Juggling Work, Motherhood, and Life: Lessons From a Teacher Turned Stay-at-Home Mom → A More Beautiful Life Collective

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You can read Part 1 of my story here. In this post, I share what it was like to be both a teacher and a working mom during one of the most chaotic periods of my life—through the COVID school year, summer school, and the arrival of a new baby. I also reflect on how this experience shaped my decision to transition into homeschooling and staying home with my children.

If you’re a mom navigating a demanding career, wondering how to balance work and family, or considering homeschooling, this story is for you. It’s about the real struggle of juggling responsibilities, the internal tension of life decisions, and the practical lessons that helped me survive and thrive.

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The Reality of Teaching During COVID

By the end of that COVID year, the masks were in the trash, desk shields had been turned into ornaments, and hand sanitizer… well, we’re still using it. I taught summer school that year, which had the best schedule with Fridays off. But come August, I returned full-time to a classroom with my one-and-a-half-year-old son at home.

As any working mom knows, when you’re out of the house so much, something has to give. My life felt like a juggling act—work, home, church, family, hobbies, and big projects. In reality, I only had energy for about three of these “balls” at a time. During the summer, I could focus on home, church, and family: cleaning, meal planning, teaching my Bible study, and enjoying date nights and family days. But once school started, all routines went out the window.

When Routines Fall Apart

Fast food became a frequent dinner choice, not out of preference, but because it allowed me a few quiet moments in the car to listen to a podcast while picking up my son. Dishes and laundry piled up in daunting stacks, creating mental clutter that drained my energy before I even started the day.

Our home situation didn’t help. When my son was a year old, we were still living in a house under renovation. Literal holes in the walls made it easy to let things slide—dusty floors and messy counters didn’t matter much when construction was ongoing.

Even when we moved into a finished home, with the peace that comes from having a place that truly feels like home, the responsibility to maintain it became clear. September’s chaos passed, but November brought another challenge: I discovered I was pregnant, with all the fatigue, nausea, and emotional load that pregnancy entails. Pregnancy became another ball to juggle, one that demanded almost all my energy.

The Struggle of Being a Teaching Mom

Teaching is emotionally exhausting, especially as a mom. You can’t just walk in and out lightly—you have to “suit up” every morning. Personal problems are set aside. Confidence, energy, and emotional availability must be on display all day long.

I often describe it as swimming in a cool river on a summer day. The first plunge is shocking and uncomfortable. Gradually, you acclimate and it becomes manageable, even enjoyable. But it’s exhausting. And once you step out, warming up on the shore, the thought of getting back in can feel unbearable. For me, maternity leave felt like a warm, sunny shore—a reprieve that nourished my soul.

The Question: Stay or Leave?

During this time, the question loomed large: Should I stay in teaching, or should I step away? My heart wrestled with guilt, societal expectations, and my desire to fulfill what I believed was God’s calling. Teaching is a unique ministry platform, offering the chance to impact lives directly every day. But balancing that with motherhood felt nearly impossible.

I was raised to value work as a gift, a way to glorify God and serve others. Books like Roaring Lambs reinforced the idea that we can serve through our careers. Yet I found myself asking: Could my ministry happen outside the classroom? Could staying home allow me to fulfill my calling while being present for my children?

Practical Lessons From My Teaching Years

Even amid the chaos, I learned skills that now guide my homeschooling journey:

1. Prioritize Ruthlessly

With limited energy, I had to choose which areas of life to focus on. Sometimes it’s home, church, and family; other times, work and big projects take priority. Recognizing that you can’t do it all is freeing.

2. Accept Imperfection

Whether it was piles of laundry, a messy kitchen, or incomplete lesson plans, I learned that perfection is the enemy of peace. Doing the next right thing—rather than everything at once—is what matters.

3. Build Support Networks

During teaching, coworkers were essential for advice, emotional support, and encouragement. Now, homeschooling moms need similar networks: co-ops, online communities, or local friends who understand the juggling act.

4. Protect Mental and Physical Health

Skipping meals, ignoring fatigue, or sacrificing sleep is unsustainable. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for sustaining energy to care for children, family, and work responsibilities.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Whether it’s a student mastering a concept or your toddler learning a new word, acknowledging small victories keeps you motivated and encouraged.

6. Pray and Reflect Regularly

Decisions about work, motherhood, and homeschooling require spiritual discernment. Prayer, journaling, and thoughtful reflection create clarity and peace in the midst of chaos.

This is how the project started. I’m not exaggerating about the holes in the walls!

Transitioning to Homeschooling: A New Rhythm

My maternity leave became a turning point—a chance to sit on the “shore,” reflecting on my life, calling, and what mattered most. I began to see homeschooling not just as an educational choice, but as a lifestyle adjustment that could unify my priorities: faith, family, and personal fulfillment.

For working moms considering homeschooling, here’s what I learned about creating a manageable rhythm:

Set intentional routines: Predictable mornings, meal times, and learning blocks provide structure for children and reduce parental stress.
Design a welcoming space: Even a small corner with a table, bookshelf, or inspiring decorations signals that learning is valued.
Schedule self-care: Breaks, exercise, quiet time, and hobbies are essential for maintaining energy and joy.
Be flexible: Life with children is unpredictable. Adjust plans without guilt—progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Leverage community: Co-ops, playdates, and online groups provide social, emotional, and educational support.

Answering the Real Problem: How to Manage Multiple Roles

Many moms struggle with balancing career, parenting, and personal growth. My story illustrates that:

External pressures—admin expectations, societal norms, and family responsibilities—can feel overwhelming.
Internal pressures—guilt, fear of failure, and questioning God’s calling—can be just as heavy.
Energy management—you only have so many “balls in the air.” Knowing which to prioritize is critical.

Practical steps to address this problem include:

List and rank priorities: Identify the three areas that need focus during high-stress seasons.
Set boundaries: Limit work hours, household tasks, or social obligations as needed.
Practice daily reflection: Journaling, prayer, or meditation helps process feelings and maintain perspective.
Celebrate progress, not perfection: Focus on what was accomplished instead of what wasn’t.

Seeing Homeschooling as a Ministry

Teaching taught me that work can be ministry. Homeschooling is no different. As a stay-at-home homeschool mom, I have the opportunity to pour faith, values, and love directly into my children’s daily lives. It’s a ministry that doesn’t require a classroom, a principal, or a set curriculum—it requires intentionality, patience, and trust in God’s guidance.

Transitioning from teaching to homeschooling is not a failure—it’s a reallocation of energy toward the spheres of life that matter most. Whether it’s nurturing your children, deepening your faith, or pursuing creative projects, these efforts have eternal significance.

Encouragement for Moms in Transition

If you’re at a crossroads—torn between work and home life, career and motherhood, or classroom and homeschooling—know this:

You are not alone. Many moms face the same tension between calling and capacity.
Your worth is not defined by a job, a spotless home, or perfect lesson plans.
Faithfulness in small daily actions matters more than dramatic life changes.

Psalm 90 reminds us that our days are gifts, and how we steward them matters. Showing up faithfully for your family, your children, and yourself is a ministry that glorifies God in every season.

Key Takeaways From My Journey

Life is a juggling act: Focus on what matters most, and let the rest slide when necessary.
Perfection is not the goal: Progress and presence matter far more than pristine spaces or perfect lessons.
Community sustains you: Build networks for support, encouragement, and accountability.
Self-care is essential: Protect your mental, physical, and emotional health.
Faith guides decisions: Pray, reflect, and trust God through transitions.
Homeschooling can be ministry: Serving your children at home is as valuable as serving students in a classroom.

Final Thoughts

Teaching gave me valuable lessons about resilience, boundaries, and faithfulness. Stepping away from the classroom allowed me to apply those lessons to a new season of life—homeschooling my children. For moms feeling the weight of multiple responsibilities, it’s important to remember: transitions are opportunities to realign priorities, practice faith, and embrace your calling wherever God has placed you.

Whether you’re returning to the workforce, considering homeschooling, or navigating parenthood with a demanding career, I hope that you walk forward in faith. You are living out your calling every day.

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