MLC

Ninorah Fernandes-Brookshire shares her story of going from being a SAHM for 17 years to an entrepreneur.

“I was a stay at home mom for 17 years. I gave up my career in the advertising world when I was pregnant with my firstborn. It wasn’t easy being a SAHM. At times it took a toll on my mental health. My kids are 18 months apart so life wasn’t easy when they were little. As my kids grew and started to become independent, I noticed they needed me less. And then Covid happened. Life came to a standstill for everyone. It was then that I decided to look for work. 

A close friend knew of a real estate company that was hiring. I applied and gave a Zoom interview, and was hired right away! I went from being a weekend receptionist to a full-time office manager within a year. It was there that my co-workers suggested I study for my real estate exam. I did, I passed and am now a certified real estate agent. I love that I work on my own terms and my own time. I am a realtor so am pretty much my own boss. I can choose to work every day or just some days or no days at all. 

The major challenge that I face is that I live in Miami and Spanish is a commonly spoken language here. Although I speak five languages, Spanish is not one of them. It can sometimes be a little challenging and nerve-wracking. Real estate is also a very competitive line of work. So one has to always stay on top of it all. 

• Also Read: #TheMLCStories: “I Went Back To College In My ‘40s, & It Was The Best Decision Of My Life”

My kids, family and close friends were super supportive of me going back to work. They were my cheerleaders. I couldn’t have done it without them. They always suggested that I work to keep busy and become independent but I was always worried about my kids. Today I realise I couldn’t have made a better decision. 

I never doubted my decision ever. Yes, I missed my kids when I worked especially on the weekends when I could be with them if I were still a SAHM. But I was glad I was working. I was financially independent after 17 years. What more could a girl ask for. 

To the ones who are unhappy in their current careers, it’s never too late to make the change. I did it at 49. If I could, anyone can. Take the leap. If you fail, you get up and leap again. There’s no greater feeling than being independent. Life is too short to not take that chance. It will all fall in place… it always does!