It was August 8 of last year when I finally said ‘buh-bye’ to my bosses of 9 years. The work itself was not stressful but the environment was no longer healthy as it’s supposed to be. In a deadline-driven company such as theirs, I was expecting more motivation and appreciation, unfortunately it was too much for them to give.

I admit it was hard at first especially in managing the finances. We’ve had bills to pay and I left a bunch of loans that we also need to settle immediately. IT.WAS.HARD.

Hundreds of bills, credit cards, mortgage papers, notice of eviction paper later…. I am still here, believing that we can settle everything without me leaving home. I sold things online, juggled my time between house chores, supplier visits, and making money on blogging.

I tried to look for jobs but I can’t bear to attend interviews. It’s against my will because I didn’t want to work at all. My heart and mind says that I need to be home. More and more people were asking me why I am still jobless. But I told them that being jobless doesn’t mean I am worthless.

So what’s keeping me from leaving home?

1. Unlimited time with Yona. Enough said.
2. I can maintain or boost my income anytime. Say work for several employers simultaneously? You bet! Now I am working for a single company with a pay higher than what my former employer is paying me..and it’s tax free!
3. Working hours are flexible. I can do errands in between jobs or during work hours and the best part is, I can go on vacation anytime I want.
4. Say no to commuting! I no longer have to travel for 1-2 hours.
5. I feel more contented because I am my own boss.
6. Say no to yaya! I am in no way leaving my child to a yaya. No way. She’s my first priority so the efforts of working long hours in the office all seemed futile because my thoughts are with Yona.
7. Save money. I do not need to buy new clothes and power lunches.

It has some drawbacks, too! But I’d rather not think about it and in fact the benefits I am getting offset it anyway.