I’m about to lose my main job. It’s one I’ve had for the better part of 27 years. It’s had some rough patches – moments when I thought I might be better off in another line of work – but it has also been the most amazing job ever.

As you know, my youngest is about to leave home and I’m about to lose my job as a stay at home mom.

I will be the first to admit that I wasn’t the best SAHM there ever was. I may have said, “Please go play” a few too many times. I let them eat banana splits for dinner on occasion and let them roam the neighborhood to play. They dug holes in the yard, crashed their bicycles, climbed trees, and often went without direct supervision for an hour or two at a time. *Gasp!* I drove them to soccer, music lessons and other activities. I went to their band concerts, plays and school events. I made countless meals, washed clothes and kept a semi-clean house. We danced in the kitchen, took family trips and started many new traditions. I spent a LOT of time at “work”.

So now what?

What will my work look like now with only sporadic “customers” and hours alone here in the “shop” all day?

As corny as it may sound I want to continue to create a safe haven for my family even after I’ve lost this FULL TIME job.  When they have a bad day, need to talk or just to be around someone who loves them unconditionally I want this to be a place where they can come. I want them to bring significant others and children here. I want them to feel they will always be loved and accepted no matter what is going on in their lives at the moment. When their whole world falls apart – and it will – I want this place to be the first place they think of coming to for comfort (and maybe a dose of reality).

I will continue to run my business from home and do my own work but I will also hold this space for my four children. A place of love, acceptance, good food and respite.

Maybe I’m not losing my job – maybe I’m just going part-time?

Were you a SAHM? How did your “job” change when the nest emptied? How did you feel about it?