I Didn't Know I Mattered (Full Version)

Maria Gomez had been married to Jason Wilton for nearly ten years. Their marriage had seen both beautiful highs and really heavy lows. For most of those years, Maria stayed home to care for the house and raise their kids. She did everything she could, but still felt like it wasn’t enough.

One evening, Maria sat at the kitchen table, her hands wrapped around a warm mug. “I think I want to work,” she told Jason quietly. “I want to help us. I want to feel like I matter.”

Jason looked at her with soft eyes. “Then let’s make it happen.”

A few weeks later, Maria started her first remote job as a graphic designer for a local company. At first, she was excited—but it didn’t last. Her confidence dropped fast. Some supervisors ignored her work. Others gave harsh feedback or passed her over for team projects. She started to wonder if she’d made a mistake.

She tried to tell Jason, but it didn’t really help. He meant well, but she still felt alone in it. Every workday felt heavier. She was tired, frustrated, and ready to quit.

Three weeks before a big project was due, Maria called her manager and put in her notice. She kept it simple and professional, but inside, she was overwhelmed. That same day, her supervisor asked to talk.

The video call felt different. Maria’s supervisor didn’t rush her. He listened, creating a safe and professional environment to understand Maria and her needs better. Maria told him how hard it had been to balance home, work, and other things.

"I don't think I'm good enough," Maria admitted. "Plus, being at home with a lot of things to do... I don't know what's what anymore. It's not the chores bogging me down."

"Then what is it?" asked her supervisor.

Maria paused.

"I don't feel valued anywhere anymore. At home, I exist, but only on the surface. Being here at work helps me keep a calm headspace... at least until some of y’all skip over me with the big projects. I understand if I'm still new, but gloating about these projects affects how I view the company as a whole."

"I see," said her supervisor. "We didn't realize how stretched thin you've been. You are an exceptional employee, and we value the hard work you do. I understand words can only do so much, but we have a reasonable solution for you."

Maria and her supervisor agreed for her to take two weeks of paid leave.

"If you choose to leave, we understand," added her supervisor. "No pressure—just time to think things through. We hope you get whatever rest or help you need to succeed."

Maria gripped her badge and cried quietly. For the first time in her life, she felt seen. It wasn't about the money, but about being around people who truly cared about her as a human being and not as a label.

Maria agreed to the offer.

After the video call, Jason had a surprise for the entire family. He planned a small family trip to help cheer Maria up. However, Maria wanted to stay behind and really think things through.

"Are you sure you want to be alone while we're gone?" asked Jason, sipping his black coffee. "This trip is for you, after all."

"I didn't even know you did this for me," said Maria. "I thought you were setting up doctor appointments for the kids! But I'm sure I'll be fine. Right now, I need to use this time to think some things through."

When the family went on their vacation, Maria sat down on the couch. Her fingers tickled the cushions for several moments, admiring the texture and woven strands that made such a comfortable thing to sit on. This was the first time she felt in the moment with herself.

Maria used this time to prepare food for the week, deep clean with music blasting from several speakers in every room, and enjoy several drinks mixed in with her go-to juice.

"It's not ideal," said Maria to her durable rubber gloves hanging off the counter. "Then again, I'm really enjoying this peace."

When her family returned a week later, Maria found herself opening up again. She shared old funny work moments at dinner. Maria also sat near her work computer, daydreaming about endless career possibilities and growth. She saw herself leading a project of her own and receiving the feedback she always longed for.

Slowly, she realized that maybe she didn't hate her job. Maybe she just needed to see her worth in it.

When her time off ended, her supervisor reached out. "Do you want to return full-time or part-time?"

Maria smiled. “Neither. I want to keep my same schedule, with the same team. I’m ready now.”

Later that evening, Maria and Jason shared a quiet coffee moment together. Sipping slowly, Maria smiled at her husband.

"Thank you," she began, "for being by my side and honoring my decisions."

Jason laughed. "Oh, woah, now. Where is all of this coming from? If you're thanking me, then something's up. You never thank me, unless it’s about the food."

Maria slapped Jason's arm and smiled. "No, stupid! I'm grateful for you and for noticing that I just wanted some space. I realized it's not about the money I earn from this job, but finally working at a place where I can be myself and grow at the same time."

"Has anyone shared how they feel about you yet?" asked Jason.

Yeah, some," said Maria. "It felt kind of strange,honestly, hearing that much positive feedback all at once. I know you try to support me in your own way, and I don’t take that for granted. But sometimes, I guess I forget what it feels like to be really seen."

James cocked an eyebrow. "Oh?'

Maria kept going. "My supervisor pointed out things about me that I didn’t even know people noticed. It made me realize how much I’ve been craving that kind of reflection—just being reminded that I matter."

Jason squeezed her hand and nodded. "I'm glad you made the right decision."

Back at work, Maria jumped into the big project again. Her team received an extended time notice from the client. Maria gave it her all, helping other teams get ahead so the entire project would be ready before the updated due date.

For the first time in her life, she felt proud and needed.

She felt like she mattered—even if it wasn’t perfect.