Have you ever found yourself thinking…

“Did I waste all those years of education and hard work—just to end up at home?”

If so, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common (and vulnerable) questions women ask when considering stepping away from a career to prioritize home and family.

And here’s the honest truth:

If I had known I’d eventually become a stay-at-home mom, I probably wouldn’t have made the same educational or career choices. I might have chosen a path that more directly prepared me to raise children, care for my family, or manage a home—something like child development, nutrition, culinary arts, or entrepreneurship.

Instead, I earned an undergraduate degree in Urban Studies and Planning, followed by a master’s in Public Sector Management and Leadership.

And still—I’m deeply grateful for my education and experience.

Because nothing—nothing—is ever wasted in God’s hands.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
—Romans 8:28 (NIV)

What You Build in One Season Equips You for the Next

Recently, I heard a young woman say, “If I were just going to be ‘just a mom’, I wouldn’t try so hard.”

That “just a mom” mindset is something I’ve, unfortunately, heard more than once.

It saddens me to hear young women devalue the role of motherhood in that way.

But to that, I lovingly say: That would be a mistake.

A young woman should work hard—developing character, broadening her skills, and investing in her growth—not to prove herself to the world, or for financial gain, but because Scripture calls us to be faithful in all things, big and small.

Every season of preparation equips us for the next. The more we learn and grow, the more ready we are to serve, lead, teach, and create—whether in the workplace, the church, or our own homes.

Your education, job experience, and the grit you built in that office or classroom—it all carries over. None of it is lost.

“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”
—Proverbs 31:17 (NIV)

When Motherhood Becomes the Mission

You may feel called to pause your professional work—temporarily or permanently—so you can focus on your children. Especially in the early years, children need their mothers in powerful, irreplaceable ways.

But as they grow, many women find space to reintroduce part-time work, passion projects, or even home-based businesses.

And when that time comes? Everything you learned before will bless the work you do next.

This has been true in my life.

When I left my job at City Hall, my daughters were in first and fourth grade. It was a bold step of obedience. In those early years, learning to manage our household and care for our kids took everything I had. But even then, I could see how my past experiences and skills helped me grow in my role as a mom.

Eventually, my daughters became more independent, and I wasn’t new to homemaking anymore—I was able to do more.

Since stepping away from my full-time career, I’ve worked as a contract editor, written a book, and created a coaching program for women. I even did a short stint as a public school substitute teacher before we began homeschooling. Today, I speak, write, and host a podcast to encourage women who are preparing to prioritize home and family.

Looking back, it’s clear: my stay-at-home season was not a detour—it was a foundation. It prepared me for the calling I walk in now.

When I began my educational journey, I had no idea where my interests or passions would eventually lead. Regardless of what you study or pursue, new seasons bring new opportunities.

Still, every job I’ve held and every skill I’ve learned continues to bless my home, my parenting, and my ministry.

Because of my education and professional training, I bring excellence to everything I do—whether I’m writing a book, hosting a group of teenagers in our home, leading a small group, organizing our homeschool schedule, or running a podcast.

Faithfulness Bears Fruit—Wherever You’re Planted

Whether you’re managing a team or managing a household, your work matters. God cares about how we show up.

So be faithful. Cultivate what’s in your hands. Trust God to bring the growth.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
—Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

And if you’re wrestling with the fear that your past education or career will be wasted or unused if you choose to stay home—know this:

God wastes nothing.

What you learned in one season will bear fruit in the next.

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