It’s only the 5th day of the year, and already I feel like I’ve talked quite a bit about seeking and achieving balance. I suppose it has just been on my mind. So it didn’t surprise me when the title of this Momversation video jumped out at me this morning.
I listened to the conversation while I did my hair and make-up (because multi-tasking is simply how we roll, right?).
Are YOU a stressed working mom? Or maybe just a stressed mom? This momversation brought out some interesting points of view – some that I agreed with completely and some that I didn’t.
What do you do?
First, a word on what I do. I have three jobs. I am a blogger. And, yes, I consider blogging a job. It started out as a hobby, but through a few years of dedication, I was able to build it into something more than just a hobby. I typically write on this blog 6 times per week, and earn money through sponsored campaigns, advertising, short-term gigs, and long-term ambassadorships.
I am also a managing editor. My work at 5 Minutes for Mom is more structured per se than my work on my own blog. I clock the hours that I put in and receive a paycheck.
My third job is as a professional photographer, which tends to be seasonal (LOTS of people want their pictures taken in the Fall, but not so many people are asking for pictures right now). Photography is so much more than shooting pictures. It typically takes me 2-3 hours on my computer per hour at a shoot.
Transitioning from SAHM to WAHM
I didn’t work in or out of the home when my kids were younger, but circumstances have made it necessary for me to earn a substantial amount of the family income right now, and the fact that my kids are all in school full time has made that a possibility. I have been so grateful over the last few years to have been able to turn two things that were once hobbies (writing and taking pictures) into careers. And I am so blessed that I can do most of it from home, on my own time.
However, I don’t feel like working has made me a better mother. I DO agree that I am a more fulfilled person because I am constantly stretching myself, learning, and growing. The key difference between me and many other working moms that I have talked with is that I didn’t feel resentful of my lack of ME time when I was a dedicated stay at home mom. I felt like THAT job was infinitely important, and sitting down with a small child on my lap was always time very well spent.
Greener grass?
When I had babies and toddlers at home, I admit that I did long for some time to myself. I wished that I could have more adult-time. So I did everything I could to make that happen, participating in play groups, books clubs, and volunteering regularly.
But now? I long for the simplicity of my days when my kids were little. Play groups, shopping trips, naps, stories, library visits. I miss those days. And I was certainly less stressed back then.
Yes, I am a stressed working mom. But I am also a fulfilled mom, working or not. I love what I do, whether it’s writing or taking pictures or cooking dinner for my family.
They key, once again, is finding the balance in all that I do.
Do you agree with the viewpoints of the working moms in this video? Who do you relate with the most?
Disclosure: If you watch the above video I could earn a few pennies to put towards my blog earnings…
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Dear lord I don’t know how you do it. Three jobs? You are an amazing woman.
As stressed as I can get somedays, I wouldn’t change working from home for all the tea in china! I love it…my kids love it and it does get easier as the kids get older.
I hear you! It’s funny that I never aspired to be a working mom, but here I am. I feel good about what I do – there are certainly benefits to this, but there are challenges that I never had to face before, as well. I’m just glad I’m not alone. :)
Yes! It’s hard to have everything in one place, isn’t it? When work is at home and home is at work, you’re never totally in one place….
i’m finding it hard to create a balance. blogging and social media have gone from an obsession/hobby to an obsession/career and i’m finding it so hard to be the at home part of the working mom.
OH I totally get this. You articulate it so much better than me though!
Yeah, it’s funny sometimes I stop and think. WAIT! I never wanted a job! AND I HAVE THREE! LOL. But it’s all good. So fun. And yes, a lot to balance. I enjoy your posts, I don’t feel so alone. :-)