My #1 perk is flexibility to be able to travel – it’s something we are passionate about! I’m also passionate about health, fitness and nutrition and helping others overcome obstacles in these areas. 🙂

  10. ashleigh says:

    Being a stay at home mom has always been my dream job!! I love kids, and my passion definitely lies with them! I tried teaching but it really wasn’t for me. I do hope I am as lucky as you get to be a stay at home mom eventually!

  11. I’m jealous of your job. It comes with a lot of great perks–dang you ;).

    I am LOVING the hair by the way.

    The biggest perk to my job is that it pays for some of my tuition!

    • Tina says:

      Yea…I don’t get much money! LOL All the other perks are worth it though. And I trust God to lead me to a place to help support our family more too. Whether it be related to writing, personal training, or something I’ve never even thought of.

  12. sophia says:

    To be completely honest, being a stay at home mom is my worst nightmare…at least, until I read this post, and maybe I’m starting to change my mind…;-)

    My dream job is to get paid to eat and write. Wish that was possible.

  13. Hangry Pants says:

    I can’t seem to leave a comment on the 30 Day Self Love post, but it sounds like a fabulous idea. I am going to try a week of meditating and see how it goes!

  14. i would LOVE to be able to stay at home and raise our kiddos someday 🙂 definitely a perk there! and my passions are cooking, writing, and most importantly encouraging others. one day, tina, one day 🙂

  15. Number one perk would be FLEXIBILITY… I hate being tied down to the 9 to 5! Or in my case now, 8/5… I want to be able to structure my life a bit more organically. My life goal is to work for myself, as a consultant or whatnot, so I can make my own schedule.

    My passion is TRAVEL. I could not imagine staying in the same country my whole life! I definitely need to do something that allows me to see the world.

  16. what a great quote, thanks for sharing!!

    i’m not sure what my #1 perk would be, i guess just to do what i love! work takes up so much of our lives, i think it’s important to follow your passion, not settle for convenience.

  17. Becky says:

    I am a teacher. It fulfills me but defeats me at the same time. I love my students and feel passionate about their learning. I just feel like the current education system is extremely unsupportive, especially where I work. Underfunded mandates have made it difficult to afford the supplies I need to purchase to do my job.

    I am going to try really hard to focus on the kids that I love this year…more positive!

  18. Number 1 perk I’d want would be, a lax schedule. If you give me a list of things to do, they WILL be done by the end of the day, I promise.
    But, if you tell me item 1 has to be done at 9am, item 2 at 10am, etc—i will stress out, freeze, and none of it will get done! ha!

    My passion=learning, teaching, meeting the needs of others if/when/how i can.
    praise God, I’m doing it!

    • Tina says:

      I react the same way to having to have certain things done at a certain time or a certain day. I like having flexibility.

  19. My passion is being lazy. Working from home would be a dream come true.

  20. I love that quote! I currently feel SO ALIVE and passionate about what I am doing. Such an amazing feeling!

    When I moved from Texas to Pennsylvania last year, I never in a million years thought it would be so difficult to get a job. With two degrees (one being a graduate degree) and a teaching certificate (that doesn’t work in this *stupid* state) I’ve been forced to become a “housewife”. But, I actually LOVE it! Sometimes it gets boring since I don’t get to interact with a lot of people daily, but I have time to go to the gym *anytime* I want and spend *as much time* there as I want to prep for competition. Maybe I would never have decided to do a bikini competition if I had a 9-5 job because I’d be too tired ;/

    I love that I never have to “take off” work and I can see my husband for lunch everyday and run errands and keep our place looking (somewhat) nice:)

    My passion right now is shaping my body to be in the BEST shape of my life and also trying new things I otherwise wouldn’t try because I lacked confidence.

    • Tina says:

      Perhaps the little pills help with feeling so alive? 😉 LOL I’m just kidding! I have been reading though and I’m glad they don’t have anything negative for you.

  21. I would definitely love to be a stay at home mom.

  22. Holly says:

    I LOVE that quote! I’ve been in my job (and not been happy) for 5 years (!), and it’s very overwhelming to think of what I “should” be doing. I’m trying my hardest to find something else, though, and I have faith that one day I will! I love how happy you are in what you are doing. I’ve always said, and firmly believe, being a SAHM is the hardest job out there.

    I think the number 1 perk I’d like to have is vacation days. 🙂 I’m half joking, but in my current job I only get 2 weeks a year. That seems like a lot, but that includes days around Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the 4th of July (if it falls during the week). I’d LOVE a job with at least 3 weeks! Okay, and a job where I can wear yoga pants and tennis shoes all day would be pretty sweet, too.

    • Tina says:

      I relate to that! When my husband switched jobs he went from 4 weeks vacation + sick time + personal days to 2 weeks with no personal days and less sick time. It’s hard! Especially when you want to spread it out but still have a good break in there too.

  23. Shannon says:

    I never thought I would want to be a stay at home mom, but I am so looking forward to being home with this baby…for all the reasons you said. I feel so lucky that I this is a possibility for us.

  24. Kristy says:

    I am looking for where I belong in the work force. Office Job for 8+HRS = NOT IT! 😉

  25. There are a lot of things that I don’t like about my job (which is why I’m actively trying to land a new one), but I hate to complain because I have a LOT of perks- super casual, I never have to be there earlier than 10, I get to talk about running and cycling all day, and an amazing discount on things that I actually “need.” I am so passionate about health and staying active and I know I’m in the right industry, I just need to find the right job!

  26. I am passionate about helping people, in any way. I love the satisfaction of feeling like I really made an impact in someone’s life, even if just for one day, such as making them smile. You never know how much just that one smile can impact someones life.

    The perk I would want is to just feel happy in my job. I want to do something I’m passionate about. I think being happy in a job is worth more than making a lot of money in a job you don’t like.

    Chelsea

  27. Staying at home definitely seems to have its perks!
    I am all for staying in comfy clothes! I would have to say that eating at home is one of the best. When I pack my lunch in the morning, sometimes I not always in the mood for it come lunch.

  28. I’m sort of in the opposite position right now. I never wanted a “real” job. I saw myself becoming a wife and a mother, which is most definitely still part of my “plan,” I just thought it would come sooner in life than it probably will.

    Even while I was in college, I didn’t see myself in the corporate world. I wanted to do more freelance/entrepreneurial….stuff (haha). But now, here I am, *dreaming* to land a corporate job! Who would’ve thunk? 😛

  29. Megan says:

    I can agree with everyone on touching lives, however because I’m just finishing grad school and I am currently submerged in my nutrition and kinesiology classes I desire to ignite passion for healthy changes in people. I know it will be much harder than it sounds, but I can already tell it will be rewarding.

    • Tina says:

      That sounds like an extremely fulfilling thing to be doing. If writing doesn’t go far for me then I plan on getting certified in personal training or group fitness to share my passion for health.

  30. Mandy says:

    Agree with all of this! I love my job(s) too 🙂

    And I miss M 🙁

  31. Mac says:

    My dream job and passion is to help children learn from a young age to make and live by healthy choices so they can live a healthy & happy life 🙂

  32. Sarah says:

    You look super-cute in your Wednesday night meeting outfit, Tina!

  33. Katie H. says:

    I love this post! Your daughter is so cute.

    This might sound ridic and will probably change once I have children but I wish I could bring my pup to work with me. He is small and could just chill in my office! 😀

    My passion (aside from my husband/family/etc) is living healthily. Which I never would have uttered a few years ago. I like it 🙂

  34. […] don’t have THE answers. I only have MY answer. Like I mentioned in this post, I think finding those areas of your life that provoke an encompassing sense of passion is where […]

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