I didn’t leave my job because I stopped caring about my career. I left at the top of it. I was a tax accountant, finally making six figures after years of discipline, long hours, and living below my means. I believed that if I did things responsibly and planned carefully, life would feel stable when it mattered most.
I didn’t think I could get pregnant, so becoming a mother was a surprise — and a welcome one. I had a C-section, and recovery was harder than I expected. I experienced postpartum depression, and what made that season heavier was the lack of support from family members I thought would be there. At the same time, I was deeply supported by my partner, who showed up for me consistently through pregnancy, recovery, and the early days of motherhood.
Leaving work after that felt abrupt and disorienting. Living on one income brought up guilt, fear, and a constant sense of feeling behind — even though I had always been careful with money. Marriage changed too. Roles shifted, conversations got harder, and we’re still learning how to navigate this season together.
The Velveteen Cradle is where I write about motherhood, marriage, and money as I’m living it — not after I’ve figured it all out. It’s a space for honest reflection on one-income living, identity shifts, and the slow work of building stability and legacy over time.
