It's so important to surround yourself with people that uplift, encourage and support you at an early stage in life. I have mentioned before that Chris and I married young, and while marrying in your early 20's does have its challenges, I think that for us, having a partner from the very get-go in our adult years has allowed us both to grow into pretty successful and happy people. I've always had Chris's support in my professional endeavors, and I've done the same for him - it's like we have had not only a business partner, but a cheerleader in our corner every step of the way as we climbed the corporate ladder!
While Chris continues to climb, I jumped off the corporate ladder a few years ago, kicked it aside and said "ENOUGH. I am ready to pave my own way." Of course this wasn't an easy decision, and it certainly wasn't one that I came to without lengthy discussions with Chris. I essentially asked his permission to leave my job security, a 401(k) plan (with a heck of a match), stock options and the best health insurance plan I've ever heard of - I asked his permission because while I am my own person, we are a team, and every financial decision either of us makes affects the other, as well as our family unit as a whole. I asked him to support me in my midlife crisis-esque "I want to quit my job and rediscover myself" dream and his answer was simple, and exactly what I needed to hear to feel less guilty and secure in walking away from a healthy paycheck and a great benefits package:
I just want you to be happy.
In our 13 years together, Chris and I have had many ups and downs. But that moment (one that really, really mattered) was an example of the support I have had from Chris over the years, and a telltale sign of what kind of man I married: he supports me. He has my back when it comes to carrying the family finances while I tried to figure out what it was I wanted to do, he encourages me to write about things that make me happy, he supports the crazy amount of travel I do on a regular basis for my blog - and even when it's a personal trip with girlfriends, he always tells me to go for it.
Travel has always been a passion of mine, back before I ever began blogging. When I first began blogging and saw that some of my friends did travel for their blogs, I was astounded! I dreamt of one day doing travel for my own blog, actually making a job out of it. I am writing this blog post on my balcony from an Alaskan cruise...which is a work trip. Angeline and I just spent six days sailing through Alaska, spotting Humpback and Orca whales, Harbor seals, and American Bald Eagles with some of my closest blogging friends while Chris is at home working and holding down the fort. That fort includes MY three dogs and four cats...I tell you, the man's a saint!
He supports me whenever I want to take a trip like this because he knows how happy it makes me, and how fulfilling these experiences are for me both professionally and on a more personal level.
The truth is, I would never be able to travel like I do without Chris's complete support. And I would have never reached the point where I had the opportunity to travel if it weren't for his support and encouragement along the way!
Like a good neighbor State Farm is there.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by State Farm via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of State Farm.
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Penelope
Doesn't it kill you how guys always say that? If my husband said to me "I want to quit my job and follow my dreams, but I'll lose my retirement plan and health insurance, I'd be like "Noooooooo!!!!!!!" No, no, no!" and when I told him I want to study photography, he said "Ok! I want you to be happy!"…I think they say what they want to hear from us when they get all adventurous and risky 🙂
Jenn
I know, it's funny! I would freak out if he wanted to quit his job and race motorcycles for a living...
Daisy
That's so sweet! I'm glad that you have someone so awesome that supports you. My husband is the same and I couldn't imagine life without him and the support that he gives to me.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
My husband is the same way as yours. Aren't we lucky to have such supportive men in our lives.
Jenn
Absolutely! Now if only I could get MY Chris to comment on my blog like yours does! LOL!
Jennifer
When I guy says, "I just want you to be happy," you know you've got a keeper. There's nothing better than knowing that somebody has your back no matter what.
Elizabeth @ Being MVP
That is so awesome! You really have a good man by your side.
Dee Mauser
That's great that your man is SO supportive. Mine is too and I've heard many times that it's hard to find a good man like that. I guess we are lucky! 🙂
Christine
My husband started his own company and I quit my government job. It was really scary and we've had ups and downs. But, we are still afloat, so that's a good thing!
Jenn
I love hearing a success story like this! Yay for you both! 🙂
Stefany
You both are lucky to have each other there to support and love. I am so glad he agreed with your dreams!
Autumn @MamaChallenge
My hubs is the risk taker and I'm the one who is always looking for the fires that could go up. It's that team that makes us work, whether we like it or not.
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide
What a great support! When our daughter was diagnosed with a disability, me staying home wasn't even a question- he supported me 100%!
Meagan Ivie
I feel the same way about my hubby! It's nice to feel so much love and support from someone!
tammileetips
I went through the same thing right after we got married. Love to hear your husband is just as supportive!!
Krista
Those are some amazing vacations and memories being made! Looks like you had a great time in each place!
Amy D
This is so sweet! My husband is so supportive of me too!! I am totally not as supportive towards his dreams though 🙁
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos
Awe, great post. I too left the ideal job and decided to stay home. Now, I make just as much money yet am happier with life overall.
Dawn
"I just want you to be happy." Those are the words of a real man!
Nolie
We all need a partner and cheerleader in our corner. I ask Tobei too before I do big things. Not because I need his permission but because we are partners and everything we do affects the other. If he says no then we discuss however he has only ever said no to me once and that is when I wanted to go to a conference 6 hours away when I was 3 weeks away from giving birth.
Marina @ Mommy Snippets
Great post! I love that you are getting the opportunity to do what you love to do, and even happier that you have such an awesome and supportive husband!
Shauna
It is awesome to have someone who is in your corner who supports you so much. Like you, I have my Hubby who is always my biggest fan and supporter :_
Ann Bacciaglia
It is so great that your husband supports you in your endeavors. i wish you many years of happiness.
Liz Mays
My boyfriend can't stand his job sometimes and he says things like he'll quit one of these days. I tell him he can't do that, and he says he did it before. I'm like...."you were TWENTY" with no house, no car payment and no cares in the world!
That's a big dang deal he gave you the go ahead.
Lori
That is so wonderful you both have such great support in each other. I think it is important to follow your dreams, but also important to have the support to go after your dreams.
Debra
What a wonderful match you are for each other. I feel the same way about my husband, who was surprised beyond belief when I wanted to leave my career and be a stay at home mom. That was never the plan.......but I had just lost my mom and felt things differently. Thank goodness for amazing men who allow us to live our dreams!
Liza @ Views From the 'Ville
It's so important to have supportive people in our lives, very true! Having someone that's willing to let you do and help you with the things you love is amazing.
Stefani Tolson
That is great that he has stuck by your side with your decisions. My husband is also behind me on going after my dreams. I agree it is important to surround yourself with people that care and love you.