I have become a working mom, part time, but a working mom none the less. I never planned on becoming a working mom. I truly love homeschooling our four kids. I love mentoring them through their fits, tears, and joys. I love watching their light bulb moments when they grasp the phonics that lead to them becoming a great reader and the moment they realize they can ride their bike without training wheels for the first time.
When I began Russell’s Adventures seven years ago I had no idea it involved social media and I had no intentions of jumping into the deep end. Fast forward seven years and that is exactly what I have done. I love social media. I love how it allows me to get to know a wide audience of people, the connections it has allowed me to make professionally, and the friendships I have built through getting to know other bloggers and writers. Sure social media has it’s dangers and I will be the first to tell you to be cautious and smart online. The benefits of social media when used appropriately is awesome!
It is my passion to mentor young moms, families on their homeschool journey, and to offer support to fellow human beings trying to find motivation to keep going. Life is hard, we don’t have to do it alone. Blogging has helped to give me a wider knowledge of the ins and outs of social media. Leading to others asking me to help grow their business online as well. I’m happy to help, in fact it brings joy to my heart to help business owners connect to their clients and community. I love helping people connect for a common cause or goal!
It has been a roller coaster ride figuring out the balance of working and being a mom. The guilt I felt going back to work was awful. I literally cried for two weeks off and on. To make it worse my kids were also crying at the new changes going on in our house. Mark is still in the process of building his business and has a flexible schedule. As I was praying and asking the Lord for insight into our schedule, I began asking what time of day we work best. I work best in the morning. I’m focused, passionate, and am at my best. Mark works best after lunch, it’s his sweet time when he is the most productive.
We decided to go with that thinking. Mark would homeschool the kids in the morning and I would take over in the afternoon. Honestly, I also didn’t want to give up my afternoon nature walks, play dates, and fun times with the kids. I am thankful Mark was more than willing to step in the morning to help the kids with their homework.
In this season of my life working makes me a better mom. I never thought I would say that, but it’s true. Interacting professionally with other adults is an amazing feeling. Knowing people need me and depend on me is also a great feeling. I get to be intellectually challenged, while doing something I am passionate about. This job may not last forever and I will be happy to go back to schooling our kids and being a blogger.
Remembering that life is full of seasons has helped me to let go of the guilt of working. It has helped me to embrace the work and relationships I love. We are still figuring out our schedule sweet spot, but I am confident that the Holy Spirit will guide us every step of the way.
Are you a working mom? Do you work full time or part time? Have you struggled with guilt being a working parent? How do you balance working and family life? How do you feel being a working mom makes you a better mom? I know these are a lot of questions, but I’m still figuring out this whole working thing and I would love to glean any advice you have to give me!