My last day at work before my maternity leave started, I never thought it would be last day ever at work.
I had always planned on going back. I had a little party, waddle around saying goodbye to my colleagues and the children in my classes and headed out through the doors, for what would be the last time as a teacher at the school.
My little boy arrived on 21st November 2017, and life changed forever. I was no longer just Lottie, Wife to Lee, I was now also Mummy. A new title that would bring new challenges, new highs and lows and generally just a lot of tears and guessing!
Midway through my leave, once the dust had settled, and we had adapted to our new roles as Mummy and Daddy,we began to think about my return to work -those who have been on SMP know that you don't get paid much! I was excited to return and we began to think about childcare options; I won't lie it brought me to tears (surprise, surprise) leaving my baby boy in the care of someone else. We had a look at childcare options and prices, and this is the point we realised I wasn't going back. My wage would barely cover the fees for his daycare, what was the point? yes I loved my job! I adored it, the children-watching them grow and develop, having those "I get it" moments, my colleagues were just the most amazing human beings. But I would end up with about £20 left over each month.... So I made the choice not to return, very emotionally and sadly handed my notice in. But what the hell do I do work wise? We couldn't afford to live the lifestyle we were custom to without me bringing in a wage.
So I took the plunge... and I went full throttle on my photography business that had been sitting on the back burner for about a year (it was more of a hobby!) I planned, designed, advertised and did so many free shoots just to get known and the practice and getting a portfolio.
Fast foward a few months and here I am, 9 month babe in arms and about to open my own studio, being booked regularly , with customers returning for more shoots and with so many more exciting projects in the pipe line. I know what I want to #photograph and specialise in- #maternity #newborn #children #families and I love the flexibility it has given me, the ability to work around my #son and his needs and my own needs, and I am doing something I love!
I won't lie its not been easy at all, I've #struggled, I have had down days and finding the balance working from home and being mummy, wife, chef, cleaner (and all the other hats us mums wear)...it has been hard, especially with a child that refuses to sleep, but I am #passionate and I will #succeed I look forward to taking you all on my #journey, on this new path I am on, sharing the #highs and the #lows the #laughter and the #tears
Lottie x
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