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If you’re looking for that extra push to start your entrepreneurship journey and work for yourself, here’s a part of my story that might offer the motivation you need.
My Corporate 9-5 and Parental Leave Plans
I work a standard 9-5 corporate job and recently returned from parental leave. Before my leave, I was genuinely excited about the benefits my company provided. I had access to 12 weeks of FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), and I also opted to pay a bit extra throughout the year to enhance my Short-Term Disability (STD) payout. Additionally, my company offers 6 weeks of paid parental leave, which you can take at any point during your child’s first year.
They provide two options for how to use this leave:
• Option 1: 6 consecutive weeks of paid parental leave.
• Option 2: 12 consecutive weeks of half-days, with paid parental leave supplementing the other half of the workday.
I chose Option 2, planning to ease back into work.
The Unexpected Payroll Issue
Upon returning to work, I noticed an issue with how my PTO (Paid Time Off) had been managed during my leave. After discussing it with my manager, we decided to wait until my first paycheck arrived to see if things had been sorted out.
To my surprise, when I received my paycheck, there was no paid parental leave benefit reflected in it at all.
The Frustrating Follow-Up
I immediately contacted the company that handles the leave, but couldn’t get in touch with my case manager. In fact, during my entire leave, I never managed to reach her. The representative I did speak to informed me that the company had already paid out my 6 weeks of paid parental leave during the 12 weeks of FMLA. I checked my bank account, and sure enough, I had received 6 deposits over the course of my leave.
So, What Now?
This threw my entire plan into chaos. I hadn’t arranged daycare because I expected to work only 4-hour days from October through December. I also anticipated accruing PTO while working part-time. Now, I’m waiting for a call back from a claims manager I’ve never spoken to in the past 14 weeks, hoping for a resolution.
Why This Experience Pushed Me Toward Entrepreneurship
What was supposed to be a helpful benefit has turned into a nightmare, leaving me in tears and scrambling to adjust my plans. This experience has further motivated me to step out on my own and not rely solely on my 9-5 corporate job.
It’s a reminder that depending on just one stream of income—especially one that could fail you at any moment—is risky. As working mothers, we need to explore ways to diversify our income streams and not be so dependent on a single paycheck. For me, this means diving into entrepreneurship and creating a future where I’m in control.
Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Financial Future
If you’re considering working for yourself but feel unsure, let my story be a lesson. Even the most well-meaning benefits can fall short, and when they do, it’s essential to have a backup plan. Starting your own business or side hustle could give you the flexibility and security that a corporate job might not always offer.
This might just be the sign you need to take control of your financial future and start your entrepreneurial journey.
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Jill G Sutton
“My love for planning and logistics started when scheduling my college courses around two jobs. As a working mama of 3 children, my passion has evolved to a necessary tool to maximize my time and efficiency.
My goal is to help busy parents seek Christ first and live the abundant life described in John 10:10. Whether it’s spending more time with their children, traveling, or starting their own business, I want to provide simple, actionable steps to provide parents more time to do what they want most, without sacrificing themselves along the way.
Don’t just leave a legacy, LIVE ONE.”
