I was 18 when I began my career in the Hotel Industry. I LOVED it! Working in the corporate world, while going to college, kept me busy and on the right path to a successful career that lied ahead. I worked hard and met amazing people that I am still very good friends with to this day.
I worked at a hotel for just two years when I was honored to hold the role of Employee of the Year when I was 20 years old. In a company full of incredibly talented and hard working individuals, this was an honor for me and I was so excited about it!
Time went by quickly and the opportunity came to transfer to another hotel. I worked hard and made my way up the ladder and became a Sales Manager for the most beautiful hotel in Las Vegas. I made good money, I loved my co-workers, I had the best boss and I was honestly HAPPY.
I was making my way up the corporate ladder and was going to be the most successful business woman ever…
Until something happened…
Something changed my life forever.
It was a cold January evening and I laid in a hospital bed. I heard the monitors and felt a breathing mask on my face. I couldn’t hold back the tears as I was so confused. “Where am I? Where is my husband? Where is my baby?!” I opened my eyes and the doctor was above me.
“You are fine, Danielle. You are in the recovery room – you are a MOM!”
“I…am…a…mom” I thought to myself? “I am… a mom? …. I am a mom?”
And then it hit me – “I AM A MOM!”
In rolled my precious baby girl with my husband just moments later. He laid her in my arms and tears rolled down my cheeks. My precious baby that I had waited YEARS for – was in my arms.
She was perfect in every way. She changed my life at that very moment.
Eight short weeks flew by and it was time for me to go back to work. I was going to put my baby in day care and get back into my corporate routine. I missed my job at the hotel and we needed money.
As the week approached to go back, I began getting extremely anxious. I couldn’t leave my new baby in day care. I couldn’t not see her for 8 hours a day.
I couldn’t do it.
The day I quit my job was hard. I was saying goodbye to a career path I spent years working on. I was saying goodbye to great friends. I was saying goodbye to goals, paychecks and bonuses. That was huge – but I knew it was right for me and my family.
As I was walking out of the hotel, someone stopped me and said, “Why would you EVER leave your job to stay at home all day? I would NEVER do that.”
To fight the tears that could have come out of my burning eyes, I simply said, “Because I am a mom.” And walked away.
Now, I don’t like the “mommy-wars.” I think that a lot of women NEED to work and ENJOY working out of home and that is TOTALLY fine. In fact, I praise you working moms because you have your hands FULL and are AMAZING moms! Balancing a full time job with being a full time mom is NO JOKE!! Some women need to work because of their family finances and some need to work for their own sanity and health and some work because they just LOVE it!
But today I would like to share with you, why I chose to stay at home. Why it is actually OKAY for some women to want to stay home and that being a stay-at-home mom isn’t a bad thing… at ALL.
Here are 7 Reasons Why I Chose To Be A Stay At Home Mom:
1. BECAUSE TIME FLIES: I love the quote, “The bad news is time flies – The good news is you’re the pilot.” We have complete control over how we spend our time and exactly what we do with it. Our children are only young for so long – and I didn’t want to miss a thing.
I didn’t want to miss the first time she held her head up so strong or did her army crawl across the wood floor. I didn’t want to miss the first time she ate solids and made that skrunchy nose look or the first step she took. I don’t want to miss potty training and I don’t want to miss helping her with homework. I want to be with her and witness all of her milestones.
2. BECAUSE MONEY ISN’T EVERYTHING: Don’t get me wrong – money is HUGE and a big part of life and we need it to survive in this world, but we learned to budget and learned the difference between “needs” and “wants.”
Going down to one income is NOT easy – less food in the house, less shopping sprees, less fun dates, less vacations – but it is worth it. If you took a look at your budget, you may be surprised how many “wants” are on your “needs” list right now, but you could easily survive without.
3. BECAUSE YOU ARE YOUR OWN BOSS: Think about it – you don’t have anyone to report to, besides your cute baby. 🙂 You get to spend all day playing, laughing, reading, coloring, cuddling and making memories.
Now let’s be honest – sometimes the babies are the bosses. If they are hungry – you feed them. If they are tired – you put them to bed. If they want to play – you bring out the toys. But for the most part, you are in charge!
4. BECAUSE THERE IS NO DRESS CODE: This is probably the best part about being a stay-at-home mom. Comfort to the MAX! I lived in a suit and heels for many years – now I wear leggings and yoga pants on a daily basis. Honestly, I rarely even do my hair and that is totally fine too! I have learned to embrace it and love it!
5. BECAUSE YOU DO LEARN EVERY SINGLE DAY: Albert Einstein said, “The only source of knowledge, is experience.” I have heard a lot of women say that stay-at-home-moms aren’t using their education or furthering it, but I am here to tell you that I learn something EVERY single day. As I experience life with my little one on a daily basis, she teaches me what life is all about. Together, we learn and grow and through experiences our knowledge grows.
6. BECAUSE IT PAYS BETTER THAN THE CORPORATE WORLD: I can’t think of any better payment than the feeling I get every day when I get a hug and big wet kiss from my baby. Lets get serious – there are lots of tears, owies, poopy diapers and stress. BUT with each of those moments, comes cuddles, smiles, slobbery kisses and memories.
7. BECAUSE YOU ARE A MOM: Last but certainly not least, I chose to stay home – simply because I am a mom. James E. Faust said, “The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation.”
I hoped for her, dreamed of her and prayed for her before she was born. And now that she is here I love her and want to spend every little minute I have with her!
So – Why would I EVER leave my job to stay at home? Because it is the BEST job in the whole entire world!
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Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day! 
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Taylor Greenwald
August 4, 2016 at 6:48 pm (8 years ago)I understand this post so much! I absolutely love being a stay at home mom and it’s true what you said about learning and growing with your child. I have felt this many times and continue to feel this each day. Children are amazing and time with them is priceless and precious!
Madie
June 25, 2016 at 2:59 am (8 years ago)I have done a lot in the last 15 months. I’ve stayed home, worked full time while bringing my daughter with me, and worked full time while working from home and raising my daughter all simultaneously. I have been a SAHM, WAHM,and full time mom at ONCE. Of all my experiences, I would take staying home over ANY paycheck. I didn’t spend enough time with my girl in her vital months because of work. Now, I not only have the time to spend every minute that she’s awake with her, but I can keep my household clean and meals made. My husband is a strong type A. I am as well. We function best in a clean, organized environment. While we were both working, our house was a constant disaster and we fought all the time. I never want my daughter to pay the price again for lack of attention or seeing her parents fight. We are SO happy with me home now and our second daughter is on the way. It is so true that children are able to THRIVE when one parent stays home and gives them all the love, encouragement, and time that they have. My girls will have that from me. Forever.
Tabitha
May 31, 2016 at 2:51 pm (8 years ago)I absolutely loved this blog! Thank you for writting it! It’s nice to be reminded why I am a sahm.
Danielle Davis
June 7, 2016 at 9:39 pm (8 years ago)Tabitha! Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by! I hope you are loving SAHM life!
Danielle C.
March 20, 2016 at 4:13 pm (9 years ago)Thank you for sharing your story! I have been working a long time to set up my career, and now that I’m about to start it, my husband and I have decided it’s time to start our family. I have been leaning towards staying home when we have a baby, and this article had all the things I needed to hear 🙂
Erica
January 30, 2016 at 4:02 pm (9 years ago)I love this post. All of your points are absolutely valid reasons for staying at home. I think it is your first one that was the deciding factor for me. I missed out on my children’s growing up years because I worked as a single mom. After I got married, I realized my priorities were not in order and I wanted desperately to put them in order. On my quest to do so, the Lord impressed upon me to stay home be there for my soon-to-be teen children. They were going to need me. And so I did. That was 2012. And I can’t tell how much of a difference it has made. I will be reading your article again. Because I love it. 😊 Thanks.
lizda
December 19, 2015 at 3:14 pm (9 years ago)I agree with you.Be a Mom is a precious duty that God gives to us.Not every woman would have their own baby.So we as mother would accept this duty eventhough be a stay at home mom wasnt easy duty. But deep in our heart will tell us that i want to be around my baby because i am a Mom.No one could change that position and i do hate if i had to send my own baby to day care. At home we could learn how to be a good mom and take care your children by your own.Money is important but taking care your baby is more important than money.i decided to resign from my job until my baby was 6 month.now he is a year old and thanx god i decided a good decision at least for me and for my own family.
Alison
November 18, 2015 at 4:20 pm (9 years ago)I absolutely loved this article. I want to be a stay-at-home mom when I have children one day (I’m only 22) and this pretty much confirmed my decision.
Priscila
October 24, 2015 at 8:39 pm (9 years ago)This made me cry!! I just had a conversation with my husband about me getting back to work , I have 3 kids the last one is 6 months, I’ve always work , but now I am at Home since my third boy was born, I dont want to miss any of my boys moments like I did before, but my husband doesnt support me, and he thinks its time for me to find a job again 🙁 , this is Priscila from Ecuador
Mandy
October 20, 2015 at 2:14 pm (9 years ago)Love this! I also had plans on returning to work after 6 weeks, as an insurance agent. I was able to push my leave out to 8 weeks, and only be part time at first. I was thrilled with my daycare provider (a good friend who is wonderful with children).I did go back to work, but found myself jealous of the time that my daughter got to have with the daycare provider. I saw her during my lunch break to breast feed, but I spent half that trying to wake her up enough to eat, and finding she wasn’t very hungry. Then I would see her in the evenings to feed her and put her to bed. In those few short weeks I fell behind in housework, and was beyond stressed.
My husband and I had never even discussed me staying at home, we wanted the kind of life that I didn’t have growing up; family vacations, nice school clothes, and no money worries. But finally one stressful day at work my husband jokingly said to quit. I told him to not tease, as I would take him seriously. The next week, he said he had been thinking about it, and would love if I stayed home with our daughter. My heart jumped for joy! But I was also scared to death, I have never not had a job before. Could we live off of one income? I am only 2 months in with being a stay at home mom… but I am into play dates, MOPS, and doing whatever I can to keep us social and learning. The days fly by, and I don’t always get the house clean. .. but I get to share wonderful stories with my husband each evening! My heart still breaks every time I look at how quickly or daughter is growing, but at least this way I get to be a greater part of that growth!
Thank you for your article, it hit home!
bianca
June 28, 2015 at 4:52 am (9 years ago)I love this post. I encouraged me alot. Nd its okay to be a stay at home mom… i wouldnt swapit for anything in the world. I love being there for my baby when ans if he needs me.
Jen Hanson
June 6, 2015 at 2:04 pm (9 years ago)This post came up as a “picked for you” on my pinterest feed and it could not have come at a more perfect time. Thank you so much for this, it was really a blessing to me this morning.
Jolleen Ruiz
March 2, 2015 at 2:46 am (10 years ago)I love this post! I am a stay-at-home mom to my three beautiful babies and couldn’t be happier. Thanks for the encouragement! Will be following your blog 🙂
Britta
February 11, 2015 at 12:24 am (10 years ago)I loved this article Danielle! I stay at home most of the time with my 4 year old and I have one on the way. I am very blessed to only have to work 2 short days a week. Its the happiest Ive ever been. Sometimes I do feel bad that I don’t contribute much money to the household but this really helped me see the big picture. As they say you’ll never be on your death bed wishing you had worked more! Thanks for the encouragement!
Kaitlyn
December 19, 2014 at 10:14 am (10 years ago)Inspiring story. You and your little girl are adorable. She looks like she makes you one happy momma. May I ask what you did in the hotel industry? I’ve been interested in looking into corporate world jobs with room for growth. I love to travel and I was always interested in the benefits of starting out. Would love to hear your story! Thanks
Linmary
November 29, 2014 at 7:30 pm (10 years ago)My girls are 9 and 2 yrs old with one on the way. With my oldest, she spent more time with her grandmother than with me (this caused that she wanted to stay with daddy once we divorced). I missed on everything!! With y second was the same story. Had to work 4 days 10 hrs shifts and try to make for lost time on the other days. She would spend 12 hrs in day care sometimes and that broke my heart. Last April, before I had a miscarriage, my husband and I made the decision that it was not worth it for me to keep working since all my money will go to day care. Since then, I have enjoyed my youngest so much and even have a shot for my oldest to live with me. I know everything will be different with this new baby, but the memories will be greater. I don’t miss work one bit and of course, we had to make sacrifices, but we have discover that we are happier with me being at home 🙂 But, If I have to return to the work force I will do it as well. Thank you for your story!!
Shelby
September 25, 2014 at 4:38 pm (10 years ago)I just stumbled upon this blog, thanks to pinterest! I recently graduated college and moved to another state with my husband who’s been working at an amazing company for two years now. A month after graduating, we found out we were expecting. We were planning to wait another year or two, but life happens. For the past few months, I had been applying for jobs, with little luck. It’s not easy to get a job in a new area with little connections, let me tell you! However, now I’m starting to wonder if I will really want to work once the baby gets here in January. I’ve always wanted to be the one to raise my children, rather than having someone else do so, not that there is anything wrong with it, but like you said, I don’t want to miss out on watching her grow up! So, this has been my struggle. I’m struggling with the fact that I JUST got a degree and thought I’d put it to use for a while, but with a baby on the way, I honestly don’t know what to do. It hasn’t helped that my husband’s family expect me to work and think that being a stay at home mom is somehow absurd, although they didn’t say absurd to my face, it was noted in their opinions. So, I guess what I’m getting at is that your blog has given me some encouragement and perspective on being a stay at home mommy. Thank you. <3
Laura
February 5, 2015 at 3:07 pm (10 years ago)Don’t listen to negative people. Being a stay at home mom is one of the best jobs a mother can experience! It’s far rewarding than leaving them to be raised by someone else for 8-12 hours a day. Sure there’s budgeting but everyone has to budget. The positives really do outweigh the negatives.
Cody Marie
July 26, 2014 at 1:26 am (10 years ago)I really appreciate that you didn’t drag down working moms. I’m pregnant now and working on finding a job and if I find something I will have to go back that’s just the truth. My fiancé makes decent but his job is also commissioned based so we both have to work. I was so tired of hearing how horrible it is that women go back to work after having kids. Sometimes we really don’t have a choice. Thank you!
Amanda
May 28, 2014 at 11:45 pm (10 years ago)This. Is. Perfect. You honestly took the words from my mouth, I love it! I’m so glad I found your blog! Oh and your sweet Laila and my sweet Brooklynn have the same birth date too!(:
Melanie S.
May 22, 2014 at 4:41 pm (11 years ago)I love that there isn’t any dress code, but the time flies a little too much. I’d like it to slow down a for a bit. 🙂
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 6:36 pm (10 years ago)Melanie I am right there with you. I wish I could capture every little smile and milestone and stay in that moment forever. Thanks for commenting!
Amanda @ The Mommy Mix
May 22, 2014 at 3:15 pm (11 years ago)I am not necessarily a stay at home but I am home at least 3-5 days with my boys and when I’m not with them I miss them. Time does fly and I love that I am home with them most of the time because I would hate to miss any of their milestones.
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 6:37 pm (10 years ago)Amanda, I am so glad to hear that you treasure the time you are with your kids. It sounds like you are a great mom and your kids are lucky to have you. Thanks for stopping by today!
Giveaways 4 Mom
May 22, 2014 at 2:42 pm (11 years ago)I am a WAHM but I definitely respect SAHMs.
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 6:38 pm (10 years ago)Thanks for your comment! All moms from every walk of life are wonderful and I am sure your kids love that you work at home with them. Thanks for commenting!
Becky
May 22, 2014 at 1:20 pm (11 years ago)Okay, for your first point, time flies. Maybe it is just the season (22 mo and 6 mo old) but, oh girl! The time goes so SLOW many days. There are days that I am literally counting down to bedtime! Whew! Thank you for sharing though, I love meeting another SAHM!
Ashley
May 22, 2014 at 6:14 pm (11 years ago)A wise friend told me, “The days are long, but the years are short.” My children are 13, 11, and 9 now. What I wouldn’t give for poopy diapers and rocking them for hours. <3
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 6:35 pm (10 years ago)Ashley, your kids are so big! I love that saying that your friend shared with you. I will be sure to treasure every poopy diaper I change. Thanks for commenting!
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 7:19 pm (10 years ago)Becky, I definitely understand where you are coming from. Sometimes days feel like weeks but then at some points I look back and think, where has all the time gone? My daughter is so big and it happened so fast. Thank you for your comment and I hope you treasure your long days because they eventually are gone.
Ana Lynn
May 22, 2014 at 7:55 am (11 years ago)I am a work from home mom but I agree with every single one reason you listed in the post. I was a full time college student with my first and I missed out on so much. Then when my daughter was born, finding a job was difficult so I decided to work from home because we need the second income but I also didn’t want to miss out on all the firsts again.
I’m still building my business but I am hoping it will take off, in the meantime I get to enjoy my kids every day and not miss out on anything. Being a mom is the best job ever!
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 7:21 pm (10 years ago)Ana, your story sounds a lot like mine and I am so happy you were able to find a job that allows you to be with your kids! You are right, being a mom is the best job ever! Thanks for your comment!
Michelle F.
May 22, 2014 at 4:56 am (11 years ago)I love being a stay at home mom but I give so much respect to working moms.
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 7:21 pm (10 years ago)I definitely agree with you Michelle. Thanks for your comment.
celebbabylaundry
May 22, 2014 at 3:15 am (11 years ago)Being a mom can be a tough job, but it’s an amazing thing to be.
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 7:21 pm (10 years ago)I couldn’t have said it better. Thanks for your comment.
christi at sexymoxiemama
May 22, 2014 at 2:18 am (11 years ago)I have been a full time SAHM on and off for the past couple of years. The hardest part of it for me was not contributing (monetarily) to the household. Blogging and freelance writing brings in a little. I also work part-time on the weekends.
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 7:22 pm (10 years ago)Christi, I am so happy you were able to find ways to stay at home. Thanks for your comment.
Julie
May 22, 2014 at 2:06 am (11 years ago)Great post! I was a FT working mom for 9 months, then we moved to our new duty station (the life of a military family lol) and I had to quite my job. I absolutely loved my daughters old daycare, but finding a new one here and finding a new job that was worth leaving the house for everyday proved to be a struggle. We decided as a family that I would stay home. But, because I need stimulation and I’m one of those women who want to work, I began pouring everything into my blog. I love it, I get to be my own boss, blog about what I love and I get to spend time with my daughter. I got to see her take her very first steps 4 months ago. Something I surely would have missed if I was still working FT. You are so right, you truly never get this time back! xo
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 7:23 pm (10 years ago)Julie, that’s so amazing that you are able to be a blogger! It’s so fun right?! Thanks for commenting and be sure to come back and visit again!
Jacqueline Delacruz
May 22, 2014 at 1:52 am (11 years ago)I have been a stay-at-home mom for 17yrs been through all those emotions and more. I have zero regrets and even though is the hardest job ever, is also the most rewarding!
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 7:17 pm (10 years ago)Jacqueline I applaud you! Way to go! I hope that someday I can be where you are today! Thanks for your comment.
Gena
May 22, 2014 at 1:32 am (11 years ago)I know some women don’t have the choice, and some choose to work, but I just couldn’t leave my babies with someone else and let them have all the fun! There were days I wanted to, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like time flies so quickly and I have missed enough and I’m home with them all day! Ha!
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 7:17 pm (10 years ago)Gena, thank you so much for your comment. Your kids are so lucky to have you. I agree with you, I would be sad if I missed out on all the fund every day!
Kate, aka guavalicious
May 22, 2014 at 1:07 am (11 years ago)I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that for some women working is where they thrive. It’s such a personal thing isn’t it? I love your take on it!
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 7:16 pm (10 years ago)Thank you Kate. We all have areas where we thrive and do well. I know that for some women their work is that realm and I applaud them for finding happiness. I know that someday I may have to work again but I know that my kids are where I always want to be. Thanks for your comment.
Jessica Hyer
May 22, 2014 at 12:15 am (11 years ago)I cannot WAIT to be a stay at home mom!! As soon as Kevin starts residency and is making an income I am doing the stay at home thing. I agree with all of this. Good for you to make that decision. And I’m sorry sometimes people make you feel bad about staying home. People comment all the time on me working and they don’t even know our situation. I agree, everyone’s situation is unique and most people have prayed and thought about it a lot before making their decision. Loved this post! It makes me excited! 🙂
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 7:14 pm (10 years ago)Jessica! I was so excited to see that you commented on here! I am so excited for you to be a SAHM soon but I know that your little boy loves you so much and is so grateful for your hard work so Kevin can get through residency! Thanks for commenting and come back soon!
Maggie C
May 22, 2014 at 12:05 am (11 years ago)When money is tight, I remind myself that though I don’t get to get the new fancy car, I get to stay home with my kids and many moms would be thrilled to do that.
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 7:15 pm (10 years ago)Maggie, I have that same thought all the time. Time spent with the little ones tops any fancy car 🙂 Thanks for your comment!
Felicia
May 21, 2014 at 11:34 pm (11 years ago)Being a mom is one of the most rewarding jobs. I spent the first 6 years of my oldest childs life working 45 hours a week as a manager at a retail bookstore. The hours were long, the job demanding and I loved every second of it. What I didn’t love was all the first’s that I was missing out on.
By the time I welcomed my second girl into this world I new that I had to stay. I refused to miss out on anymore.
Everyone of the reasons you mentioned is why I choose to stay at home. There is no place I’d rather be.
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 7:44 pm (10 years ago)Felicia, thank you for sharing your story. It’s moms like you that I am so inspired by. Your kids are so lucky to have you. Thank you for your comment!
Mary Ann
May 21, 2014 at 11:09 pm (11 years ago)It is the best job in the world! I’ve been a stay at home mom for 14.5 years now (that sounds strange to say) and have had the privilege of watching everything my four boys have gone through. No paycheck I received at a successful job could have made up for that. This was the best choice for my family and I am so blessed because of it.
Danielle Davis
May 28, 2014 at 7:45 pm (10 years ago)Mary Ann, thank you for stopping by today! We are so blessed to have people like you who comment on our site. Congratulations for being a SAHM for 14.5 years. You are awesome!