After dedicating 11 years to teaching, my life took a beautiful turn with the arrival of my daughter. Inspired by the joys and challenges of parenthood, I organically started my social media platform, @kidfriendlyphilly, in March 2023. What began as a hobby quickly blossomed into a thriving community, connecting local businesses with families and keeping parents in the know about the best kid-friendly spots in Philadelphia.
The Crossroads: Balancing Passion and Practicality
By May 2024, I found myself at a crossroads. The demand for more social media and content creation projects was growing, and the idea of turning my passion into a full-time career was both exciting and daunting. The main hurdle? Leaving my 9-to-5 teaching position meant giving up the health insurance that my family relied on.
The fear of not being able to afford quality health insurance was real and overwhelming. As the primary insurance holder for my family, I couldn’t take this decision lightly. The safety net of my union job’s benefits was the only thing holding me back from fully committing to @kidfriendlyphilly and following my dreams.
Discovering a Solution: An Affordable Independence Blue Cross Health Plan
Determined to find a way, I began exploring health plans on Pennie, Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace. To my surprise, I found trusted and affordable health plans for my family through Independence Blue Cross (IBX). The process was straightforward and user-friendly. I was able to compare multiple plans and ultimately decided on the Keystone HMO Proactive Gold plan.
This plan offered the coverage my family needed at a price we could afford. Knowing that we were protected by a reputable health plan like Independence Blue Cross gave me the confidence to make the leap. Plus, IBX has the largest local network of doctors and hospitals, so I was happy to know that all my family’s doctors would be in-network. It might sound crazy, but securing this health plan was the final step I needed to leave my 9-to-5 and dive headfirst into growing @kidfriendlyphilly.
Embracing the Journey: From Teacher to Full-Time Content Creator
Since making the switch, I’ve been able to dedicate myself fully to supporting local businesses and helping brands grow their awareness. More importantly, I’ve been able to connect with more parents in our community, providing them with valuable resources and information.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but taking the risk has been incredibly rewarding. I’m living my dream, and I owe a part of that to finding the right health insurance that made this possible.
Your Turn: Take the Leap and Secure Your Future
If you find yourself in the same boat, torn between the security of a traditional job and the pull of your passion, I’m here to tell you — do it. Take the risk; it’s possible.
Remember, Open Enrollment for health insurance is happening now, and December 15 is the deadline to apply for coverage that begins on January 1. I highly recommend checking out an Independence Blue Cross health plan. IBX has supported my family throughout the years, both when I worked in public schools and now as a self-employed content creator.
Visit Pennie to explore your options, compare plans, and find the coverage that’s right for you. You may also qualify for financial assistance (such as a tax credit or subsidy) to lower the monthly premium and potentially what you pay when you get care, so check to see if you’re eligible. Your dream career is waiting, and with the right support, you can make it a reality.
This blog was originally published by Brittany Delgado on kidfriendlyphilly.com.
