Two years ago, I started this website with the hope of sharing my journey through Disney adventures and motherhood. Not long after, I was presented with an exciting opportunity to become a travel agent with Wondrous Adventures. At the time, I was thrilled — but life, as it often does, had other plans.
When I took on the role, I was a new mom to a 9-month-old and had just found out I was pregnant with my second child. I was also juggling a part-time teaching job, fully aware that I’d be returning to full-time work in the fall. I was stretched thin, mentally and emotionally, but I still wanted to make it work. Looking back, I now realize I didn’t fully understand what I was taking on — and I wasn’t in a place to give it my all.
Once the school year began, I returned to my former school as a part-time substitute. Despite being back in familiar surroundings, I still didn’t feel like myself. I was trying to manage a demanding job and life as a mom of two under two — which, let me tell you, is no small feat! As time went on, I found myself struggling to keep up with the travel side of things. I posted when I could, but I knew in my heart I wasn’t showing up the way I wanted to. And you know what? That’s okay.
Our family also experienced several major transitions beyond growing to a family of four. My husband stepped into a new position at work, and I was preparing for another maternity leave. Teaching middle school is already challenging — and that particular school year was one of the hardest. I honestly think I only made it through because I knew I had leave coming from January to April.
After finishing out the year, I made a huge decision: I left the school where I had taught for seven years. It was scary — but necessary. I was burnt out, and even though my husband reminded me how good I was at teaching, he encouraged me to try a new environment. I took his advice and made the switch — and it ended up being one of the best teaching years I’ve had in a long time.
Fast forward to today — I’m still teaching and, for the first time in a while, I finally feel like myself again. Maybe even like the "me" from before I had kids. And that’s really the point of all this: sometimes you try something you think you’ll love, and it just doesn’t work out. That’s okay. I didn’t succeed as a travel agent in the way I hoped, but I found renewed passion in the classroom — and that’s been a huge win.
While I no longer plan trips myself, I’m excited to collaborate with @themagiciscallingtravel, who would love to help you plan your next magical adventure! Whether you're headed to Disney, Universal, or setting sail on a cruise, she’s got everything covered. Use the link below to get started — and be sure to include my name (MacKenzie or @thatdreamingmom) in the referral code box!
Add comment
Comments