Deciding to be a Working Mom...

My choice to become a mom working wasn't until May of 2017 when I was pregnant with my 3rd. I actually didn't even realize that was a choice. I had made decisions to be a working mom with my first because I needed it financially for survival. When I found out I was pregnant with my first I was driving over an hour, two hours in the snow to work. I knew this would not be an option once my son had arrived because most daycare facilities in the area could not accommodate the work and drive time. At 38 weeks pregnant I was hired for a position in the city I lived to start after my maternity leave. I couldn't have been more blessed to be offered this opportunity. 

Just six months into the position my duties were to launch a new website, redesign the newsletter, and a few other redevelopment tasks which the company had projected to take 2 years. I completed these projects much faster than projected. Just before my 6 month review I was brought in and told I was "no longer a good fit." My son was 6-months old. I had never been let go from a job before. I seen our lives flash before my eyes. I was our only source of income. I was given 2 weeks severance, I didn't think that would get us anywhere. We had a house, groceries, a car payment, and so much more. I called my dad hyperventilating. I was a new mom, I didn't even know who I was as a mom yet. I wasted no time, I was crushed, but I started looking that day. 

Within two weeks I had a new position. I hadn't intended on creating a position within that company that I would inadvertently be a mom working, but that's what happened. ​

This company allowed for so much growth for me personally. Not only did I meet Eric upon starting, I grew my skills greatly professionally, and created a home there. Unfortunately working so directly with a personality that was completely opposite of my own I ended my relationship with that company abruptly at 24 weeks pregnant with my 3rd baby. At 24 weeks pregnant I was getting away with interviews going smoothly. I was offered a position with a company and also given an opportunity to be independent. I took the risk and went independent. I can say now that this was a learning experience and I would not make that same decision today. This decision ended up leading to creating many relationships with business owners and doing work as a Virtual Assistant in my own office the remainder of my pregnancy after a fall out with a marketing agency. ​

Remember when interviewing that you also have a decision to make.

Do you want to work for the company you are interviewing with?

Just because you submitted an application doesn't mean the company is right for you!
​

I own two businesses currently Go Savvy Social, yes, I still today am an independent and a Pure Romance side hustle. These businesses allow for some security to feel free should my work world get rocky again. I know I can support myself financially with drive and perseverance making me a mom working.

I also work full time with a company near my home again. This company was open to say they have a family focus in the interview, which made the decision easy to move forward. They also knew I was only 4 weeks postpartum from having my daughter, a mother of 3 and they made me feel excited about being a new mom again in the interview. In all of these experiences, I know now to ask for what I want and I will likely get it, if I do not it wasn't right for my family. Do not be afraid to learn more about what you are good at and start something on your own. Ask for what you want. ​