Why I’m Grateful I Got Laid Off (Again)
And Why Being Present with My Kids Is Worth More Than Any Paycheck
Real talk: I got laid off recently.
Again.
From the same company.
Yes—twice.
If you’ve ever worked in the mortgage industry, you know job security is a myth. Your position can disappear as fast as you can say “inflation.” But this one hit harder—not because it was unexpected, but because I genuinely believed it would be different this time.
After the first layoff, I chose to return. I had faith that the company had grown. That it had learned from the past and was on its way to something better.
Turns out, I was wrong.
Same playbook. Same buzzwords. Same corporate greed in a slightly shinier package.
Here’s the formula they stick to:
Hire overpaid execs who love the sound of their own voice on Zoom
Cut costs by offshoring work to the cheapest overseas labor available
Automate anything that moves, even if it guts the soul of the company
Keep the C-suite bonuses and stock options flowing, regardless of actual performance
And us? The workers?
We’re expendable. Replaceable. A line item in a spreadsheet.
If I sound mad, it’s because I am.
But after five months of space to breathe and reflect, I’ve found something else in the wreckage: gratitude.
The Life I Was Living Wasn’t Living at All
The job I lost? It was draining the life out of me.
I averaged 50 hours a week—sometimes more.
I worked weekends.
I took 30-minute lunches, cramming in bites between tasks.
I paused just long enough to pick up my kids or throw dinner together, then raced back to my desk until 9 or 10 PM.
It wasn’t living. It was surviving.
And I kept doing it because that’s what we’ve been taught success looks like—work hard, level up, get promoted, make more money. And sure, I paid the bills.
But I lost time.
So much time.
I wore overachievement like a badge of honor.
But underneath that badge?
I was exhausted.
You Don’t Get This Time with Your Kids Back
I used to roll my eyes at that phrase.
Honestly, I didn’t think I had a choice.
I had to work. I had to show up. I had to keep climbing.
Overachieving wasn’t a goal—it was survival.
But being forced to stop grinding gave me a perspective I never would’ve chosen for myself.
And now?
I get it.
Our society worships productivity. We glorify grind culture and teach us that our worth is tied to how much we can produce for someone else’s bottom line.
But I’m calling BS.
Humanity should matter more than profit margins.
People should matter more than shareholders.
So if you’re feeling the weight of the grind and wondering if it’s worth it—this is your reminder:
You don’t get this time with your kids back.
The promotions can wait.
The corporate ladder will still be there (and so will the layoffs).
But your kids?
They’re growing up right now.
And being there for it?
There’s no paycheck big enough to replace that.
I'm Still Figuring It Out—And That’s OK
Just to be clear: I don’t have it all figured out.
I’m in my forties, and I’m reinventing myself from the ground up. (Hello mid-life crisis!)
It hasn’t been easy.
But for the first time in a long time—it feels right.
What hasn’t helped?
Endlessly scrolling Facebook and Instagram, only to be bombarded with noise like:
“Take my course and learn how to make six figures from home!”
“You should make a course!”
or
“I made $40K in two weeks doing this one thing—here’s how you can too!”
It’s exhausting.
It’s defeating.
And honestly? It’s obnoxious.
Sometimes I wonder—is that all social media is now?
A never-ending pitch to hustle harder?
Not everyone wants to be an influencer.
Not everyone wants to turn their hobbies into a brand.
Some of us just want a life that feels real.
With real people.
Doing work that matters—without selling our souls or our sanity to do it.
I believe we can build that life.
One where we spend meaningful time with our kids and love the work we do.
One where we’re not sacrificing our health—mental or physical—just to stay afloat.
One that isn’t ruled by the algorithm, the inbox, or someone else’s bottom line.
Life’s not simple, and it’s definitely not linear.
But it’s ours.
And that’s worth everything.
Can You Relate?
Have you ever had a wake-up call that made you rethink your relationship with work?
Have you experienced a setback that turned out to be a hidden blessing?
What would you do differently if you didn’t feel tied to your job just to survive?
What does success look like for you now?
💬 I’d love to hear your story in the comments.
If This Hit Home, Stick Around.
I’m sharing more real talk about work, life, and parenting—without the corporate filter.
👉 Subscribe for updates or follow along as I build something that actually fits real life.
The Ultimate Sibling Survival Kit: How to Actually Watch Your Kid's Game Without Losing Your Sanity (Or Your Other Children)
Picture this: You're at your 8-year-old's soccer game, armed with nothing but optimism and a granola bar. Your 3-year-old is already making friends with the dirt and sunflower seed shells under the bleachers, your 5-year-old is asking "When is it over?" before the game even starts, and you're wondering if this is what they meant by "family bonding time."
Sound familiar? Welcome to the wonderful world of youth sports with siblings – where watching one child play means having one eye on the game and the other eye on your youngest who is hanging off the top step of the bleachers while pretending you're not slowly losing your grip on reality.
After surviving more games than I care to count, and learning the hard way that the snacks disappear faster than you can say “did you wash your hands?”, I've cracked the code. Here's my battle-tested arsenal of sanity-saving essentials that actually work.
The Snack Situation: Because Hunger Waits for No One
Remember when you used to just grab an apple and call it a snack? Those days are GONE. Now you need a military-level operation to keep multiple children fed and happy for two hours. Enter the Snackle Box – basically a tackle box for snacks that would make any fishing enthusiast jealous.
This thing is a game-changer. Each compartment holds different snacks (goldfish here, fruit pouches there, emergency chocolate hidden in the corner), and the lid keeps everything from becoming a free-for-all buffet under the bleachers. Plus, it fits perfectly in coolers, which means you can prep it the night before when you still have brain cells to spare.
Pro tip: Pre-load this bad boy and hide it in your bag until halftime. Trust me on this one.
The Art of Quiet Entertainment
These are basically magic for parents who need their non-playing children to disappear into a quiet activity bubble. You fill the chunky pen with water, and pictures magically appear on the pages. When they dry, they go back to blank. It's like having a reset button for entertainment.
The best part? No markers to cap, no crayons to lose under bleachers, and no permanent damage to anyone's clothing. They're completely mess-free, which is parent-speak for "miracle product."
I've watched a 2-year-old stay engaged with these for an entire baseball game. AN ENTIRE BASEBALL GAME. That's like 47 hours in toddler time.
For the kids who want to draw but somehow always end up decorating themselves instead of the paper, this digital doodle board is perfection. With one-touch erase and endless reusability (up to 100,000 times!), it lets little artists create over and over again—without a single crayon meltdown.
At just 150 grams, it’s ultra-lightweight and easy to toss in your bag. No Wi-Fi, no noise, no mess—just quiet, screen-free entertainment that buys you enough time to actually watch the game.
Building and Creating (Without Losing Pieces)
Regular Magna-Tiles are amazing, but they're also the perfect size to disappear forever under bleachers. These micro versions are smaller, more travel-friendly, and come in a contained set that won't result in you crawling around on all fours looking for that one missing triangle piece.
Kids can build towers, houses, and abstract art while you actually watch the game. Revolutionary concept, I know.
This isn't your grandmother's memory game. The cards are interchangeable, so you can switch them out to keep things interesting. It's compact enough to fit in any bag and engaging enough to keep siblings occupied without requiring constant parental supervision.
Plus, it's educational, so you can feel good about the screen-free entertainment you're providing. Look at you, winning at parenting!
Comfort and Organization Essentials
Whether your child wants to color, do homework (because somehow there's always homework), or just have a stable surface for their activities, this lap desk is clutch. The cushioned bottom makes bleacher sitting slightly more bearable, and the flat surface keeps everything contained.
It's lightweight enough that even your 5-year-old can carry it, and sturdy enough to handle whatever chaos they throw at it.
Amazon Basics Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon
This wagon is the Swiss Army knife of youth sports equipment. It hauls your chairs, snacks, entertainment supplies, and even your kid from the car to the field in one trip. ONE TRIP.
It folds up compact enough to fit in most trunks and unfolds in about 30 seconds. It's basically the difference between looking like you have your life together and looking like you're fleeing the country with children and random sporting goods.
Amazon Basics Plastic Pencil Box, 4-Pack
These clear plastic boxes are perfect for organizing all the small stuff that tends to migrate to the bottom of bags and then disappear forever. Use them for crayons, small toys, hair ties, band-aids, and whatever other tiny essentials you need to keep track of.
The clear plastic means you can actually see what's inside, and at this price point, you can afford to lose one or two without having an existential crisis.
The Real Talk
Look, let's be honest – sometimes you're going to miss parts of the game. Sometimes you're going to spend more time managing snack distribution than watching your child score their first goal. Sometimes you're going to question why you didn't just hire a babysitter.
But here's the thing: those little siblings are watching too. They're learning about teamwork, perseverance, and how to cheer for their brother or sister. They're making memories, even if those memories involve more goldfish crackers than actual soccer.
And with the right supplies, you might actually catch some of the game. You might even enjoy it.
Final Thoughts
Youth sports with multiple children is like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle – it looks impossible, feels impossible, but somehow people do it every weekend across America. The key is preparation, realistic expectations, and a really good snack distribution system.
These items won't solve every problem (unfortunately, they don't make siblings who sit quietly and watch games with rapt attention), but they'll give you a fighting chance at maintaining your sanity while creating positive memories for your whole family.
Now go forth and conquer those bleachers. You've got this!
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support more content like this – and possibly my therapy bills from all those youth sporting events.
🏈 10 Must-Have Player Essentials to Survive Youth Football Season
Because “just showing up” doesn’t cut it anymore.
Welcome to youth football season—where the gear is heavy, the schedule is relentless, and your car smells like a sweaty locker room. Whether it’s your first season or your fifth, one thing’s certain: if your kid plays football, you need a survival kit.
Sure, the league gives you a helmet and pads, but the real MVPs of game day are the extras. The small-but-mighty items that keep your player protected, hydrated, organized, and smelling somewhat human.
Here are the top 10 football player essentials I swear by, straight from our Chaos, Cleats & Coffee sideline-tested playbook:
Heads up: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products we actually use and love from the sidelines!
1. Fitdom 132L Heavy Duty Extra-Large Sports Bag
One bag for EVERYTHING
This bag is massive. Like, you could fit a small linebacker in it massive. It fits all the pads, cleats, snacks, and random gear your kid will "absolutely need" this week. Bonus: it’s tough enough to survive the back of your SUV.
👉 Shop the bag
2. Vapor Fresh Gear Deodorizer Spray
The nose knows. And it’s suffering.
Spray this on cleats, sweaty pads, gloves, helmet, the entire equipment bag—anything that smells like 10-year-old sweat. It works. Like, really works.
👉 Buy the spray
3. Under Armour Mouth Guard
Buy two. Maybe even three.
Mouth guards disappear. It’s a fact of life. This one has great airflow, lasts longer than the $2 kind, and there’s lots of cool designs to choose from.
👉 Grab a backup
4. CompressionZ Youth Compression Arm Sleeves
Because your kid wants to look like they’re in the NFL.
Functional and fashionable. Keeps muscles warm and arms protected from turf burn—plus a little confidence boost never hurts.
👉 Shop the sleeve
5. COOLOMG Youth Football Padded Shirt
Extra padding = extra peace of mind.
Layer it under the pads for bonus protection to the ribs, chest, and back. Moms love it. Kids forget they’re even wearing it.
👉 Get the padded shirt
6. CLIF BAR Minis
A snack you’ll actually feel good about tossing into the gear bag.
No melty chocolate. No sugar crash. Just solid fuel when your kid is “so starving” between drills.
👉 Stock up on ZBars
7. Under Armour Half Gallon Water Bottle with Handle
Hydration is not optional.
Easy to carry and ginormous enough to last an entire sweat filled practice without going empty.
👉 Grab one here
8. COOLOMG Cooling Towel
Because all that gear is heavy and hot
When your player only has a few minutes to chug down some water and cool down til the next play, these towels are their best friend.
Soak it, wring it out, and drape it around their neck. Works instantly to lower body temp and complaints.
👉 Cool them down
9. Crocs Mellow Recovery Slides
Because cleats don’t belong in your backseat. Ever.
These are lightweight, comfy, and perfect for post-game. Give their feet (and your car floor) a break.
👉 Shop the shoes
10. Under Armour Football Gameday Armour Backplate
Extra protection + a confidence boost = the ultimate power move.
Let’s be honest—shoulder pads only go so far. The Under Armour Back Plate adds essential protection to your player's lower back and kidneys, especially for those hard-hitting plays. And yes, it also adds a little swagger to their stride.
With tons of colors and designs to match their vibe, this back plate delivers both safety and style.
🎯 The Bottom Line
Youth football is a full-contact sport—and not just for the kids. It’s rough on schedules, gear bags, and parents’ patience. But with the right essentials in your corner, you’ll spend less time stressing and more time cheering.
✅ Ready to gear up?
Click the links above to shop our favorites and build your own football survival kit.
Your future self (and your kid’s locker) will thank you.
From "Please Don't Hit Me with That Ball" to Team Mom
Let me start with a confession: I have absolutely no idea where my boys got their athletic ability.
Seriously. I've been scratching my head about this for years. Sure, I like to stay active and healthy, but sports? That was never really my thing. Growing up, my sport was horseback riding – you know, the kind where you and your four-legged teammate work together, and the only ball involved is the occasional apple treat. Anything that required hand-eye coordination with a flying object or, heaven forbid, the possibility of getting whacked in the face? Hard pass.
My husband had a brief stint with organized sports as a kid, but that fizzled out after middle school. So when our two sons came into this world practically bouncing off the walls with energy and natural athletic talent, we looked at each other like, "Where did THIS come from?" It's like sports are literally embedded in their DNA, and somehow we're just along for the wild ride.
From Front Row Seats to Lifelong Love
Here's the thing though – while I might not have been blessed with athletic prowess, I've been a sports watcher since I was eight years old. That's when my great uncle won front row seats to a New York Mets game at Shea Stadium, and let me tell you, seeing those players up close from behind the visitor's dugout absolutely ruined me for life. How do you go back to nosebleed seats after experiencing baseball magic from the front row?
But here's where it gets interesting (and slightly embarrassing): my best friend and I somehow became die-hard Atlanta Braves fans in the '90s. Yes, you read that right. Two girls from Connecticut, completely ignoring the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox – teams we could actually root for on our home turf – and instead throwing our hearts behind the Atlanta Braves.
In our defense, ALL the Braves games were on TBS back then, and this was during the era of the pitching dream team: Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine. Add a hottie like David Justice and we were completely hooked. My husband later expanded my sports-watching repertoire to include football and basketball, so I guess you could say watching sports has been my sport since childhood.
Which makes me the perfect candidate for what I've now become: a sports mom.
Just Don't Call Me a Soccer Mom
But here's where I need to set the record straight – don't you dare call me a soccer mom. Soccer is just not my jam. Yeah, my kids play it, and sure, I enjoy watching them compete and have fun out there on the field, but mostly I'm just... meh about soccer. I'll cheer from the sidelines, I'll bring the orange slices, but please don't label me a soccer mom. I'm so much more complex than that!
Small Town Sports: Where "It Takes a Village" Isn't Just a Saying
Living in a small town means organized sports can be, well, challenging to keep alive. There's a limited pool of kids who play and an even smaller pool of parents with the time and interest to help keep things running. I resisted volunteering at first – I really did. But year after year, when faced with the very real possibility that our kids might not have a team or a season, I caved.
The threat of disappointing these kids who live and breathe sports? That's just not an option.
So over the years, I've worn more hats than I ever thought possible: snack volunteer organizer, team mom, snack shack coordinator, treasurer, board member, event planner, and yes, even football weigh master (talk about navigating some serious politics!). This volunteer spirit has even rubbed off on my husband, who reluctantly stepped up to coach basketball and now baseball too.
As much as we both resisted stepping into these roles initially, we've grown so much personally by pushing ourselves to do things we didn't think we had the skills for. The bottom line is simple: sometimes if you don't do it, it's not going to get done.
You Don't Need to Be Perfect to Make a Difference
Here's what I've learned: you don't have to be a professional or even know everything about a sport to chip in and help. Everyone has a skill or talent that can contribute to making a successful season for your child's team. Maybe you're great at organization, maybe you can design a killer team banner, or maybe you just have the patience to count out uniform sizes. It all matters.
If Chaos Cleats and Coffee accomplishes anything, I hope it's to encourage parents to tackle youth sports with more ease, more confidence, and definitely more fun. Yes, it has its challenges day in and day out – the early morning practices, the muddy cleats tracked through the house, the never-ending snack schedules, the travel tournaments that take over entire weekends.
But the growth our kids experience, both physically and mentally, can't be measured. And here's the beautiful part: while our kids are growing and succeeding, we parents are also learning and growing right alongside them.
Growth Masked as Play
That's really what this is all about, isn't it? Growth is a lifelong journey for all of us. Our kids are learning teamwork, perseverance, how to handle both victory and defeat with grace. They're building confidence, making friendships, and discovering what they're capable of when they push themselves.
And us parents? We're learning patience (lots of patience), organizational skills we never knew we had, and how to find joy in the simplest moments – like when your kid finally masters that skill they've been working on for months, or when they encourage a teammate who's having a rough game.
Sports are growth masked as play, and honestly, there's something pretty magical about that.
Welcome to the Chaos
So that's my story – that's why I created Chaos Cleats and Coffee. Because somewhere between the early morning practices and the late-night tournament drives, between the volunteer sign-up sheets and the post-game snack distributions, I realized we're all just figuring this out together.
We're navigating the beautiful chaos of raising athletic kids while trying to maintain our sanity, support our communities, and maybe – just maybe – have some fun along the way.
If you're in the thick of it too, I'd love to connect with you. Follow along on Instagram for the daily reality of sports parent life, check out my blog for tips and stories that might make you feel a little less alone in this journey, and browse my Etsy shop for designs that celebrate the wonderfully chaotic world we've chosen to embrace.
Because at the end of the day, we're all just trying to show up for our kids, support our communities, and maybe score some decent coffee along the way.
Ready to join the chaos? Let's do this together.