I quit my job after my first kid was born. It showed me just how much work parenting is.

The author quit her job to stay home after she had her firstborn.

Photo credit: Kaylee Chelsea Photography

• At first, staying home with my child felt like I'd entered a career void.
• It allowed me to explore avenues and take risks I wouldn't have dared in a traditional work setting.
• I've learned that parenting is a job, too.

I thought I'd return to work after the birth of my first son, but once he was born, the thought of leaving him felt like a sucker punch to the gut.