Hi #simplelifesociety! I wanted to share a story with you, as well as some background on my work/home life. On my channel I share my household tips, as a stay-at-home mom of a toddler since moving to Washington two years ago. Before moving in 2016, I worked a full-time job.
With a total of about four years of experience in companies such as Wet Seal, Inc., Guess, Inc. and Gap, Inc. I worked full-time in retail management before, during and after my pregnancy (2014). It was a tough time in my life, being away from my then 3-month old daughter, working 40 hours a week an hour away from home. After I quit my job in February of 2016, I remember crying in my car knowing I was going to have time with my daughter finally, and we were starting a new adventure by moving to Seattle, Washington.
Transitioning into being a stay-at-home parent wasn't easy. I knew how to take care of a household, cook and clean but it's different when you move to a new city away from your family. I struggled with finding how to balance working from home with taking care of a 2-year old and dealing with my anxiety. But I loved spending time with my daughter and being present through her milestones and having time to work on my passion. There's a lot of mom-shame and guilt that comes in staying-home or going to work (but that's a whole 'nother topic!)
Not being able to help financially support your family the way you used to is something that weighs heavy on my shoulders. And not having a reliable income month to month despite the hard work I do from home, became discouraging. It was easy to feel stuck in a rut, lacking adult interactions, and getting what I needed to do, done.
I'm going to be transparent and admit that despite a "successful" channel and social media following, it does not equal to a full-time salary in my case. I am still working toward it, and is always a learning process for me. It was never about the money for me, so switching gears to a business model didn't come so naturally. I just wanted to create content! And despite my best efforts, I felt defeated by it all.
I have thought about going back to work, either part-time or full-time and what that would require. Daycare costs? I toured a few in my area, and the prices are so high, I would be working to just pay for her daycare. I started doubting I could find a job that would work with my availability. Doubted I could afford child care. Doubted any company would hire me after two years of not working. Doubted I could put myself out there again.
I prayed that God would show me what I needed to do and when. When Mitchell and I talked more about me finding a part-time job, I took the leap and started applying for jobs online that night. I thought with my experience, I could find a job in retail more easily than something in social media/marketing.
After a few calls and two interviews, I was offered a job in a matter of weeks. I was inclined to take this job because 1) it was in my neighborhood (literally walking distance) 2) it was a supervisor position 3) offered flexible hours with my night and weekend availability. It felt right, and matched the (almost impossible) criteria I desired for a PT retail job. I gladly took it and have been working there for almost two months now!
Finding a work-life balance with my new job has been smoother than I thought. Mitchell is very supportive in having our schedules work together. We switch off, so Kamille is home with one of us. No need for daycare costs! I plan dinners ahead of time, and get housework done before I head to work. On weekends, I make sure we have Sunday mornings together for church and quality time together.
I will share more on my new weekly routine soon! I'm grateful for the opportunities I have, and to have a supportive partner through it all. Don't worry, I am still working on my channel and blog! I feel like I am renewed. How do you balance work, life and family? Do you deal with mom-guilt when it comes to work-life balance? I encourage mothers to support one another, no matter their situation. We are all doing what's best for our family's needs and for the best interests of our children. Best, Nikki
