Have you ever had a moment where you really did not understand why something was happening to you? You start to question how you are going to get things done or if you will ever see the light at the end of tunnel. I think it is safe to say you are not alone! We all have been there and guess what?! It may even happen to you more than once! But as I continue to go through life and go through different experiences, I find myself looking at things differently. As a Christian, I believe that all things happen exactly the way they are supposed to. We all have the power of choice, but at the end of the day, God’s plan will always unfold and nothing happens by chance.
How It Started
I’m originally from Baltimore, MD where I attended Morgan State University, met my wonderful husband, and gave birth to my son. After my husband received a great job offer, we relocated to southern Virginia. It was a great area for both of our career paths and for our family to grow together. But after visiting my sister in Texas, we decided to relocate again! My husband and I both began applying to job opportunities in the Dallas area. I received two job offers about a month later and also found out we were expecting our second child.
One of the job offers was for a small company and the other offer was for a well-known company. I really do not like having multiple options. I’m super indecisive and do not like feeling like I’m making the wrong decision. But after a lot of prayer and discussion with my husband, I accepted the offer at the smaller company, who also paid for us to relocate.
New Beginnings
I began working a week after moving and we instantly loved it here! Four months later, I gave birth to my daughter. While I was out on maternity leave, I got laid off. Instantly, I started to panic. This company just moved me and my family to Texas, I just gave birth to my SECOND child and now they were letting me go!? While I was getting paid during maternity leave, I was receiving less than my usual pay. We also were in the process of buying our first home! I was worried we were not going to be able to manage and afford everything we had in the works.
I remained without a job for 5 months, which was new for me. As I have been working in the government field since I was 17 years old, and it was typically easy for me to find opportunities in Maryland and Virginia. But I was new to Texas and knew nothing about their job market.
But looking back, I realize those 5 months were the best 5 months of my life.
Growing Pains
Sometimes when we are in a tough situation, we are quick to try to find a way out instead of remaining still. It may be hard to see in the moment but going through tough times allows us to grow stronger. After giving birth to my daughter, I struggled with postpartum. I cried every night, was over tired, had pain from my c-section, I breastfeed and my milk supply was inconsistent.
In addition to losing my job, I also lost two very close people to me around that time. My husband did not understand the level of stress and sadness I was experiencing. This situation really elevated my faith because that’s all I had to lean on. I realized I could collect unemployment and each day I woke up I thanked God. I made an effort to show gratitude, prayed, and read the bible. In my time spent with him, I realized a few blessings in the midst of my storm.
Lessons Learned
Because of my struggle during postpartum, I truly was not ready to return to work.I got to spend more time with my daughter! She is truly a mama’s girl. Breastfeeding and having that extra time at home with her truly created a beautiful bond that I would never want to replace.
I started to see how great God was. I always knew, but this was was clearer in my adult life. He showed me how great of a husband and supportive family I have, He continued to provide for my family even if that meant to deplete some of my savings. He still made a way for my family to build our beautiful brand-new home. It was weird because during chaos, I still had a sense of peace.
The Light At The End Of The Tunnel
After 5 months of not working, I received a job offer! It was an entry level job and with my experience, I felt that was a slap in the face! Although I would have to start at an entry level position with pay significantly less than what I was making previously I accepted it anyway. The best thing about this job was the flexibility. I worked two days in the office and three days from home, which also was great for my daughter. We had the time we needed to ease her into daycare.
After working the entry level job for just one month, I got another job offer. This was for a company under the umbrella of the well-known company that offered me the job I declined when originally moving to Texas. Now making more money than I ever made!
Do not give up or try to move too fast. What is for you will be for you whether it comes now or later. You must keep faith and move forward in the situation you are in now because there is no way around it. As moms, we want to do it all because we can! But remember to give yourself grace, take the time you need and refuel your mind, body, and spirit.
~Mommi Shannon~
My name is Shannon Blackston and I am from Baltimore, MD. I am 30years old, married and have two young children. I am employed by a government contracting company and inspire to grow as an entrepreneur through things that I love. Some of which are, creating a safe space for my children, other moms and simply being relatable. When I am not busy doing wifely or motherly duties, I love to binge shows, get my nails done, drink wine, laugh on the phone with my sister and friends and of course go out out to eat 🙂
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