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 Jovanhanna!
Tell us about your family (married, significant other, children’s ages, etc.).
My family is made up of my two girls, Khari 13 and Savvi 5. I am engaged to be married and cannot be more excited. My family is everything to me.
Where do you live?
I currently live in Raleigh, North Carolina which has been my home for much of my life.
What do you do for a living?
I work in telecommunications and do some freelance writing on the side.
How do you fit blogging into the mix (if it’s not your “day job”)?
Writing is what keeps me grounded. It is sometimes hard to fit blogging in, but whenever I have down time I write, research, plan, or take pictures for my blog. Sometimes it means late nights and early mornings.
What is your typical day like?
Sheesh, my days are long and they really vary. I am usually up by 5am and go to bed by midnight. I work and attend school full-time. Once school is in much of my time free time is dominated by writing papers. My work days are 10 hours long and when I have time I try to multitask to get things handled.
What’s the best thing about being a working mom? What’s the hardest thing?
The best thing about being a working mom is being able to provide for my girls and maintain the household while King is gone.
The hardest thing is leaving the baby all day. Khari is older and understands, but since having a newborn I see the value I have at home being a Mother.
What I am experiencing now I am using to propel me towards achieving my business goals so I can have the freedom and flexibility I need for my family.
Working has not been kind or supportive of me since returning to work after having my daughter. It’s definitely hard being away from home so much.
Do you experience guilt associated with being a working mom?
Yes! When I had my oldest I didn’t work until she was about 3, Savvi didn’t get that same benefit. I had to go back to work much sooner than I anticipated. I feel like she’s not getting the same love and attention that Khari had.
How do you handle day to day responsibilities (meals, laundry, cleaning, chauffeuring kids, Dr. appointments, school meetings, etc.)?
Right now my parents are the glue holding everything together. If I need them to step in they are there no questions asked. I try to cook enough on the weekend to have food prepared for the week and take care of chores then too.
What are your top 3 – 5 tips for keeping everything together?
- Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize.
- Time is money – if I’m not getting any value out of the task, it’s not a priority.
- Be Realistic – Something is not going to get done, and I’m okay with that.
Guilty pleasures?
When the girls spend the night at their grandparents and I can enjoy a glass of wine, the quiet, and a bubble bath!
Is there anything else you’d like to add that you think would encourage other working moms?
Our children are watching us. There are times when I want to throw in the towel, but I remember that I can do anything. When in doubt hold your head up high and smile!
Where You Can Find Jovanhanna:
Ms. J. Kristina
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.
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