Following Your Happiness

    If you had met me last year at this time, you wouldn't have recognized me. I was recovering from an almost-breakdown....I had taken about 2 weeks off of work because I just. couldn't. do. it. I was a high school teacher in a stressful environment. I couldn't handle the constant criticism, the constant neediness, the constant backstabbing -- and that was just the adults. (Some of) the kids were actually the only good part of my job. I realized, however, that it would be that way no matter where I went....my career choice was not working for me. It was time for a change. I could no longer handle the paperwork, the educational and political changes, the constant negativity. No matter what I did, it wasn't good enough. I was sick to my stomach every morning I walked into the school. I hated it so much, it literally made me sick.
    So I put a plan into motion. I took the plunge and signed up for real estate courses. It was an accelerated class that started in mid-June and ended around the 4th of July. It was ALL day, every day and it was an hour away. But I was determined to do it. There were a lot of obstacles (including the math test I had to pass), but I was so ready to move forward with my life that I didn't let anything stop me. 
     People were negative, skeptical, dismissive. "Realtors are sleazeballs." "That's not a real job." "What? You think you'll be rich?" Usually, I let those comments seep into my brain and nag at me until I believe them. But not this time. This was my way out. I absolutely HAD to do it. 
    Long story short, I passed the state and national exams on the first try. I had already talked to a local real estate agency I wanted to work for once I was licensed. I was moving forward. It was really happening.
    In August, I had to make a big decision. I did not want to go back to teaching high school. I was offered a position at another school, but it wasn't what I wanted to do. I wanted a whole new career. Luckily, a local community college extended me the opportunity to teach 18 credits during the fall semester. This gave me the ability to bring in some money while also giving me the flexibility to sell real estate. My husband, who is as conservative as it comes, wasn't sure we could do it financially. But (amazingly) he relented. He knew I couldn't go back to my own version of hell. I turned in my resignation and never looked back. 
     My whole life and lifestyle changed. I no longer had to set the alarm for 5:15am. I could actually take my kids to school on the first day (something I had never done because I couldn't leave work) and every day after. The morning routine was so much easier and less hectic because I was less stressed. I could walk in the morning, take a shower, then go to my job (either the real estate office or the campus).
     But I had just given up $48,000 to do all of that.
     I was scared out of my mind.
     And I have never been happier.
     Don't get me wrong. Life has been tough....very, very tough. When you lose a huge chunk of income, things get hard. The hubby and I have had many "disagreements" and stress-induced conversations. We've had to count every penny. We had just paid off our credit cards a few months prior, so we were adamant that we weren't going to go back down that route. We would only spend what we had. Which wasn't much. God, it's been so hard.
     But guess what? My blood pressure is actually down. I look less ragged. I've better controlled my eating. And more importantly, my kids are SO HAPPY. They don't have a mom who is too beat down by her job to do anything but sit on the couch at night and cry. 
     I was told that it could take up to 18 months to make money in real estate. Luckily, I have a settlement next week (fingers crossed) and one in April. I also have a lot of irons in the fire, so they say. The potential is there, but it hasn't been easy. I still look at jobs every week, but I honestly can't imagine going back to full-time teaching. 
    We may have a lot less money - however, I've gained so much: confidence, new friendships, real-world experience, contacts, happiness. I never knew there was a real world beyond the walls of a high school. 
     I've always been very susceptible to others' opinions. I've been a quitter. I get scared and go back to the "safe" place. And trust me, I've been close recently. But I am following my happiness. Yes, money is important. And life is better WITH money. However, life is even better when you're HAPPY. I've been at the bottom and I'm climbing my way back up. 
    I choose happiness. Even with very little money, I choose every day to be happy. To appreciate my children. To appreciate my home. To appreciate my life. Being a well-off but miserable mom is much worse than being a penny-pinching but happy mom. THAT'S what my kids will remember. My happiness.