Motherhood vs. Teaching: Choosing Family Over Career

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, host Amy sits down with Kerry Komarov to discuss her transition from a decade-long teaching career to entrepreneurship. Kerry opens up about why she left her dream job, the challenges of balancing motherhood and work, and how she created a new, fulfilling path outside the classroom.About the Guest:Kerry Komarov is a former middle school reading teacher who, after starting a family, made the leap into entrepreneurship. She now runs her own business as a creative business strategist, helping other business owners maximize their digital presence and strategies.Main Topics Covered:Self-care and the power of declutteringKerry’s lifelong dream of teaching and what drew her to middle schoolersNavigating the emotional and practical challenges of leaving a beloved professionThe pressures and mental load of being a working parentLogistical considerations, including health insurance and financial planning for a career changeKerry’s journey into entrepreneurship and what her business offersReflections on identity, capability, and embracing changeFun rapid-fire questions about reality TV, space travel, and dream purchasesFeatured Quote:“Being a present and good and fun-loving mom is also something I always wanted. And I don't think that I personally could do both.” – Kerry KomarovTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction & Kerry’s background03:32 – Why teaching was always her dream job07:32 – Choosing to work with middle schoolers08:34 – What changed after her second child and maternity leave11:55 – Emotional challenges and letting go of identity as a teacher14:24 – Family conversations and figuring out work-home balance20:02 – Fears and anxieties about starting a business23:18 – Navigating practicalities like health insurance25:07 – What Kerry misses (and doesn’t) about teaching27:54 – Overview of Kerry’s new business and services31:12 – Final fun questions and closing thoughtsNever Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.Why subscribe?Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guestIf you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportHere are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofjFor Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stonebefore that I used Kit. Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors