Independence

Laila was quite nervous to take the step to quit her job. Though Noah made enough to support the both of them, she didn't like fully depending on him. To her quitting her job meant that she would be losing her only source of income, by which she would end up putting all the burden on Noah as the sole provider as well as giving away her own independence. Though she had always dreamed of being a wealthy women, not in need of a job, she had never intended to sit at home all day and not have a job. Not needing a job does not mean not wanting a job.

It wasn't surprising she thought this way considering who her mother was. Her mother had always told her that she should never give up her financial independence in a marriage because no one can predict the future. By having no income of your own, you are forced to depend on your husband's income and it makes you lose a little bit in the power dynamic of a relationship. Having to stretch out your hand for someone else's money can make you feel quite inferior. Even if it is just a few bucks that you contribute to the whole, you are still bringing something to the table.

Though Noah was nothing short of a miracle in terms of a partner and each person views these matters different, because of her mother's views, she had a strong desire to be independent. Hence why she found this step a bit of a mental challenge. Even in an almost perfect relationship like theirs, they had been close to splitting once. Who says it won't happen again? They are currently in a state of bliss, expecting their first baby, still both young and attractive, in sync with each other, but who knows what tomorrow will bring? Plus, her wanting Noah for him and not needing him for his money, added a certain dimension to their love. It made it better. Made it stronger. So, that too added to her finding it important to have a job of her own.

Though most of the things that had been holding her back in this decision, were things that weren't at all relevant as their relationship stood now and this step would bring her more independence in the long run, at this point in time it didn't always feel that way. But she went through with it anyways. Because only by having nothing to fall back on, would she be pushed to go the distance with the decision she had made. She had taken a chance to go after her dreams, so she had to what it takes to make it come true. The 'right' time for these things will never come. It will always be a scary thing to quit your job. But at least now, she didn't have the baby yet, her and Noah were doing great and so was his company. She was still young but with some good experience, allowing her to take a little risk as she had plenty of time to fall and get back up again. So, plenty of matters were in her favour and of course she had a little help of the experiences from her previous life.

Plus, she had been feeling bad about being paid for being on sick-leave, while she had been fine for weeks now. This way, she could spare them the costs of her maternity leave and find someone to replace her in a time they weren't counting on her presence to begin with and she could get started on her own dreams. She considered this a win-win.

Though her employer took the news hard, feeling sad that Laila wanted to leave, as she was quite fond of her and Laila was apparently good at her job. Hearing all her reasons for her decision, she did understand. She thanked Laila for the work she had done for them so far and told her that she had to come back to visit once the baby was here. She also insisted that Laila allow them to give her a farewell party once everything was done and settled. She ended their conversation by extending her an invitation to return to the company at any given point for a job, no questions asked.

Laila felt extremely touched by her employer's words and she would not forget her kindness. Seeing her reaction to news like this, Laila understood why she, in this life time, had decided to stay at this job for so long and knew that she had been treated great by her employer. If she would ever be in a position to do so, Laila wanted to do something back for them. At the very least gift her the first proper piece she made or design something specifically for her.

After resignation, Laila went to the mall and bought some fabrics and sketching materials. Wasting no time to get started. This visit to the mall was also the reason why her intended one hour trip, ended up lasting close to four hours. But fortunately her friends is one who likes to sleep and she managed to be back in time to accompany her for her breakfast. Giving her the perfect opportunity to tell Maria all about her morning and her plans!