I like my work. Really, I do. But there are days when it drives me just a little nuts. If you’re wondering what exactly I do for a living, hold on to your seat because sometimes I can’t get all my jobs straight.
I’m a:
- Mother and Wife (we can all agree this is “work,” right?)
- Blogger;
- Freelance writer;
- Aspiring author;
- Part-time Professor;
- Human Resources/OD consultant; and
- Professional speaker.
So whenever someone asks what I do, I just pull from my laundry list of jobs and blurt out whatever comes to mind. Since I work from home (mostly), I keep things pretty casual. If you bump into me, chances are you’ll find me sporting shorts, t-shirts flip flops and a sports cap. I’m always tickled to see people’s reaction when I pull out one of my “big gun” job titles like, “I’m a college professor,” because apparently my clothes and girlish ponytail don’t always make me look intelligent or employable.
But I’m going on a rambling tangent, which happens every now and then since I have so much to think about all the time.
The reason for my post is to talk about how working moms can find work that fits their lifestyle. Sadly, most working moms do it backwards. They try to fit their life into their work.
I was a “fit life into work” mom until 2003 when I traded in my five-days-a-week-in-high-heels job to start a small consulting practice. I never worked harder in my life, and for a while I never earned so little! But over time, things began to move along. And as my family grew (we had our third baby in 2005) and my entrepreneurial edge developed, I redefined my concept of “work.”
I realized that work needn’t be 9-to-5, nor did it have to be limited to just one job. Now, I don’t suggest every mom should hold down a laundry list of jobs like I do, but it’s certainly afforded me the ability to stay motivated and earn a nice income. The point is…you can create a career that fits your life and interests…if you’re willing.
You’re only limited to what you believe is possible.
So, if you’re stuck in a miserable job with lousy work hours that keep you from spending quality time with your family, it may be time for you to lift yourself out of complacency and try something new. You may just need to redefine your concept of “work.”
Need some ideas? Check out my article on Examiner.com where I suggest 5 Top Career Picks for Moms.
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