Every day this month, I will be featuring an interview with a working mom just like you. It’s called A Day in the Life of a Working Mom.
We’ll learn about what she does for work, her family life, and….her tips/tricks for getting everything done.
Today’s featured Working Mom is Valerie!
Tell us about your family (married, significant other, children’s ages, etc.).
I am married with 3 children (ages 1, 3 and 8) and a dog!
Where do you live?
I live in Maryland.
What do you do for a living?
I work in public health. In addition to blogging, I also own a photography business.
How do you fit blogging into the mix (if it’s not your “day job”)?
I carry a journal in my purse and am constantly jotting down blogging ideas throughout the day. I write during my down times (i.e., lunch breaks) or in the evenings after the kids have gone to bed. I take advantage of any free weekends as well to catch up and schedule posts in advance.
What is your typical day like?
My day starts super early at 6am. I have to not only get myself ready for work and a long commute, but need make sure the kids are off to school and daycare (with the help of the hubby of course) without a hitch.
What’s the best thing about being a working mom? What’s the hardest thing?
I love being a working mom, but it is challenging. My job is very fulfilling in that at the end of the day, I am helping others. The hardest thing is the lack of flexibility, not being able to pick the kids up from school in the afternoons and the long commute.
Do you experience guilt associated with being a working mom?
Sometimes. I see my kids off to school and daycare each morning and ensure that I leave my day job at the door when I get home in the evenings. I am cooking dinner, spending time with the hubby & kids and helping with homework. I definitely do not drop the ball when it comes to my family. I will admit, I did experience guilt when they were infants because I had to return back to work so quickly – did I mention that the U.S. maternity leave policy is crap? I still have my days where I want to stay home with my 1-year old until he is school-aged. That part sucks.
How do you handle day to day responsibilities (meals, laundry, cleaning, chauffeuring kids, Dr. appointments, school meetings, etc.)?
I’ve been managing this for so long that it has become no thing to me. The key is being able to let go – accept help from your “village”, leaning more on your partner, giving the older children responsibilities (chores), using your down times wisely/setting reminders (scheduling appointments, etc.), and even letting the house be messy for an extra day or two for your own sanity *shrugs*.
What are your top 3 – 5 tips for keeping everything together?
Prayer, meditation, self-care, planning, support system
Guilty pleasures?
BOOKS and FOOTBALL! I also indulge in a lot of HGTV…because who doesn’t want to gut their entire house?! LOL!
Is there anything else you’d like to add that you think would encourage other working moms?
Stay encouraged. You are doing just fine! There is no such thing as a full-balance. Take care of yourselves and do not be afraid to delegate. If you do not take care of you, who will? Things may seem challenging for a time, but it will get easier.
Where You Can Find Valerie:
Valerie Robinson (Unapologetically Us)
Unapologetically Us
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
What was helpful that you can apply to your work mom life?
Let me know in the comments below. If you have an extra moment, head over to give that working mom some love!
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If YOU would like to be featured, send an email to raki at outsidetheboxmom dot com. If all of the October spots have been filled, I will feature your interview in a continued series.
I feel like we need to put “you are doing just fine” on little notecards to hand out to fellow mommies in Target or the grocery store.
“You are doing just fine! There is no such thing as a full-balance. Take care of yourselves and do not be afraid to delegate.” I love this. No such thing as full-balance. No wonder she’s rocking two careers!