Family Before Work

A year ago I was in the middle of celebrating the purchase of my dream house in Germany.  The first time I looked at this house was just a quick drive-by.  It looked small and average from the outside, and I hoped I wouldn’t fall in love with it, because I wasn’t sure if buying a house in Germany was the best idea.  Other Americans living there warned me that buying a house in Germany would be a tax nightmare.  I scheduled an appointment to view the inside, and immediately fell in love.  It was like no other house I have ever seen in Germany.  It was the perfect combination of German charm, and American luxuries.  It was clean, sleek and modern.  It had all the upgraded features, like automated rolladen (blinds), ventilation system, in-floor heat, security system, and A/C (not common in Germany).  

The week we were supposed to move in I asked my supervisor for a day off to accommodate the move.  I was told we could probably figure something out.  That same week, my daughter had an accident that required emergency surgery.  I told my supervisor  I would be staying home with her for a few days.  Moving into a new home is stressful!  Doing it while taking care of a post-op kid is next level.  

When I returned to work the next monday I was pulled into a meeting.  I was being reprimanded for taking time off of work to be with my daughter.  I was told if I need to find someone else to be available for my kids.  They initiated an initial performance review and I received a low score because I put my family before work.  It didn’t stop there.  This supervisor became toxic.  I knew she was leaving soon, but the fact that this organization was ok with her treating me like that really made me rethink why I was even working there.

What my supervisor didn’t know is that I worked there because I enjoyed it.  I have built up an impressive real estate portfolio that generates enough passive income for me to live off of.  I didn’t need to work there.  I waited for the right time, and handed in my resignation.  I will not let someone else tell me how to live my life.  I will not work for an organization that doesn’t take care of its people.  

So naturally, I bought another house.  In a warmer climate, with palm trees and beaches.  Why did I leave my beautiful house in Germany? Because life is short and I deserve to live somewhere with sunshine.  Because I deserve to live a fulfilling life.  My house in Germany is generating more passive income for my portfolio.  

I am back to being self-employed, doing work I am passionate about.  I spent the last few months writing a book about my journey to financial freedom as a single mom.  I am ready to share my story and teach others how they can do the same.  

So remember this, family always comes before work.  At work you are just a number-just another employee.  You are irreplaceable at home!