Have you ever looked at your life and thought, Well, this isn’t where I planned to be but maybe it’s where I need to be?

Back when my oldest was little, I imagined I’d eventually work in an office, maybe something steady and typical. But raising five kids, now mostly teens and tweens, changed a lot of that. And funny enough, it’s them who helped me figure out the kind of work that actually fits.

Being Present Is a Job All Its Own

Years ago, I was working outside the house more and I missed a lot of moments. School events. Weeknight dinners. Just the little stuff that’s actually not so little. My kids would tell me they missed me and that’s a hard thing to hear when you’re doing everything you can to make ends meet.

That’s when I shifted. I started blogging more seriously and added in DoorDash driving when I could. It’s not fancy but it gives me what I really need, time with my kids. Whether I’m editing a post after bedtime or running deliveries on a Friday night while they hang out at home, I’m still around.

They Taught Me Work Should Mean Something

Now that some of my kids are teens, we talk more about the “why” behind work. One of my daughters said recently, “I don’t want to do something that just pays bills, I want to actually help people.”

Same, girl. Same.

We’ve talked about careers that really make a difference. Like real estate, something I never really thought about until we started dreaming about maybe moving one day. I found this guide that explains what real estate agents actually do and wow, they’re involved in so much more than just house showings. From setting the right price to writing contracts and managing all the little legal pieces, they help families make some of their biggest life changes happen.

That kind of job makes an impact. And I can totally see one of my girls going that route. She’s already obsessed with looking at listings just for fun.

Reality Check: Passion Doesn’t Always Pay the Rent

Let’s be real for a second, it’s not always easy. I shared a while back that we’ve gone through some tough times financially and we still feel that pressure. Balancing blogging with driving and raising kids solo isn’t always smooth. But even when things get hard, I remind myself why I chose this.

I wanted work that allowed me to still be a mom. Not part-time. Not just on weekends. Every day.

And that’s what I’ve got. Some days are long. Some are frustrating. But I’m building something that works for our life and that’s what matters.

The Lessons I Never Expected

My kids have shown me that careers aren’t about climbing ladders. They’re about building a life that reflects your values. I might not wear heels to work or sit in boardrooms but I get to work in a way that keeps me close to what matters most.

They’ve taught me to show up. To adjust. To keep trying even when things are tight. And they’ve taught me that just because a path isn’t traditional doesn’t mean it’s wrong.

So if you’re in a spot where you’re questioning what you do or where you’re headed, think about who’s watching you and who’s learning from your strength. That might just lead you somewhere better than you expected.