Past, Present & Future: A Look Into My "Job"

First Up: A Few Notes on The Past

It feels like only yesterday when I announced

I quit my job

at the firm.

I'd been there for 3+ years

and it was time for me to move on

as it wasn't quite the right fit

for me.

for many reasons.

For a time afterwards

I contemplated

searching for positions working for other firms in my city

as I had recently acquired my paralegal degree

and felt quite passionate about helping those that needed it most.

I had even considered setting up some form of contract position

to do freelance work for firms representing lower income families
because
as I had newly found out myself

familial relations related legal services fees

are no joke.

At the time

I still wasn't even convinced

that a shot at law school

wasn't in the cards for me.

I loosely held out the possibility of

committing myself to another round of schooling.

...and then another round of schooling.

I knew I definitely had the grades and I mostly had the desire to push forward.

What I didn't have was the time to commit.

Ultimately

what made me decide against further schooling

was seeing and realizing

just how much

my own littles needed...me.

They needed my time.

They needed my energy.

They needed my presence.

Which-

I couldn't realistically make possible for our family

while both needing to work full-time and wanting to take courses full-time.

I'm not saying it wasn't humanly possible
and I definitely understand it's most certainly womanly possible-

it just didn't feel like what was in the best interest for our family

at that particular time.

It wasn't until a few weeks after I had quit

that it really hit me.

I knew what I needed to be doing.

Every job I've ever felt like exploring has somehow revolved around helping families.

From the time I took on my role as an older sister like a jay-oh-bee
to when I babysat/nannied my way through
junior high/high school/college/my aunt's cancer recovery/early motherhood
 and then on to working towards a family law degree -
 I have always felt a great sense of 
wanting to ensure that littles are taken care of.

That they are safe.

Thriving.

Active.

Well-fed.

Loved.

And in general just given a warm environment to explore and grow in

while mommy and/or daddy go to work to provide for their families.

.

.

.

and so

Turtle Tots

was born.

.

.

.

And Now: A Few Notes on the Present

It's been over a year now

since I've been in the business of

loving and teaching and caring for littles out of my own home.

When I first started

I was operating out of a small

"apartment"

of sorts and although I had a gigantic backyard

to accommodate the active portion of the day...

I lacked the space for much of the creative nature of the job that I wished to fulfill.

In March of this year we moved to our new place

and I was quickly able to secure more space

for the Tots to play

and for

me to create a space for learning

and creating.

[which is still a never-ending ongoing task. i like to re-arrange and i still haven't quite

determined how I'm finishing off the basement.]

I'd say the biggest change to happen to my business

over the past few months

was when a demand for my services grew

and I needed a co-worker
if I wanted to expand.

I was thrilled

to hire

Ryan.

We now work as a team and have filled our home with Tots

and we couldn't be happier with the jobs we have created for ourselves.

As our own bosses-
we get to determine the daily schedule
which allows us to be the balanced
parents/co-workers/partners/individuals
we need to be to feel well-rounded and fulfilled.
We're excited to take on new projects
whether it be for our family
[starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu courses next in August]
or for our work
[finishing the basement off before this winter]
or in our personal lives
[blogging/writing for me gardening/nutrition for Ry].

Almost every day I get to share with Ryan

working with kids

feels like I've been given a present.

A gift to be able to live another day filled with laughter and joy.

Another opportunity to explore new things and seek new experiences.

A treasure for sure.

Many relationships might not thrive in
a co-working experience in their home with
a bunch of littles running around
creating constant messes.


Not that we're a perfect couple
and we do have days that are more difficult than others
but
thankfully...
not only is Ryan incredibly

patient with the children

gifted at finding creative ways to teach new lessons

hard-working

fantastic at telling stories

filled with energy to burn with the older tots

amazing at creating creative and nutritious meals

hilarious with babies

...

but he's also not too hard on the eyes, either.

I'm a lucky lucky lady.

Lastly: A Few Notes on the Future

As far as the short-term future goes-

Ryan and I are totally committed to making

Turtle Tots

a successful venture.

We have kiddos that are off to preschool this year

which means a new wave of babies

is coming in.

Our most recent Tot was born earlier last week

and will be joining us in September.

I was pleased to announce earlier this summer

that our last spot had been secured by

my very own nephew!!!!
[still in the womb!]

As far as a more long-term look into our future
we know this much

-
we want to get married when the time is right for us
we want to eventually buy a home that has plenty of land
we are currently looking into permaculture design courses
and an aquaponics course
so that we can have a fish farm
and raise amazing delectable healthy and nutrient dense fish to consume
and grow exotic plants and flowers along with the fish.

and we want to find a way to either start a school for littles out on that land
or do foster care
or something of that nature.


eventually
and with enough funding
we want to do something like this guy
and travel across the globe
helping others.

we're not worried about not knowing specifics yet...
we figure we'll know the answers when we cross those bridges.
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How About You?
Do you work in the field you originally assumed you would?
Are you happy in the job you have now?
Do you have any big visions for any future work you would like to do?

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